I am thinking about getting a dexcom. Are there any major issues out there that I should be aware of before getting it?
Here are 3 complaints from someone who recently switched from the Minimed CGM to the G4:
http://www.tudiabetes.org/group/dexcomusers/forum/topics/any-minimed-and-dexcom-g4-users?commentId=583967%3AComment%3A3058980&groupId=583967%3AGroup%3A168831
1) Cost
2) Uncertainty of insurance coverage (Medicare will NOT pay for it, for instance)
3) Uncertain transmitter battery life
4) Assuming you are not yet on CGM, the learning curve of how to use the data.
My only thoughts are that the minor problems are far outweighed by the benefits...that is if you have insurance coverage. Without insurance I probably couldn't even afford insulin. I have only been on the G4 about two months and have no previous experience with other brands and have been on pumps for about 8-9 years.
Thanks guys! I was DX at 8. Got the Medtronic pump at 9. Went back on shots around 13/14. Got the OmniPod in April of 2012. I had SO many issues with the OmniPod that my doctor took me off of it. I am now 19 and looking at getting either the Medtronic pump with the CGM for that or the t:slim with the dexcom (I know they aren't integrated yet). So yeah, I dont even know ifmy insurance will cover the dexcom yet. Does anyone know how much they run for retail?
Before getting the Dexcom G4 in November the most advanced piece of D ware I had was my glucometer. I have had it now for more than 6 months and it has been life changing. Here is a link to a blog I wrote after 3 months. Basically it is just stuff I wished they had told me in the beginning. http://www.tudiabetes.org/profiles/blogs/things-i-have-learned-about-the-g4-after-3-months
I am very fortunate to have insurance that covers the Dexcom 100% with no copay at all but even if I didn't have such comprehensive coverage I would more than likely pay for it out of pocket it has made such a difference in how in control of my D I am.
I had the MM for 18 months, and have had the Dexcom for almost a year. MM has better access to various information straight from the CGM to the pump, yes, but if it's not accurate, what good does it do? So I switched to the t:slim and the G4. It's not so hard to carry 2 small devices around, and I will be happy if and when they are integrated, and I hope there's more information available, like what your BGs are at each point, so you know if you're going up or down slowly. The MM tells you each data point, but the Dex doesn't. It's true that the sensor/transmitter combination sticks out pretty far, but I'm not bothered by that, although appearance-conscious folks might be. The Dex is far less painful, and I haven't gotten the frequent bloody sites like I got with the MM. And of course, there's the longer wear that the Dex gives -- I'm as lazy as they come, and I LIKE not having to change so often! :-)
It's not inaccurate enough. ;)
But seriously, there's nothing I can think of that would even be in the ballpark of dissuading someone from getting it. It's by far the best CGM that exists right now.
Hi Bethany
I have been wearing the dex for 6 months. I did not use a pump or cgm before this. My take
Pro- I have brought my a1c down from 11 to an 8.1 since using it thanks to the ongoing data I get. I don't get symptoms of lows and the dex alarm has been invaluable and has alerted me to problems at least once a day. I don't worry about lows at night anymore. It is almost painless to insert, it take only a minute to insert, and it does not irritate my skin and I have sensitive skin. It lasts at least 7 days (sometimes 10) Dex sent me a nurse to teach me how to use it. It is pretty sturdy as it has been dropped dozens of times and still going strong. Once I insert it I can't even tell its on.
Cons: It is a bit bulky and is noticeable (does not bother me but may bother others) the data can be somewhat off. The dex gave a 3 month average of 149, but aic gave me about 179 (still way better then I was). The software that analyzes the data is not nearly as good as it should be. Customer service at dex has had long wait times but when you get a person they are helpful.
My insurance pays for, but if it didn't and I could afford it I would pay out of pocket. The pros by far out way any of the cons for me.
I don't know what you are looking to get from using the dex, so only you can decide if it is worth it to you.
The G4 is great. And if the FDA approves, it will eventually, the Animas Ping and the G4 will be combined into the Vibe.
The G4 is remarkably accurate. The analysis software really lets you identify specifics in your BG management. If your are going to wear a CGM, G4 is the one.
That is so awesome! My a1c shot up to 11 afyer going on the OmniPod. It gave me SO many issues and I never knew if I was getting the full amount that I was bolusing orbasaling for. I’m hoping to bring my A1C down a lot and get better control
Also, I go low while exercising wwithout any symptoms.
Thanks for everyone’s advice!!! 
Aren't there some quality issues with the receiver and the wheel (as mentioned in the other thread)? The receiver warranty is for one year, so while they are good at providing replacements, what happens after the 1 year mark?
That is true, but hopefully those were all defective receivers.
For example the button falling off:
https://forum.tudiabetes.org/topics/new-dexcom-g4-receiver-butto...
which happened to me as well:
http://www.tudiabetes.org/group/dexcomusers/forum/topics/g4-sensor-...
Happened in the first 4 months to tomg, and first 3 months for me.
I've heard of many people having the USB cover slide off as well. Has anyone had that happen after 6 months of using it, though?
The biggest issue that I have is the irritation from the adhesive. If you follow the instructions carefully and refrain from recalibrating unless there is a 20% difference, you will get surprisingly good results from it. I found that the "pinch" during insertion was a very important step that I wasn't following for a while. Right now, I am very happy with the product.
Jeff
Based on the description of what is holding it on, the problem is a design flaw with a free floating button. I'd wager that they can't easily change the case design because it needs FDA approval. They'd be better off extending the warranty if they have to. Not sure they'll do that willingly,
Other negatives...
Transmitter batter life is rated at 6 months, so it needs to be replaced around that time.
Software isn't Mac compatible.
Case needing FDA approval is pretty dumb -- it's NOT one of the important parts that can result in harm, and the FDA takes forever to approve ANYTHING. Why are they wasting time on stuff like this when there are so many more important things that they need to consider. Cases should be exempt.
totally agree, Natalie! A good example of how FDA should modify its policies.
When I asked Dexcom why on Earth the Dexcom Studio Software doesn't work for Windows 8:
http://www.dexcom.com/faq/dexcom-studio-compatible-windows-8
they told me it was because they had to get FDA approval even for that change!
I don't know if that was true or not, but it didn't alleviate my frustration with that issue!
And (as I always post this in case someone didn't see it!) here is an easy fix to get the Dexcom Studio Software running with Windows 8 (thanks to a fellow tudiabetes member!):
http://www.tudiabetes.org/group/dexcomusers/forum/topics/here-is-a-fix-to-run-dexcom-studio-with-windows-8
defies common sense, doesn't it?!
299 a month