Yeah I can see the benefit there. Night time lows were in fact my justification for obtaining a CGM through my insurance, but the truth of the matter is, I have such vivid symptoms that I don't need it...Yet. (looking ahead to where my symptoms may not be so fortunate)
I've gotten more from the CGM in regards to learning how food hits my system and the weird times of day where things just don't make sense, but don't apply at other times. I really appreciate the device for that.
It isn't fair to say that I turn it off 100 percent of the time. If I'm having a low and haven't yet awoken, it's true that it might stir me to my senses before I would otherwise awaken, but my point is that the level and frequency of alerts desensitize a person from really caring. I can't speak for the dex, as I'm on the minimed.
Jim and Breaddrink - I use the Navigator CGM - but do agree that it has changed my life. I can cycle on long rides - but need to know that the CGM is set to high sensitivty when on long rides. In the office its a very different game. It is as you as you say a safety blanket. I would be lost without it now. But when it tells me that a new sensor is needed - its a different picture. Do either of you use an Omnipod as well ?
Paradigm and the minimed CGM here. I'd be really interested to hear about your experiences with the Pod though. I have one of their reps trying to get me to try it out, but it's hard to see the use if I'm going to lose my sensor, so it's interesting to see how you've gone about this.
It's funny how every system combination still offers a similar number of peripherals.
The minimed is an integrated glucose monitor, so you've got your pump and infusion set, your sensor, and a need for a regular glucose meter.
The ping has the integrated blood meter, but you require the extra dex CGM, so we're at the same number.
The pod gets rid of the pump aspect, slightly (larger set on body), but you've got your external CGM so we're back at three items again.
Seems to me that if the ping would integrate that CGM, They'd have the largest reason for a diabetic to go with them. I'm itching to get away from Minimed, but I can't justify the cost to change to something almost identical, or arguably less integrated and more difficult to use.
Breaddrink, I have never had a POD. Self injecting insulin doesn't bother me. Played college football without diabetes interfering.
I don't need that harness attached to me just so I will not have to stick myself, besides, I take two different insulins and have a 5.9 A1H.
Would a pump eliminate low insulin levels? NO!
Jim - A very interesting point – you have been T1 for a long time. Not being an expert but using a Pod you don’t need two types of insulin. That I know for a fact. I use Humalog and Lantus. Now I have the Pod its just Humalog with a slow release of a basal over the 24hrs – mine is at 1.05u/hr between 6am and 10pm – it then drops to 0.85u/hr over night. You then bolus at the time of food – there are many other upsides I wont bore you with. But having a disposable pump, I can move it every three days – it isn’t intrusive and in six months I have learnt where to put it depending on what I am doing. Summer / Winter again different places. It has enabled me to really get rid of Hypos – but in conjunction with a CGM.
This is a subject that never bores me, Jgos. I have been using insulin pens for both my Lantis and Humagog. I put a 32ga. needle on the pen. Smallest insulin needle of all time! PAINLESS!
I carry the pen in my breats pocket, use a CGM and shoot up whenever and whereever it need be done.
Presetting my dosage ahead of time concerns me, but as common as the pump has become tells mke it certainly can be successful.
Thanks
