My 12 year old T1 is interested in CGM. Was thinking of using the Dexcom only because I hear that name often.
Looking for feedback so I can make a healthy decision
Thanks
Dave
If using a MM pump, you might consider their CGM because it is integrated into the pump. Otherwise, I'd go with Dexcom. Dex performance is usually better and more comfortable to insert. But MM CGM can work equally well depending on the chemistry of the body.
Thank you, Don
Dave
I have used Dexcom for a couple years now. I like that I have no problems with the sensor staying attached. It's fairly compact and tight to the skin. That was one of the reasons I went with Dexcom because when I compared it to the Medtronic, I couldn't see physically how I was going to keep the Medtronic sensor attached to me. ( I use and love the Medtronic pump so I'm not a Medtronic hater :)). The life of the sensor is good. I can usually get 10 days out of the sensor. Days 2-9 are probably the most accurate. I never used the Medtronic sensor, but most people seem to think Dexcom is more accurate than Medtronic.
My 12yo has the minimed and we've used the integrated CGM on and off for about 18months. We got the minimed specifically for the integrated sensor; he tend to forget things a lot and I didn't want him to try and keep track of something that wasn't attached. We get 6 days on each sensor, occasionally we try for more, but the accuracy gets really bad around day 8 and we end up pulling it. Generally the accuracy is fine, we do have occasions when its really out of whack, but that's usually because we had to calibrate when you're not supposed to. I've also found that if one end of the spectrum is dead on (i.e. the meter reads 78, and the CGM is really 70-85), the other end can be off ( 250 vs 200).
The insertion needle is long and intimidating, but we use numbing cream, and it doesn't hurt. We also reserve his butt for the sensors so he can't see it going in, or when we have a bleeder (doesn't happen that often). As Jim noticed, the sensor itself doesn't stick to you, we cover the whole thing in IV3000 and that keeps it on without a problem. We did have a problem with the sensor causing a rash which took longer to heal than the actual insertion site. We did find a solution to that however, and now I put a bit of moleskin on the back of the transmitter so its not right up against his skin.
If you have any specific questions, feel free to message me :)
Michele
Thank you all.
Dave
I've used Dexcom since September and I love being able to see trends and having an idea at all times of where my readings are headed. The closer to target and more stable my blood sugar is, the more accurate the readings. I see the inaccuracies when it spikes at high numbers. I like the alerts for highs and lows because if I'm absorbed at work or sleeping, it clues me in that I need to check.
I wore a trial Medtronic first but found it painful to insert and more uncomfortable to wear. Once removed I had a rash that I was concerned about although my CDE said she'd seen worse. I had almost decided not to do the cgm based on that experience but decided to wear a trial Dexcom and it was a completely different experience - absolutely no pain and I don't even feel that I'm wearing it.
The number one thing to remember regardless of which you go with is never to treat or take insulin based on the cgm alone - always test with fingerstick. I made that mistake and you can end up on a roller coaster of lows and highs.
Dave.
The keynote talk at the FFL Event in Conshy in February is on CGM. http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/activities/Philadelphia2012/program.htm
Dexcom is the best! It is the least damaging to the skin, the most accurate, and most convenient since it lasts 7 days. Plus the alarms are much more pleasant. I STILL have nightmares about the medtronic sensor alarms, plus those leave awful scars that last years, might be permanent because mine still haven't gone away.