The CGM situation is getting really frustrating for me. I continue to get unexplained sensor errors, and I often “flat-line” during the night. One night it said I jumped from 121 to 327 within 30 minutes, then back down to 146. The Minimed guy said I probably rolled over onto it. The thing is, between all the excuses from Minimed and the fluke things like sensor errors and false alarms, I can’t rely on the info at all, and I find myself wearing it less and less. I realize we are the guinea pigs for this first generation of CGM’s, but I sure wish they’d figure out some real answers instead of excuses. There’s no point in going through all the hassles and using up sites if the numbers aren’t real. Anyone else having better luck?
Angi, I’m sorry you’re having such a time! Mine just keeps going with hardly any margin of error from glucose readings. When I first starting using the CGM, I did get those errors but it was because I hadn’t inserted the sensor properly, or if I have worn it too long, the signal starts getting weak (this is after I’ve “started new pump” more than 5 times. Perhaps yours has a defect.
When I first introduce the inserter, I leave it in for maybe an hour or more before attaching the transmitter. Maybe that helps - worth a try! Good luck!!
Margaret, glad to hear it’s working for you the way it should. Do you have a Minimed one, or a Dexcom? I’ve heard Dexcom is having far fewer issues. I do wait 2 hours after inserting before connecting, on the advice from my Minimed trainer, but I still get issues sometimes. I have wide margin swings, too, more than the 20% that should be allowed. So I wait patiently for the next generation of them…
Here is whar I found out and ended up with really good sensor numbers compared to BG meter on my MM sensors.
When I put a new sensor in I do not hook it up for at least 5 hours so far I have been able to avoid errors doing that.
When I flat line (not often) I usually can solve it buy pushing the sensor in a bit more along with the transmitter into the sensor. Sometimes it can ease out just a bit. This happens to me more cause I am pretty thin and my starting angle is a bit shallow compared.
My arms give the best readings right away but pull out a bit easiest.
I adjust the meter input so that it evens out. For instance my hip area always runs higher on my sensor then my meter so I when I enter I put the number in about 20% less and this tends to solve it.
SO far I have near perfect readings but I do use a shallow angle compared to most so I am not sure the set angle is really the best for all. I do not use my stomach at all any good areas left are reserved for my insulin 
Plus I am so hard on sensors and infusion sets on my tummy and the sensor is so sensitive it is not worth it. My infusion sets last only 48 hours at most but I change them everyday because that is what keeps my numbers good. I kill off most of them when I sleep 
Hope this helps not sure if It will I know so many MM sensor people who have no issues and some that all they have is issues. SO I am not sure why.
Be loved
I have the CGM. It has it’s advantages and disadvantages. I got a lost sensor and have to reconnect to often and that gets frustrating. On the positive side though…I have problems with bottoming out in the middle of the night so with the warning alarm on the CGM I haven’t had any insulin reactions.
Angi,
Have you used the tester to see if the transmitter has gone bad. I had the same issues with my first Minimed transmitter only to find out it had gone bad. The warranty on these are six months, so if you have had it less than that call the Minimed helpline, they are good about honoring their warranty. My second transmitter works much better.
I have been researching CGMs and have narrowed it down to Medtronic Guardian or Dexcom 7Plus. I am getting more active in cycling and I am looking for a good reliable CGM to use to watch my sugar on my long rides (100 - 200k). It would be nice if the reciever could be mounted on the bike and not in my jersey pocket.
Anthony,
Either of the receivers should be fine mounted on the bike if you’re also on the bike. You’d just have to find something suitable to mount it with. As for which to go with both of those companies will let you trial their equipment. I strongly suggest this as for me the Dex was over 3 times more accurate as the Medtronic. Try them both out and see what you think!
Anthony, i currently use a minimed, but for you, i’ll suggest the Dex or Freestyle Navigator - I’ve met with a few of the Team Type 1 guys (cyclists with type 1) who wear Omnipod, Navigator, and use Apidra. They tell me that they can’t put sensors or pods in their leg because of the action of the muscle… Both Dexcom and Freestyle have approved the back of the arm as a site for the sensor… minimed has only approved the abdomen as a recommended site.
I just met with my diabetes educator at Mayo Clinic, and she said many of her Minimied CGMS clients are having success with the back of the arm, buttocks, and thighs and that she recommends trying them.
i’ll use the back of my arm, but my readings aren’t as accurate, and the sensoes don’t’ seem to last as long. also, it’s impossible to insert without a helper
Does anyone have experience with the medtronic Guardian CGM?
Anthony, i’m using the Medtronic CGM capabilities built into my paradigm pump, which is functionally identical to the Guardian - got any questions?
I am having a hard time with my cgms while I ride my bike. My sweat causes my tape to fall apart. I use a good adhesive spray. Any suggestions?
John, I’ve found the best adhesive for cgms is a 2 3/8" x 2 3/4" Transparent Dressing (100/box) MMT-174. This is a Medtronic product.
It has been a while since I have been on. I read everyday. Need help with where and how to place CGMS sensor in the arm.
Jenni, it depends on which CGMS you’re using - Minimed, Dexcom, or Navigator?
My last sensor lasted only 5 days (I usually get at least 2 weeks out of them) and gave me the worst infection on my thigh. Ouch! Anyone have something better to treat it with besides Neosporin?
If you’ve actually got an infection that’s warm to the touch then my doctor always tells me to come in and have her look at it. She has no problem prescribing antibiotics for an infection.
If you have an infection from where you inserted your sensor, it’s possible that it’s a very deep infection. I once got an infection from a shot and because the syringe had pushed the bacteria so deep into my arm, it was very bad. I would see your doctor soon just to be safe. I still have a scar about 1cm in diameter from the infected puncture-would I had about 15 years ago.