When I first started using the Dexcom G4 a few year back I was getting 14 days with excellent results from the sensors. I have noticed that my most recent sensors are failing at or around 10 to 12 days. I understand that 7 days is the FDA’s approved period for wearing the sensors, but for us non-covered diabetics getting two weeks helps save out of pocket mone by… Anyway is it just me or does it appear that Dexcom is now building in replace failure for the newer sensors. Just curious what others have noticed. Don’t get me wrong I know that if the sensor just stop and couldn’t be restarted but required a new insertion of another sensor on the 7th day there would be no recourse for the patient. I am sure that eventually the sensors will self destruct on the 7 day no ifs, ands or buts about it.
Bob, my experience is exactly the same. I used to ponder whether or not I should restart for week 3. No longer. Now I ponder whether or not I should restart for week 2. On average I get 10 days. I am convinced that Dexcom is capable of producing sensors that can last much longer than 2 weeks. The catch is that Dexcom gets paid only for the FDA-approved time. Until Dexcom can shut off sensors after the FDA-approved time we will get sensors that limp out of the gate and are designed to die a premature death. I bet that without this constraint the sensors could be much more accurate and dependable.
I’m just finishing up a box of sensors with 10/2016 expiration date, and have been getting 2-3 weeks per sensor. Wonder if that will change when I start the new box with later expiration/mfg date ??
Now that I think about it when i first started using the Dexcom G4 I was really impressed with the accurate of the sensor data for a 14 day period. In fact, I could get by with as little as one calibration per day, usually in the evening. I was amazed. Lately calibrating even twice a day my G4 can be off as much as 10mg to 30mg. Before I got frequent matches even with one calibration a day. I can’t do that now with the newer sensors. Maybe they won’t us to move to the G5, but it may use the same sensor. Something is going on. I use to feel comfortable using the Dexcom reading for dosing at meals or for day time corrections, but any more I am not sure if I can trust it. Everything you said is more then likely true, but I also believe they took a look at sales and concluded that the Dexcom users were getting a free ride with only buying six boxes a year and not twelve.
Agreed. The second week used to be very accurate. No calibrations needed. Now the second week is what the third week used to be.
I’ve noticed no change in mine and I just cracked open a recent box.
Same here.
I have noticed a lot more discrepancies lately, but that was using a mix of older and newer sensors, so I can’t say it’s something Dexcom is doing… I’m not sure why I’m seeing such a change, though, but I’ve had some weird stuff over the last 3-4 weeks (three different sensors because I sweated one off early).
When I started using Dexcom sensors 3 years ago, I was averaging 18+ days out of a sensor, and some would go for over 3 weeks. The last couple of batches 12 days seems more typical and none have lasted over 14. I suspect that Dexcom have probably “refined” their manufacturing process.
We’ve gotten 14 days once… most last 7 to 10 days. Recently we got a bad batch with a lot of early failures and they were way off for quite a while.
But aren’t they also going for FDA approval of their devices for 10 day wear? If so, then this choice seems to work against their application.
The responses to this topic are getting more interesting with each post.
Bob
Day 23 and still tracking strong.
Dexcom’s target is a disposable transmitter that is integrated with the sensor. I expect this to happen by 2018 based on the information given in earning calls.
If the transmitter were integrated into each sensor, I can only assume that the sensors would cost (significantly) more. Wouldn’t this make things truly high stakes for self-funders in terms of stress of messing up during insertion or other at-fault issues?
Chiming in with a “seems like there is more variability in sensor life and accuracy” response. Son is using a G5 for pediatrics with the iphone as receiver. The pedi algorithm, I think, is still different from adult. Very “alarmist” as someone else here put it. Also very annoying as its algo keeps the curve biased downwad once you go below 80. I guess its protective but also keeps you awake for hours. Son insists on one week on and one week off becuase of this. Bad for his control but he’s old enough to choose, poorly or wisely…
@Spectra: I have no direct insight into transmitter cost. OmniPod has been using a disposable transmitter for the last 10 years. The OmniPod transmitter gets disposed every 3 days. I cannot imagine that transmitter cost is a big issue.
When it’s time for the G-next-number, ask your son’s endo to prescribe the adult version “off-label”. The adult version is so much nicer than the peds version…
What are the main differences in pedi vs adult algorithm?
Will ask in about 3 months. they usually upgrade us every year in about May.
I am kind of on their shi*list since I keep agitating for an off-label Afrezza prescription 