Dehydration is definitely a problem with Dexcom. It 's actually reading the glucose in your interstitial fluid, the fluid that surrounds our cells. If you’re dehydrated, then there’s little to no fluid for the Dexcom to read. Also, it inhibits the glucose moving around, so it can’t detect a change very well.
But Dexcom also really, really hates drastic changes. It expects gradual BG changes, and gets confused if you’re bouncing around, which the workout may have also contributed to.
If you spoke to tech support, you probably already got the rundown that acetaminophen can screw with things, too.
Maintaining good control seems to really extend sensor life. The wild swings seem to eat up the reagent on the sensors quickly. Unfortunately, there also seems to be an unexplainable body chemistry element, too, though. Personally, I can wear a sensor for a full month, but there are others with much better control than myself that can barely eek past 10 days. We’ve circulated some theories as to why, but never really came up with anything solid.
Sometimes it feels like a full-time job trying to ensure I stay in range and “tapping it down” with a quick 10 minutes of exertion has been effective - but yes, it also makes levels bounce around more (playing diabetes “Pong”).
On this sensor my readings became erratic and “sensor loss” happened when I was at a fine level, and hadn’t exercised at all. But happily, they’re sending me a replacement. Hopefully I get the full 10 days on my 3rd try!
Thanks for your reply - I was quick to ask the Dexcom rep to record that they both came from the same box. Fortunately I have a few on hand while I wait replacement.
I saw that replacement form online as well - THAT looks more convenient and I’ll try it next time (though hopefully, NO next time!)
That definitely looks like a not happy sensor. It if curiosity, where are you putting it? Supposedly you need it in a good bit of fat, but I get way better readings on my slender arms than my belly.
It is on my abdomen, above my belt. (I’m of average weight, with an easy “inch to pinch” there. I think it’s ideally positioned.
Do you think putting it on the back of the arm would be problematic if one plays a lot of racket sports? I haven’t tried it there for fear my badminton, vigorous table tennis or VR sword-play might jostle it too much!)
