I started using a Dexcom 7 two weeks ago. I joined a study group at the U of Washington in April and was put into the control group, meaning I would wear the sensor for a week but the info was “blinded” to me. After six months, I am now wearing the sensor full time. I like what the information is showing me.
My concern is that I have struggled with hypo unawareness for many years. It is really noticable at night, so I’m greateful for the sensor but the alert is hard for my wife to keep hearing. She works full time, teaches 3rd grade, so she has a difficult time without enough sleep.
My question: Have any of you had a similar experience and if so how did you overcome it?
Hypo unawareness is why I went with Dexcom. My low setting is 70 and it first vibrates, THat does not always wake my wife. If it goes down to 55 it will siren and that certainly is loud. I’ve had my unit since May and generally no longer have lows at night but as I consistantly try and keep tight control I do go low. Thought my wife certainly likes her sleep and gets up at 4am for work, she’d rather be up for a few minutes than have to worry about me not waking up and ultimately going to the hospital.
Review your bg levels with the Dexcom reports and see if it may be better to run a little higher over night. How often do you run low?
-Hank
Hi Hank. Thanks for the info. The sensor does vibrate first and after having it set at 70, I changed it to “no” but it must have an override feature. Tonight I will set it for 60. I have also adjusted my basal rate earlier in the evening.
My BS was typically dropping between 11:30pm and 3am. The nurse I am working with is encouraging me to also run higher numbers at night, so I will try to do that as well.
One more thing. I usually wear shorts to bed and put the receiver in my pocket. I believe that lessens the chance of my wife sensing the vibration. Good luck
-Hank
