The prior Medtronic GCM sensors could be used up to about 18 days with good accuracy. I have the new 530g with the enlite sensor. I would be interested in how long they can be reset by simply using the "new sensor" start, reusing the glucose sensor. The instructions say they are good for 6 days. I have used the same sensor now for up to 10 days, though the accuracy seems to suffer after day 9. Perhaps it is just this sensor or I'm doing something wrong. Any other experiences fro Enlite users?
The old sensors were good for "three" days (according to instruction manual) and many got a longer use with them. I am impressed that you got 18 days. I only got 2 days at the most. I had major bleeding, lost sensor. lost signal, issues with sensor coming out, and major reaction to the tapes used. I was only on the old sensors since August so I was just learning everything. On the new Enlite sensor I have gotten 9 days. On the 9th day- the area started itching- so I charged transmitter and changed locations. I have noticed the accuracy is much better with the Enlite sensor. The new sensor is much easier to insert.
Sorry to hear about the reactions. I find that using the "bard" skin protector has worked for me to avoid reactions to the tape adhesive. It is a liquid barrier that medical supply houses carry, or you can find it on amazon or ebay. It provides a barrier between the tape and your skin for those of us who seem to develop an allergy to the sensor tape. Thanks for your notes on the effective length of use.
I started using the Enlite sensors in November. I never used the previous medtronic sensors for more than three days, and with these new sensors I'm noticing that they're spot on for three days, and almost the minute they turn three days and one hour old, they're almost entirely inaccurate. Today I had a low predict (glucose was actually 90) within 10 minutes a high predict (glucose still around 100) and then a rise rate. Checked every 15 minutes or so for the next couple of hours, and my glucose didn't fluctuate, but the sensor said it was bouncing all over the place. Anyone else have that problem? I can't imagine using it more than 6 days with the results I've been having.
I've gotten 6 pretty well, had some odd weeks, ate weird stuff so I wasn't sure but the one this AM was day 8 and I pulled it as I'm running tomorrow and didn't want a non-sensor. I used to use the old ones for 6 all the time but used Opsite Flexifix so I never bothered to try to go longer than they'd go needing a recharge. This AM I was high (pasta = IOB at bedtime w/ lowish BG so I had a glass of milk, oh well...) and the Enlite was trending the right way so I almost decided to go with it but it's been really close during the days and I like that a lot.
I seem to be getting results like Shaylyn. I can get the sensor to last 8 - 10 days, but it seems their accuracy deteriorates swiftly after the first 3 days. Engineered obsolescence? It may be,since the long term use of the older systems were well known. I will continue to try to see if the results are consistent. I initially thought these devices were way off because of my post 3 day readings, but before I reach that conclusion, I suppose I should try them in compliance with the instructions first.
I find that they last about a week. both types I take out after a week because I don't like to leave anything in longer than that, I cant imagine how you can keep anything in there for 18 days.It seems like it would just fall off at some point,
Actually I have no problem with the duration. I use Bard skin protector to avoid skin irritation with the adhesive, and 3m tagaderm film ( the same stuff used for IV's) to cover the sensor to assure it does not fall off. 18 days was a long time, but 10-12 was routine with the old GCM sensors. I do remove the unit for charging every three to 4 days.
The largest problem I seem to be having with enlite is that they seem to be engineered so that accuracy tends to deterioriate after 3 - 5 days. The old sensors worked reasonably well until the ISIS broadcast range failed. The new ones keep broadcasting, but accuracy drops.
There are many discussions as to duration of the old systems on this site, but they would seem to have little relevance to the enlite system. I would hate to think this was an intentional change, but the lifespan of the old sensors was well publicized on forums,and obviously decreased sales. Why insert a new unit every 3 days if it will operate the same way for up to two weeks? Unfortunately it seems we no longer have that choice.
I'm still interested if other have had different experience with duration of the Enlite system
I tried taking one off and recharging the battery in the evening, when I was having a bit calmer BG than the AMs lately, and it seemed to work better. I only went 8 days, as I had a moderately big run coming up on day 10 and didn't want to chance any sensor "turbulence"
I was really careful over the past week, didn't eat anything that would cause a spike in my b.g., no drinking, exercise at the same time, and my Enlite sensor readings were all over the place. The first three days were pretty spot on, but day 4 I was getting calibration errors every 4 hours or so. Got the "change sensor" message the same day I got my first bill from medtronic for these new sensors. They're so much more expensive for a one-month supply (with my insurance they're about $50/month more than the sof-sensors were for a month supply). I want to switch back. I don't even use the suspend threshold option. I tried it one night when I went low, and I suppose shutting off insulin delivery in the middle of the night, for two hours, is fine if you're not responsive, but I treated with 4 glucose tabs, enabled the threshold suspend, and woke up with a 200+ b.g.
Also, I emailed my medtronic rep last week about the inaccuracy and have yet to hear back. Wonder if there's any tips for us-
I wear my Medtronic CGM for seven days. It is the 3 day change variety, but I restart it twice to make the week. After 7 days, it requires charging, so I just replace it.
I went to the 7 day plan so I could control when I had to change it. When I first started with the CGM, change dates were all over the place. I was getting up early to charge and change before work, having problems with the change at work (bleeding, CAL ERRORS, etc.) Seven days let me make the change on the weekend, which was so much easier.
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I wonder. Do they still sell the old sensors, or are they discontinued? If still available, I might consider going back also. I am certainly not getting any improvement with Enlite, and I agree about the expense. I also seem to have much more difficulty in the meter results jumping all over and having little correlation with the test meter results.
Sounds like a good system. I think I'll try it. Beats never knowing when you will have to stop and deal with a change.
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I will say that into my 3rd Enlite that I am starting to think that this system is, in fact, more accurate than the old system. It seems to match up more closely to results. In the last couple of days I've had bunches, so many I lost track about 6 or 7, that were exactly the same as my meter. Some of this may be that I've been behaving myself but the sensor itself seems to be working extremely well.
I also *finally* got a call back from the nurse @ my doc's office (I also forget when exactly I called them, I think sometime just after Thanksgiving...) re the classes which I am going to blow off. They confirm that it "should" work for 12 days if rebooted carefully. This sensor will need to be "rebooted" and have the xmitter charged tomorrow so I'll do that and see how it goes on Saturday although I have a very busy day "on the menu" with a run and a charity ballapalooza so I will be hoping that the accuracy extends into a third period.
Thanks for the input. Your doc probably has more information than we individual users have, so its interesting they think the duration should be that long. Glad yo hear you are getting accurate results. Perhaps I'm doing something wrong. Back to the instructions again on calibration intervals.
I am taking the class with the new pumps and sensors on next Tuesday afternoon. Thanks to all for the reports on the wearability and accuracy of the Enlites. I generally used the old sensors for 5-7 days, but accuracy tends to diminish after the 5th day. I wan to push these Enlite sensors to 10-12 days, since they are so much more expensive. I like your idea of sensor changes on weekends, Spock.
God Bless,
Brunetta
I'm onto day 10 of my current sensor and it still appears to be calibrated pretty closely, 4 points off this AM (66 sensor vs. 62 meter this AM, oops...still, not a bad result). I had an odd day on Saturday, we went running but there was 4 or maybe 6" of snow, they plow the trail a bit so more like 2-3" but it was sort of an odd gait (IT bands were pretty sore yesterday...) and the whole rest of the day, the sensor was frazzled, reading in the 40s, 50s, etc. vs. meters of 70-90, just in time for the JDRF Gala. I was thinking "pull it" yesterday (plus convenience of Sunday change) but it fell back into place, working fine all day and now, day 10 and still rolling.
I think there's a different rhythm to calibrations with this, I had gotten into the habit with the old ones of trying to "cook" them to make them more accurate, if BG heading up, aiming like 10-20 points higher, depending on my perception of the delta at the time I'm calibrating but I think these seem to work better if I just calibrate to what I'm at, as long as what I'm at is relatively flat? I did the battery update in the evening, which turned out to be a PITA as the 2 hour/ 3 hour thing is tough to fit in without a late night but I will continue to work on that and see if I can improve my timing.
Great feedback from all of you. Thanks!
I just changed over to the new 530g pump and Enlite sensors today. (Long story, but I was first waiting to actually take the in-person course, then realized that my schedule would not likely match up, plus that I could take it online. Then I had issues with my new serter - destroyed two sensors before Medtronic replaced the serter and sensors.)
Previously, I was using the old 3-day sensors usually for six days, but occasionally longer (prob no more than 7-8 days total). Usually, I changed it when I would take the IV3000 1-hand dressing off, and that's when I would charge the transmitter and change the sensor.
My question to you all is this - with the new sensors and the adhesive that comes with it, do you still use the IV3000 1-hand dressing/film on top of the sensor & transmitter? If no, do you have issues with waterproofing for showers/baths?
Thanks!
I only used IV3000 for about a week as I got my sensor a week before the first 1/2 marathon I ran and it lasted about 3 miles. I switched to Opsite Flexifix, which comes on a roll so you can cut it to order. I use Flexifix to tape the sets down, just slicing off a thin strip or two as needed. It works pretty well. I am leery of nailing it down too much because of the need to "recharge" to stretch the usage out.
I'm into day 12 today but it was an odd day, the sensor flew up after I worked out this AM although it was pretty heavily anaerobic, the sensor read 200ish and, when I tested my BG, I was fine around 90 so another day of odd calibrations and readings. The trends were the right direction but off. I will get a new sensor tomorrow AM I think.
Thanks for the feedback too! Upgrading to the 530G by March! Do you find the Enlite much more comfortable than the old Cgm? I’ve worn the old Cgm, and have also tried Dexcom.