I’m new to the pumping world, but not the CGM world. (t1d for 20 years)
Apologies in advance for the rant:
I started on a new 630g in Feb, hoping for the 670g and the “closed loop” functionality. Now, I’m not sure what to do.
The Enlite sensor simply doesn’t work as advertised. I’ve called support 4 times now, never had a sensor last more than 2 days, and have had 4 incidents of the pump shutting itself off when my sugars are HIGH (senor inaccuracy), pushing my late night sugars over 400 (which on MDI never happened). I’ve had to turn off the suspend on low feature obviously, How can the 670g be approved to take control of your sugars with a sensor that plainly was designed by committee? They really put the sensor on the SIDE of the transmitter, and didn’t expect that to be a problem with leverage against the insertion site? We’re using stickers to try and hold the thing to our bodies? Supports answer now is to use more stickers, more adhesive, liquid adhesives? This is a design problem, not an adhesive problem.
I was on the Dexcom for 3 years before this, and while the G4 had a few problems, I’m realizing how spoiled I was with their tech. For one, they centered the transmitter on the sensor. I’ve never had a problem with the sensor pulling out or being wildly inaccurate (well, maybe at 14 days it drifts).
/rant
Anyone had luck returning the whole 630g setup after the 30 day window? My educator said to keep trying with support, and I didn’t realize the timer was running. I’m at close to 45 days now . Any advice on what to tell MM to get the thing refunded?
I’m a Medtronic/Dexcom user at the moment (reading enough complaints about the Enlites having convinced me to take a hybrid approach to CGM). My warranty period is up and I’m looking at the 630G–>670G deal, and it’s really the CGM issue that’s holding me back. The one thing I would say is that they are rolling out new sensors, called Guardian 3, with the 670G. They have different electronics and I don’t think they are intended to work with earlier pumps. They are supposed to be superior in accuracy and also appear to have a different design in terms of the profile of the sensor and the adhesive patch. Have you looked into that at all?
UGH. I am having the EXACT same issues. The other night it read <40 and dropping…but I was 120 and steady. Shut off my insulin overnight - so yep, there goes that “feature”. I’m past my 30 day window as well, but ONLY BECAUSE my doc couldn’t get me in to do the training within the time frame. Seems unfair to me - I’m going to keep it though. I just may not use the sensor. Which is a bummer. I still have a few Dexcoms hanging around so I’m using those while I can. Boo medtronic!!!
Hi DrBB- I have done some research into the 670G, yes. As far as I can tell, the physical design of the sensor remains the same. There seems to be some major improvements in the transmitter software, but honestly that doesn’t raise my faith in the sensor system much. The underlying issue to me is the sensor’s design, and while software improvements are important, its a bit like lipstick on a pig: if the sensor can’t stay in place to get correct readings, no software can help.
Was your insurance ok with the hybrid option of Dexcomm+630g? That may be where cmht1d and I have to end up.I’d rather not have two devices, but hey, we’ve all been in worse places.
cmht1d- I hear you. I’m relieved to know that I’m not the only one with these issues, but I’m also sorry you’re having these issues!!
Haven’t gotten that far yet. My understanding is that the 670G and Guardian 3 sensors are sold as a single package but my impression was that that wasn’t true of the 630. Am I wrong about that? My Minimed Paradigm has Enlite integration, just data though, but it’s totally optional so there’s no problem using a different CGM if you don’t care about having the info sent to your pump. Since the G5 has the phone app that’s not a consideration for me at all. But I’m reasonably certain that I’m only entitled to one CGM system at a time, so if I have to get Enlites with either pump that may foreclose the possibility of reverting to how I’m doing it now as a fallback.
To paraphrase a recent high-profile quote, “Who knew health care was so complicated?”
I am also in the research phase of buying a new pump. I have learned that they will sell you a 630 without a CGM. This is the way they offer it to type 2s like me. I do suspect that the 670 will only be sold with the CGM. A 670 would be no different than a barefoot 630 if it does not have a CGM.
I did confirm you can get the 630 without the CGM. No idea on the 670, but I agree with Gary it’d be just a 630 at that point so they may not allow it.
I was out of warranty and got a new MM pump just over a year ago. Since I use dexcom, I did not want the MM CGMS (enlites), but Medtronics did suggest the 530 w/o CGM. However my insurance only approved the lower cost 523 (Revel) for use without CGMS.
I.ve have a 630G /w Enlite CGM since September of last year, and have had great success with Enlite sensors although it’s taken some time to find the optimal location to insert them. I’ve had T1D for LONG time (41+ years) and have scar tissue in the Medtronic supported location (abdomen). But I’ve had really good success inserting them in upper butt, and recently switch over to using the back of my arm with help on overtape taping from my wife. Back of the arm works great, and it’s an out of the way place assuming you can get help from somebody with the taping. Here’s a video with details on the technique for insertion there Inserting Metronic Enlite Sensor in Back of Arm
Another tip - get a bottle of Skin Tac liquid adhesive barrier and apply it in the entire area you plan to insert it. I don’t alcohol swab the area of insertion anymore (just skin tac). I’ve been doing this for the past month with great success.
I do extend the life of the Enlite sensors after the 6 day period, but generally only get an extra day or 2 of life on them. Have good insurance so really don’t mind inserting a new sensor for best accuracy.
Hoping to get my 670G in June (Priority Access). Sensor is supposed to be better / 7 day supported life.
Just wanted to say that people love to hate on the Enlites (Medtronic’s sensors), especially in comparisons with Dexcom, but in reality the current version is quite good. And I am also looking forward to the next iteration that will come with the 670 (Guardian 3) since its accuracy is expected to be even better.
I think part of the issue for OP might have been the need to change (different profile, insertion, taping) from what s/he was used to with the earlier sensor. We all get set in our ways, but learning new things and adapting is usually a good thing. The instructions for the setting and starting of a new Enlite are actually pretty easy on their own.
Just to followup on this, Medtronic stepped up to the plate and took the return.
Medtronic asked me to work with them on the sensors quite a bit, and honestly they tried and worked very hard to make me happy and get the sensors be usable. In the end, they just don’t work (for me), but after re-reading my rant I want to make sure that its known my problem was with the Enlites, not with Medtronic. They really tried, and eventually did what was right for me: returned the system.
I still believe there is an underlying design flaw with the Enlites, especially now after going back on the Dexcom. Dessito, I understand that some people don’t mind jumping through hoops to get the Enlites to work, but I don’t believe that should be a requirement for a medical device, especially when we know it doesn’t have to be (i.e. Dexcom).
I did get a preview of the 670’s sensor and taping methods, and sorry to say its very similar to the Enlite’s. It is a much smarter transmitter, so if the sensor is failing it will let you know (as opposed to simply trusting the sensor’s low readings and shutting the pump off), so that should help with the safety factor on the 670.
tl;dr- Medtronic is working hard to make this new technology work, and I believe they want wants best for their patients. It isn’t quite there though (the 630; no idea on the 670 overall).
. Any advice on what to tell MM to get the thing refunded?
The instructions for the setting and starting of a new Enlite are actually pretty easy on their own.