And how quickly after the warnings started. It's been about six months since most of us rushed to get one, so they should start dropping like flies shouldn't they? Mine is still working at 6.5 months but I'm starting the reorder process now. I just don't want to be without one. Besides, I hoard supplies.
My transmitter just turned 6 months old and is still functioning fine. In the settings menu under device info you can see the transmitter battery status. In the manual it says order a new transmitter as soon as you see the screen that says "Low Battery Order New Transmitter" but you still have a week before the battery fully drains.
My understanding is that Dexcom guarantees the transmitter for at least six months - but it can work fine for much longer. I too am at the 6 month mark with no sign (yet) of any need to make funeral arrangements.
i called dexcom to ask about this.. and they said it can last 6-9 months..
and to call them when you get the low battery screen and they will overnight a new one.
My transmitter is now 8 months an still running......Battery is oke in the settings.
Excellent question. I have been wondering this myself.
I have been using the Animas Vibe since Feb this year but without the CGMS side of things. Here in Australia CGMS is not subsidised by the government or covered by private health insurance so it is all an out of pocket expense.
It is good to hear the 'official' story of transmitter life but I always like to get the info from real life folks using it 'in the field' in real life situations.
Will be following this thread with keen interest.
My initial G4 transmitter died with no battery warning whatsoever after only 4 months of use. I literally looked at the receiver and noticed the out of range indicator meaning it had gone 5 minutes without a signal. All of the previous values were visible so I caught it on the first miss. Even though the receiver was right next to me the whole time I figured it was just a hiccup and waited for 5 more minutes. It never came back. I eventually called Dexcom the next day and they sent a replacement and had me return the original.
I'm on 7 months and my Tx is showing up as OK still.
The lady who is my support for Dexcom here in Scandinavia has used the G4 herself since July and the transmitter is still working fine. You should get a warning when it´s time to change. I´m myself on my 7th month with the same transmitter.
I'm now at 7 months on my G4 transmitter and the device info screen stills shows "OK."
My G4 will arrive tomorrow. I have used 7 plus for two years.
Besides the transmitter life, is there anything else I should know?
Any other major difference?
Overall it's a big improvement.
- Smaller, nicer design
- Alert profiles
- More granularity on alert levels
- 30 foot range
- Standard micro-USB charge/data port
Thanks,
Is the insertion the same?
Two hour initiation?
Two times a day BG?
Yes, everything else is the same. You can still restart a sensor as well.
The transmitter battery is slightly larger to allow for the longer range but even then isn't big enough to last a full year like before. Also, the DexCom studio software is improved but I believe you can download and install that right now for use with the 7 plus.
The only downside for me is that I didn't like and never used the case that came with it at all.
My G4 transmitter is still going strong after 11 months....
Now that is sounding encouraging.
How frequently do you have it on? Do you wear it continuously or have breaks?
Hi Glen, I wore it continuously until about 3 months ago and now use about one sensor a month lasting 2 weeks or so; however my understanding is that it transmits whether you are wearing it or not so not sure that would effect its longevity?
My G4 transmitter will be 9 months old next week and is still going.
12 and a half months and still going.....
Right after I posted the above comment I received a transmitter low battery warning briefly but it quickly disappeared. I just received another low battery warning. Today is exactly 9 months since I put this transmitter into service.
I called Dexcom and they are shipping me another transmitter today. They said it would cost me $119, my 20% copay portion. That means the total cost of the transmitter is $595.
I've had a greater number of ??? warnings in the last few months. I think next time I'll replace @ 6 months.