HELP - New to Dexcom G4, on 1st sensor and getting false alarms and inaccurate readings

[MM1]

The first day or 2, the sensor can be off more, particularly during the high/low ranges. This is because it doesn't have enough history of the calibrations.

I tend to do MORE calibrations on the first 2 days, especially when it's higher or lower than what it should be. Or if I see that it is rising quickly, and I check my BG and know that it is not, then I'll enter a calibration and often the rise on Dexcom will correct itself within 10-15 min.

If it continues to be off, then you might try to do 3 calibrations within 10-15 minutes, as sometimes that will help it get back on track.

Some sensors are better than others, and some locations are better than others.

If it went to LOW, and then just stopped itself, you should contact Dexcom support, as they may replace the sensor. Typically you would get an error or ??? if the receiver is unable to communicate with the sensor. Possibly static caused it to shut down, and may be the cause of incorrect readings ?

[angivan]

I'm sorry to say, but after many attempts with two different Minimed CGMS sensors and then the Dexcom, I've had to accept that these devices just don't "work" with my interstitial fluids. I have tried working with their support teams and calculated all the algorithms before calibrating, but my values are still usually wildly off of what the reality is, which is ultimately useless for me. If I can't trust them even within 20% variance, it's pointless. I hope there will be new technology around the bend to help those of us (and apparently there are many) whose personal chemistry does not jive with the CGM technology. I can only hope my insurance company would approve a different system, since they've already bit the bullet on three systems for me.