After working as a banker for decades, I spent two years earning a master in health communication from Boston University, specifically to better advocate for people with diabetes. I did well, GPA of 3.94. The missing .06 was all spelling and punctuation. So please forgive my spelling and punctuation (you have probably noticed it already.) I know it is a short coming. Two of our four kids are T1D, one uses a Dex G4. The other isn't interested. I write your Diabetes May Vary (www.ydmv.net), StripSafely.com and a few other sites.
I am happy to get to know you each better. I have had conversations with Medtronic and Dexcom about advocacy and expect to have more soon. I will keep you in the loop.
Transparency is important so: I provide consulting services to the Diabetes Hands Foundation, some involving advocacy. I own stock in Dexcom in my IRA because years ago I felt a pure play in CGM as a good idea. I have two kids with Type 1 diabetes and nothing motivates me more than their health. One of them has chosen to wear a CGM
I am Laddie Lindahl. I use a Dexcom G4 CGM and believe that it daily protects me from severe lows and helps minimize the time I spend in damaging hyperglycemic levels. I have had full insurance coverage for CGMS for the past 6 years. When I reach Medicare age in 2017, I will have had CGM insurance coverage for almost ten years. Under current Medicare regulations, I will be denied CGM coverage because it is considered “precautionary.”
I've had type 1 diabetes for about 33 years. I used to use a Dexcom. It improved my BG control and allowed for me to avoid severe overnight lows. Lows in general are a particular concern for me as a single mother of a young child. When I had to switch to Medicaid, coverage for the Dexcom was refused. My supplier was told that coverage for CGMs in NC are approved only for minors. I have contacted NC Medicaid multiple times, but have received no response.
