Hi all, I have the Medtronic CGM integrated with the 723 pump. I've had it a little over three years with mixed results. I've started to get a lot of unreliable results lately and I was just wondering if anyone knew the lifespan for the CGM. Do they become unreliable after so long? Do I need to replace it? I know MM has a one year warranty on it, but didn't know if the useful lifespan was the same. Anyone have experience with this?
I replaced my transmitter in July. I kept getting lost sensor warnings--after 15 minutes away in the shower. I played with it a while and finally called for a new one. I was out of warranty and I got major warnings of cost, but if it is malfunctioning, it is useless. Never got any bills from insurance and it went through. I had to send the "bad" one back...
It had been three years since my last replacement, I think. If it don't work, fix it--otherwise it is worthless.
I agree it's nearly worthless. I was so hoping the Animas vibe would be available soon. I hear Dex sensors are so much more reliable. I'm just trying to hang on to the MM until AV is out. Starting to think the FDA will never approve it.
Sorry. I was not specific. The sensor is worthless when it needs replacement, not day to day. I have been having a huge problem with my D, and the CGM has been a dear friend in helping solve it. My readings, as long as they are in a normal range, are within a few points of a meter reading. If I am over 200 (current problem--long story) they tend to be off about 30-40 points.
I have to say that my sensor is a huge help in my control and the MM has worked well, once I truly understood how to use it.
I kept my first one going for two or three years, I don't remember but I noticed some out of whack readings. I called them, they said "you can get a new one" so I got a new one and it went away. I've found it very useful. Pre-CGM A1Cs were 5.8 all the time but I've had one 5.6 and then a bunch of 5.3 or less, currently 5.2 since 2010 when I got my CGM.
My MM CGM transmitter lasted about 3 years, and then I switched to Dexcom. I currently use MM 523 with Dexcom G4. I find Dexcom much more accurate than MM, and usually get 10-14 days from each sensor, compared to 3-6 days for MM sensors.
You might consider getting a Dexcom Gen 4 system now, and when the Animas Vibe becomes available, you just have to get the Vibe pump, not the whole system. You could also get the Ping now, and I believe they are offering $99 upgrade to get Vibe when it becomes available. You would end up having 2 separate devices (the Ping pump and Dexcom receiver) for a short time, but when the Vibe is available, you would be able to go back to one device, with the Dexcom G4 CGMS info on the Vibe.
I had considered that, but my insurance won't help with a new pump until next Aug. (every 4 years) I have accumulated a small stockpile of MM sensors (by using 6 days instead of 3) so I'm reluctant to switch and waste those. I guess my only recourse is just to buy a new sensor transmitter. From what you and acidrock said it seems like the life is 2-3 years, which is how long I've had mine. Don't think my insurance will cover the transmitter again until next year either. Anyone know how much they cost?
When I purchased my first MM CGM the cost was $999 and my second MM CGM 2 years later was $2000. Not sure why the price increase was so much. But, I ended up paying $200 after insurance.
Last I remember the CGM's warranty is 6 months and you're well past that so, I would check with your insurance to see if they would cover the cost of another one now.
I usually have very good readings with my CGM. You can check my page and see I posted a few matching numbers. But, I agree there are times when the accuracy is off. Like yesterday! I got an alert at 74 and when I tested I was actually 23! Whoa! Oops! Damn! $@*%! What's that song? How low can you go! LOL...yeah, I'm thinking it's time for me to check into getting a new one too!
Just got off the phone with MM. They tell me average lifespan of CGM is 2-3 years. The rep was very helpful and asked a million questions to try and pinpoint the problem. The isig # was within range when I used the tester, so on the surface it looks like the thing works. I was transferred to another rep whose checking with the insurance to see if they'll cover a new one. According to MM, insurance usually covers a new on if 1) it's out of warranty and 2) it isn't working properly, so maybe I'll end up with a new one. Keep your fingers crossed that I don't have to sell a kidney to pay for it.
Good luck, Sarah! Hope it all works out for you!