Hi all - I have tried two of the Minimed CGMS systems because I have a Revel pump, but the calibration thing never worked despite working with a Minimed tech repeatedly. It was "cal error" hell. My CDE said I wasn't alone, that others had the same issue and that it was just our body chemistry. So now I'm trying the Dexcom, sounds like a much better-working system so I'm hopeful.
I just want to check because I'm not seeing anything in the literature about specific conditions when a sensor can be inserted. One thing I hated about the Minimed CGMS was the limited window of time you could start a sensor (not within two hours or a meal or exercise, if there was a full moon or if you're wearing purple, etc.). So I can insert a sensor anytime? Are there better times/conditions during the day that have worked better for anyone?
I live in a rural area with limited access to training, so I'm hoping you can help with this question.
Hi Angie, I had exactly the same issues with medtronic's CGMs and I am MUCH happier with the Dex system. It is way easier to calibrate, way easier to set up, and is much more accurate. To answer your question about when to start a new sensor, I have found it works best for me when my blood sugar is stable. I usually insert it an hour or so after I eat and bolus - so that by the two hour mark for calibration, my numbers are usually pretty stable. I would play around with this and find out what works best for you.
Hope this helps,
I'll insert a Dexcom sensor anytime AS LONG as it's at least 3 hours before I want to go to sleep. I've found that if I do the initial calibration just before bedtime it's often way off when I wake up and I spend an entire day getting to it read properly again. As long as there's time for it to really figure my body out before bed I seem to be much better off. Usually I just put a new sensor on when the old one finally falls off or gives me a sensor failure.
Hi Angi, I used MM CGMs, and had some success, but also many frustrations. So I switched to Dexcom last year, and am very happy.
The first day of readings on the Dexcom can also be a bit crazy, but usually pretty accurate after that. So for the first day, I do try to enter calibrations on Dex when BG is somewhat stable, when possible. I usually insert the sensor early or mid-day, on the weekends. I agree, best not to do so just before bedtime. No need to 'wet' the sensor overnight as with MM.
I had bad readings on my 2nd Dexcom sensor, and learned that it was because I didn't have the transmitter 'snapped' in on both sides. There is a 'twist off' tab that is used to lock in the transmitter onto the sensor. You are supposed to hear 2 clicks. But now I double check it, and if needed use my fingers to get the last corner snapped in, and no more problems.
The other difference I noticed is that when there is a big difference between Dexcom and BG reading, Dexcom will usually quickly align up with the calibration, compared to MM.
Hi Angi, One more difference between the MM & Dex: You should not put any IV patch over the sensor. Even if it is transparent. What I do and many others here do is cut out a template so (for instance) if you use an IV3000 pad, the template will cut out around the sensor. I have also not used anything and the sensor stays on easily for a week or longer. Dex also does not recommend using any IV prep solution under the sensor.
I haven't had ANY issues with sensor reading being off for the first day, or whatever. Also, I can put one on anytime, given that it takes three hours to startup, so putting one on at 10pm, say, is probably not a good idea. :)
I've found you really can start it at any time. Having said that, I generally insert it before I go to bed, then start the sensor in the morning so the enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction that makes the thing work has had some time to interact with the interstisial fluid.
