I am thinking about getting Minimed’s CGM and was wondering what peoples thoughts on it were. Love it/Hate it? Any other suggestions for a CGM? Any input is much appreciated.
Have you done some comparisons among what’s out there?
Have you compared the size of the inserters?
Have you studied so you know the best is 15 minutes behind blood glucose, since interstitial fluid measurements are a bit behind?
ok, I’ll ask it this way: if you are going to stick a needle in you to insert a sensor, have you thought of inserting the tiniest possible?
My biggest issue with the Minimed CGM is the needle size and its offense to my poor stomach. It roughs it up pretty bad. And because of this, and because the CGM is so sensitive to the position I place it, it can be challenging to find a good spot for it after a while.
Some people have accuracy issue with Minimed’s CGM as opposed to the Dex. I haven’t tried the Dex system, but Minimed’s has been fairly accurate for me (so long as I insert it in a good spot!).
I like that Minimed’s works with my pump. The Dex would be a separate device, and I really don’t like the idea of that at all.
Overall thoughts on the CGM: LOVE it. Addicted to it…honestly I forgot how to be a good diabetic without it, sad as that sounds…and that could really be seen as a positive and negative point for the CGM. The trends are truly valuable to me. I have a tendency to freak out when I’m not connected to it.
Ever since I started the CGM over a year ago, my A1cs have been in the 5s. Previously they were 7s, but this was pre-pump as well because I got my pump and CGM around the same time.
I think there’s a bit of a learning curve with the CGM. You have to figure out its tricks, and it can definitely be a huge pain in the butt. The benefits I get from it still out-weigh all its imperfections though!
I love my MM CGMS. That being said, I would do a trial if I were you of MM and Dexcom. As for the huge needles for the MM, I don’t like 'em. but I also don’t use them in my stomach. I put them in my thighs. It works okay for me.
I tried it once in my thigh and I almost cried from the pain.
One trick I found as far as getting the sensor "wet" is I put the new sensor in the night before I need to start using it. If find I have less problems with calibration that way too. Also, I have found I can get away with using my sensor for up to five days before I start getting errors without sacrificing accuracy.
Agree with Jaclyn. I too use MM. I have great results with it. I place the sensors in my thighs, where I seem to get the best results there. Dexcom was out of the picture for me as I use Tylenol often, which skews the Dexcom. Because it is integrated with my pump, it is very convienent. If it isn’t attached to me I would likely forget it!
I love the MM sensor. Like Jaclyn, I am addicted to the data stream!
The needle is about the only downside for me but it is pretty wicked. And I didn't mind injections at all! I usually use them for 6 days at a time, if only to preserve my abdomen? Someone hear speculated that they suspected MM had 'engineered' some sort of 3 day reliability issue to prevent people from doing this (to sell more sensors...) but I have not run into this problem. A lot of times, the second 3 days seem to have 'tighter' telemetry than the first day at least? I don't take notes so I don't have data to support this, more of a feeling?
I also use my sensors for at least 6 days. I too find that the better correlative numbers come after a couple of days. Why pull it then?
Just when it's getting warmed up!
Huge difference between introducer needle and comfort of wear of Dexcom 7 Plus and Minimed. Dexcom also was more accurate overall, shorter warm-up period, less wobbly, flush to the skin, no extra tape needed, just a little skin tac. Not of fan of Minimed, though that could change with their next generation product (they are promising the "comfort" sensor). Not to mention, leave Dexcom on for 7 days, and restart without removing the sensor. Minimed process a PITA.
I found the Minimed Guardian to be incredibly inaccurate and very difficult to calibrate.
Does the Real Time minimed pump have the “comfort” sensor, or is this still expected some time in the future? I’ve got a Dex now and love it alot but I’m anxious for an integrated system. Dexcom’s integrated system got hit with an FDA “do another study” setback.
I don’t think that they currently have the comfort sensor? It is a pretty significant needle. Like you would expect Dr. Frankenstein to use to inject hormones into his monster. Lately I’ve been trying to relax more and have had a string of smoother insertions so either maybe they did something to improve it or I am due for a gusher?
If it’s at all possible see if you can do a trial. The Diabetes center here rent them, unfortunately I bought it and it didn’t work for me. The inserter left scar tissue, plus sometimes it would be close to what my meter said and other times it was way off. Good luck to you
I’m currently using the Dexcom 7 Plus and I love it. Wish it had a pump combo but that’s not going to happen for awhile. Alot of people have mentioned how painful insertion of the Minimed sensor is. That’s enough to avoid the Minimed and wait for the Dex/Animus combo that will be out some time in the next few years.
The sort of odd thing about the MM is that it’s not necessarily “painful” but it is a bit visually intimidating? I’ve had a few times where it bounced off (flexing powerful abs? LOL…) and it was a bit creepy…
I have the minimed system and love it it is usually dead on for me with readings and has really turned around my a1c’s. The needle is intimadating but to me not as painful as it looks. I didn’t want to have to wear two things on my belt so instead i went with the all in one mini med and glad I did. I can get anywhere from 6 to 9 days out of a sensor with accurate readings. I use my thigh it is great there for me it is out of the way and seems to be perfect for my readings.
I have used Minimed's CGMS successfully for the most part but eventually developed an allergy to something in the transmitter/tape so had to stop wearing it and eventually switched to Dexcom. I am so glad I did. Much easier to wear, insert, calibrate and for me is much more accurate. I actually like having the CGMS separate from the pump for now.
DianaS, I am curious why you like having the CGM separate from the pump.
I'm a Dexcom 7 Plus wearer. I really like the system a great deal. Insertion is a piece of cake. Mostly I feel a little pinch, but it's not bad. The accuracy of the Dexcom is pretty good. I like that I can wear the sensor for 7 days. The 2 hour warm up when you change the sensor seems to be fairly short as those things go. I'm on the OmniPod so I am making time until they come out with the integrated pump/cgm.
The CGM is the best thing out there. It has helped me tighten my control a great deal. Having real-time glucose information is very helpful. My only experience is with the Dexcom so I'm not a good source of comparison/contrast. I was really sold on the 7 days of wear rather than 3. What works for you is the best thing for you. If you can take them both for a trial, it might be very beneficial. Good luck.