As I wait for more integration between pumps and CGMs–and improved insurance coverage–I did take the opportunity to do a 3-day run with the iPro continous glucose reader from Medtronic. The last time I wore a CGM for a previous 3-day trial was back when you had to be tethered to it, place the receiver in a plastic bag when you showered, etc.
So, I prepared to hand over my $412 (the cost to have the set up and the reports from my diabetes clinic) and was fairly impressed. It took about 5 sections for the insertion (just a twinge). The first didn’t turn on, so the nurse inserted a second. Bingo! Little green light and I’m ready to go … after the technician activates it by running a magnetic wand over it. Very Harry Potteresque.
The iPro, which is intended for clinical use, is about two inches by less than half an inch. Just slightly larger than my usual pump insertion set. It captures all reading, so you don’t carry anything else. You have to test on the provided meter just 4 times a day, continue to test as usual on your own meter, and record all carbs and insulin doses so the technicians can sync it all. Con: you can’t see any readouts; it’s not for everyday home use, but for your medical team to get info on your basal and bolus rates–sure beats skipping meals and testing every 2 hours. $412?! Pro: it’s sleek and unobtrusive.
A week or so after I turned the iPro back to my clinic, I met with a doctor and received a report that showed I need to up my bolus rates at breakfast and lunch and decrease basal overnight. Of course, what would really be cool is if I could continue to wear the iPro as I fine-tune. But insurance won’t pay for that. Silly bastards. So, it’s back to testing every 2 hours when I can find a “normal” day to collect data.
Still, it was a good experience and gives me hope that CGMs will someday be as common as glucose meters and we’ll all have much better A1Cs!
Anyone else out there had a good, bad, or indifferent experience with the iPro?