Hi Cara1028,
I just replied to something similar to your question in this group of discussions, in the , Adhesive Reaction group.
I have been using pumps and CGMs for a while. I just started to use the DexCom system within the last couple of months.
I have a Medtronic "Revel" which is the combined cgm and pump. But, that minor freedom of no cables/tubes on the equipment and the point of insertion, is just too great to pass up. I tried the OmniPod and I use the Minimed for backup, but only when I have to.
The Minimed has kick butt software. Beyond a doubt. And if you use their pump and their CGM, you can really recieve great information from their site, even though, you can only upload data, and then access their reports. And after I got less retentive about the whole information thing, and as I became acclimated to CGM trending and just chilling out, I could care less where the information is kept.
Sidebar: As I became acclimated to a CGM and the ability of seeing trend information and how my body and disciplines act on my blood sugars, I became more relaxed about everything. But, with a CGM, and a less need to be hyper about your sugars, rising falling, highs and lows, much lower risk of hypoglycemia, and if you do have an episode a much easier corrective action. It requires some adjustment by the diabetic.
It is as if someone gave you a administrative assistant to keep track of the diabetic, stuff.
So, I think the CGM is required for all diabetics, type 1 or 2. It's the only reliable way.
Medtronic, their informational reports are outstanding. But, with corrective action and adjustment able to take place so quickly on trend data from a CGM, you really don't need the "ah-hah" reports that Medtronic has built. Mind you, they are great if someone is out of control and needs all the bells and whistles, but if you are pumping and use a CGM and have lost you hyper-reactivity to your blood sugars, these reports only deplete the rain forest. But then that means you are part of the next generation.
Deficits of Medtronic; excessive alarms if you activate them, and shortage of range from your sensor and receiver. These are a part of their growing obsolete technology. Mind you. If you get and use just a Medtronic Revel which has the CGM, you will stay in control and get great A1c'S. The overuse of alarms are in place from prior transitioning non-pumpers to a pump and their concerns for risk factors that disappear with the use of a pump and a CGM.
I will continue to use the DexCom and Omnipod systems. I will keep my backup Medtronic "Revel" as a backup should I need it. I could say I am blessed for having both, although, I would rather not use that expression, but, it is, probably appropriate. I believe that I have sensitive skin and it reacts to the adhesive on the DexCom, and I am currently trying some work arounds so that I can still use the DexCom for longer than 3 or 4 days. But I have sensitivities and allergies that people most do not.
Sooooooo, I hope this helped and wish you the best of luck, and hopefully helps rightsize some expectations, and doesn't raise new fears or anxieties,
Tom