Just got it today and it alerted me my bottoming bs. Don’t know why I didn’t get this thing sooner. Love it so far.
I love my Dex, too, and generally feel much safer, especially during/after exercise or while sleeping or driving. But that being said, I have learned to confirm or doublecheck persistent lows with fingersticks so that I don’t overtreat and end up with the opposite problem. The Dexcom readings can (will!) often lag behind fingersticks by as much as 15 minutes!
I agree - the information provided by the CGM is invaluable! Another thing to note, though: Dexcom tends to provide somewhat unreliable numbers the first 12-24 hours after inserting a new sensor, so be especially careful to double-check with your meter before correcting based on the CGM. I find that I frequently get false low alarms during the first 12 hours, after which it settles down and becomes very reliable.
I havent had the problem of unstable numbers. Mine has been rock solid on numbers since startup. I’ve double checked and every one matches my meter. It’s going to be nice to see a chart of my blood sugars. I’m amazed how accurate it is and how pain free. Nothing like what my pump insertion sets used to feel like.
After 105 grams of carbs, 2 baby cokes and a box of raisinets, I’m solid all night at 83.
That’s fantastic!
I’m glad you’re having a great experience to start! We, for the most part, find G5 to be remarkably reliable. There are days that Caleb doesn’t fingerstick until he realizes, wow, I haven’t done a fingerstick all day, and it has never come back to bite him.
Enjoy!
Hi Lorraine,
I know right it’s only been one day but it’s SO nice to just be able to look at a screen and know my numbers. And seeing a chart really helps me visually stay in range.
i just wish this receiver wasnt so limited. It doesnt let you edit the events with notes, it doesnt let me look at what each past reading actually was… Kinda a waste of technology. Luckily i have it send my numbers to my health app and I can see each number and time there. Pretty sweet.
The G5 app on iPhone is more user friendly in the ways you describe. I don’t have access to it - my son does. But I see him scrolling back every now and then to find specific readings. I’m not sure about the notes though. Hmmm.
Have you looked at Dexcom Clarity yet?
yeah i have the G5 app but dont see a way to look at individual readings. i just got clarity setup but I like to be able to run the world from my phone.
Have you turned your phone to landscape view?
Haha - yes, Clarity does not run on your phone, but it really does have lots of great information and is formatted in lots of useful ways. It won’t be too meaningful for you yet. After a week or two, it may get exciting.
holy moly Lorraine you’re a genius!
I think the Dexcom Clarity 14-day standard day report is one of the best tools available to direct sensible action. It’s one thing to watch Dexcom traces in real time and take appropriate counteraction but looking back at trends offers a gold mine of actionable info.
Happy to see people discovering the value of CGM data!
I’ll definitely have to play around with clarity then. My dr will be impressed.
Most CGM users do not look back at old data to help going forward. It’s one of the most underutilized benefits of a CGM. The 14-day report is just the right amount of time. It’s long enough to give it some statistical heft but not so long that good actionable trends get obscured.
I just ordered a Dexcom yesterday (after reading lots of posts like this about happy CGM users) and can’t wait to get it. Still wondering what kind of proof of medical nessisity the insurance company will want to see before they foek out the bucks.
…of course being in Canada it will likely be the G4 but still super-excited.
cancel it and wait for the new PDM! i regret not waiting.
I am actually going to call Dexcom about the new touch screen PDM coming out and ask about what it takes to get it, seeing as I just got mine.
What Dexcom told me, latest A1c (date of test) and then they send the medical necessity form to the Dr. and I think they kinda fill it in already for the Dr. I have a copy somewhere. Most important was A1C and numbers of lows.
Before my sons CGM, I didn’t sleep…maybe one hour per night. Knowing he’s safe now (he’s 2) when he’s sleeping by just picking up the receiver and seeing his BG gives me “nearly” a full nights sleep now. Don’t know what I’d do without it. We were approved for our pump so we’re looking forward to adding that to our arsenal soon (it’s being shipped today!)
I can only imagine having a child with diabetes. What kind of pump?