I've posted many comments about the dubious benefit of integrating the Dex CGM into the pump display. In particular, I remain doubtful that a pump/CGM receiver will be able to dependably wake anyone up when the pump audible alarm source is buried under layers of blankets.
With interest, I read this account written by Maria Q in her blog Climbing Diabetes. Maria recently tried out the new Medtronic 530G model that incorporates a CGM system and can suspend basal insulin for up to two hours, a design that can provide critical help to a diabetic sleeping through a low. Interesting to me was Maria's comment about the ability of a pump to be heard when it's under covers:
Alarm volume? Comparable to the Dexcom. However, I can amplify the Dexcom alarms in a low tech way (glass with coins next to my bed). I cannot sleep with my pump next to my head, because of the weak signal problems. My sheets and comforter muffled the alarms so much that I had no idea a LGS was going off til I peeled them down. Not cool.
I know the appeal of simplifying the amount of D-tech gear to carry around and maintain every day. What I don't get is that that appeal seems to blind people about the obvious significant loss of a critical CGM function. If it can't wake you up when it's important, is it really worth the tech simplification?
I will continue to use my stand alone Dex receiver when I get the new model Vibe, especially at night. I'm hoping that the Dex download software and/or the web-based Diasend site can somehow gracefully interleave the data from two separate CGM receivers (the pump and the Dex receiver) when it comes to reports and retrospective analysis. We'll see on that front. It may turn out that there will be no compelling reason for me to upgrade to the Vibe system due to my preferences.
I am waiting for the Vibe to be available here in the states. Maybe you could use the regular Dexcom receiver overnight - as an extra alarm system. I know mine is obnoxiously loud when it goes off.
I definitely intend to continue using the Dex receiver during the night as long as I can maintain one. I fear that Animas has decided to abandon the stand alone Dex receiver in favor of the integrated pump/CGM like the Vibe. I hope that that is not the case.
In the meantime I intend to take special care of any stand alone receivers that I receive. I'm keeping the latest one I received on an almost continuous charge so as to extend the life of the rechargeable battery as long as possible.
If I learn that there is no way to easily combine two BG data sources (for example, the Vibe pump, and the Dex receiver) into integrated reports, then I see no need to even upgrade to the Vibe. I'll have to review an other features that the Vibe has when it is introduced in the US.
You're right about the Dex G4 voice, it is obnoxiously loud and rarely fails to get my attention. In fact, at night, I am usually awakened by the very first vibrate alarm.
Can anyone explain to me the theory behind FDA’s refusal to allow Diasend to integrate the data from both the Ping and the Dexcom in the US until the Vibe is approved?
What, like having good data and spending less time hand transferring data would somehow be less safe.
Truly, it seems like the FDA goes out of its way to make diabetes management harder sometimes.
I re-registered with Diasend through the Italian site. Italy uses mg/dl units to measure BG, like the US. Using the Italian site, I'm able to upload my Dex G4 CGM and see all the data on the various reports.
One important thing missing from the Diasend report is exercise duration and intensity data but it's more comprehensive than any other system that I know of.
Well, now I'll go public with my bitchiness and contrary nature - maybe the FDA is like most of the rest of the world: We gave ourselves diabetes so we deserve the difficulties.
The FDA in the US could certainly use an informed and persuasive patient/user voice at the table when they discuss what's good for us! Big pHarma and device manufacturers will only listen so much, some better than others, but when push comes to shove, we users get pushed.
I agree we need a patient advocate on the FDA’s radar…I am sure that the device manufacturers will not stir the pot if it means any possibility of ■■■■■■■ off the FDA, and any and all decisions must be weighed against risks to profits.
I am intrigued about the registering “out of town” so to speak. It seams like this is such a no brainer…kind of how a low glucose suspend seems like a safety feature that should not be called into question. It is like you’ve just invented brakes and you have to explain why they must be useful on your bike rather than wearing heavy boots.
I think another component necessary for a good artificial pancreas is a faster fast -acting insulin. I'd like that to come before the artificial pancreas. I hate having to guess if the insulin is really gonna peak when I think it should.
For me another necessity for an artificial pancreas is a more reliable infusion set, or a way of guaranteeing that absorption will be uniform every time. I guess what I am looking for is a permanent reliable inserted device. But this way off topic.
Now that Dexcom has acquired SweetSpot I’ve always wondered if the holdup with Diasend and Dexcom in the US market is actually Dexcom and not the FDA. If Dexcom does anything with SweetSpot that software will be in direct competition with Diasend and similar web based downloading software. This is pure conjecture on my part I have heard nothing one way or the other but it makes sense to me given what I’ve heard about SweetSpot.
I have read almost nothing about SweetSpot since Dexcom bought them in early 2012. I do know that Dexcom is moving toward integration with cell phones to receive and display data. If that holds true then my worries long term about the CGM alert stifled by blankets is not necessary. The Vibe may go there but I don’t have to follow. The following generations will be better.
A larger issue is whether Dex will adopt interoperability data standards or continue is proprietary stance.
