Here in Australia we don't have insurance coverage for CGMs (grrr) but I can see what an advantage they would be and am thinking of self funding.
I use an accu-chek pump but since the CGM would be independent of the pump it really isn't important what make CGM I go for.
This gets me to my point - can any of you give me any advice on which works best for you and what to be aware of (apart from the cost!!!)
I am trying to understand how they operate. I guess they have a remote screen thingy which the CGM transmits to but does that always have to be within range or will it catch up when you come back into range like the meter/remote for my pump?
All have another canulla to be inserted by which the CGM reads glucose interstitially, not by blood. The canulla has to be replaced approximately every 7 days.
Mine (Dexcom G4) takes a reading every five minutes that gets stored in a small electric receiver to be kept within 20' of the body. It alarms whenever glucose goes above or below points that can be set by the user.
Be cautioned that those interstitial readings are not as accurate as finger sticks, so you'll still want to test before bolusing.
It's great if you're hypo unaware though or just want to do a quick check any time like before driving. Also very useful in determining trends.
Mine has saved me many times and I wouldn't want to be without it!
Then you're out of range. The CGM resumes recording when you're back in range. The receivers are definitely not waterproof, at least not Dexcom's. I think Medtronic's is integrated, but then you have to remove it and the pump to avoid all water.
I don't remove my Dexcom sensor (cannula) every 7 days. I press the 'stop sensor' button, then immediately press the 'start sensor' button without removing the sensor or the transmitter. On average I can usually get anywhere from 11-18 days from one sensor. In the U.S. Medicare does not cover the CGMs so my Dexcom is "out of pocket" expense.
You could check out Ascensia. They sell CGM systems. And they have a program where they will engage with insurance companies and make the case for reimbursement.
I started using Libre sensors when I was out of Guardian 3s and was sick of them malfunctioning. I haven't gotten less than fourteen days out of any of them yet. Great value; you can use the reader for the results and I believe you can use your smartphone.
Keep us posted on how it goes!!!
If you could start a new discussion on it.
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