CGM

Forum Post: Re: OpSite Flexifix?

Laura — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:11:00 GMT

Thanks! I just ordered the 4" Flexifix. I'm going to attempt to cut a hole in it for the sensor.

Forum Post: RE: Where do you wear your CGM?

Jordan Moore — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:15:00 GMT

Wear...oops

Forum Post: Re: Do I really need training for my new Dexcom?

Laura — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 02:10:00 GMT

Thanks! I think I'll skip it and make an appointment if I have trouble.

Forum Post: Re: Can you tell me how it feels and some tips?

NBarr — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:37:00 GMT

It sounds to me like his skin is getting irritated from the adhesives. There are products like Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film (it looks like an alcohol swab) and Skin Tac Wipe (they both create a barrier between the adhesive and the skin). Those might help with the skin irritation. The sensor might also be irritating him if the little "probe" sitting under the skin is constantly moving in and out and around a little bit just with natural body movements. There is another product that I like called Hypafix that you can put on top of the whole sensor. It's like a covering and is sticky. It will help prevent the sensor from dislodging and help prevent it from moving around. Hope this helps! Also, to take the hypafix off (if you were going to use that), it sticks really well to the skin so I would make sure to use one of those barrier films as well as use an Adhesive Remover - I like Brava Adhesive Remover spray. It looks like a little can of hairspray - doesn't sting - you spray it on, leave it on for a minute or so, it breaks down the "sticky" and basically slides right off. You can use this spray on any adhesives (like infusion sites) if he is getting red marks leftover from the infusion set adhesive. :)

Forum Post: Re: New Medtronic CGM

Joe — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:36:00 GMT

hi Jason, just saw this. I have the medtronic CGM too. I think Medtronic is trying to get approval for Enlite with 7 day label, and the 530G pump at the same time which could be one reason for the delay. I can't find a darned thing about it other than it' european launch in 2011.

I am wondering though, what do you mean the "clinics in America are not set up to read them"? The Enlite is a personal CGM that feeds CGM data right into your pump including the revel and the older paradigm in fact "The Enlite Sensor is labeled for use with: MiniMed Paradigm® REAL-Time System, MiniMed Paradigm Veo™ System, Guardian® REAL-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring System, and the iPro™2."

meaning your doctor doesn't download anything.

did you mean the iPro? that's the clinical accuracy CGM receiver that does NOT feed data into your pump but is downloaded and evaluated by your doctor. It's not the same as the Enlite system.

anyway yes I agree with Maureen, just lie to your pump or Guardian and tell it you replaced the sensor, I get 7+ days out of a sensor when I am wearing them even though it's considered off label.

Cheers!

Forum Post: Non-invasive CGM

Ebgineer — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 07:18:00 GMT

C8 Medisensors has developed a non-invasive NIR CGM. They will first start selling it in Europe, and have started taking reservations for it there. They have also opened a facility in San Jose, California which I presume will be a manufacturing or final assembly and packaging location.

The NIR (near-infrared) method transmits low power light through the skin to reflect off glucose molecules. The concentration is then calculated by the receiver.

See the "Non-invasive Glucose Monitoring Explained" video on this page (and LOL at the suggestiveness at 1:11-1:19):

http://www.c8medisensors.com/experience/

Pros and Cons as I see them:

Pros

- Nothing poking in my skin! <--- this is a big one for me

- Won't hurt if it gets bumped

- No adhesive sticking to you (some people can't use existing CGMs due to skin reactions to the adhesive)

- No disposable sensors to buy (and fill up landfills later)

- Can take it off and put it back on any time

- Communicates via bluetooth to a smartphone app (finally a company that gets it!)

- Does not require calibration using a regular meter (so says their web site, not sure why not)

- Uses light, not electricity like the glucowatch did, so less likely to cause skin irritation

Cons

- Needs gel applied on skin under light source, so there are still supplies to buy

- Bulky, the belt carrier looks like a big girdle in the video

- Power hungry, requires big power cells (see: "Bulky", above)

- First available in Europe, could be a long time for the US (freaking FDA!)

- Supposed to be used in addition to, not as a replacement for a regular meter

- Info wasn't clear, but this is probably ISF, not serum glucose measurement (15 min lag time)

Forum Post: Re: Bleeding when I put the Cgm in!!!

Maureen Helinski — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 04:04:00 GMT

Are you using the MM sensors? They are awful to insert, but I have been using them since 2006 and continue because most of the time the readings are correct. We are waiting for the new sensors, the Enlite, to come out, but they have promised them now for a couple of years. I do use my thighs, less bleeding, and I always cover them with opsite flexifix tape. I can keep them going for seven days and often recharge the for another 3 days. Find a place on your body that works best for you. I switch from one leg to the other. I use the thighs slightly toward the inside. Good luck.

Forum Post: Re: CGM & Medicare/Medicaid Coverage

Gina — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 21:29:00 GMT

No problem! Please let us know what happens!

Forum Post: Re: indecisive about CGM?

Gina — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 06:32:00 GMT

Hi Daisy,

The CGM has it's moments of hurting and not. It really depends on where you place it. The stomach area, buttocks and behind the arms have a little more meat to them so you may have a better chance of it not hurting in those areas. Maybe before you get a cgm you can test it out first to see whether or not you are going to like it. Most doctor offices let you try it first.

Does your insulin pump bother you at insertion? its not that much different. I have tried out three different CGM and the Dexcom seems to hurt the least to me anyways.

As far as being comfortable that really depends on where you place it, some sites become more tender than others. But. after a while you don't really notice it anyway. Its like when you first went on the pump you knew it was there for a while and it may have bothered you but then you completely forget its on you.

I hope I helped a little?

Forum Post: I HAD ONE :)

Ashley — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 20:51:00 GMT

I had a CGM that I loved for a short time! I plan to blog about my experiences here.

Hey there. My name is Ashley. I have been Type 1 Diabetic for 4 years now. I have a blog that normally revolves around diabetic topics and I would love if you would read some of my posts and give me some feedback. Also, I am asking for suggestions for topics! What do you want to hear about?! :) Please leave comments.

Here is the link to the blog: www.iamjuvenated.blogspot.com

Forum Post: UK Petition for CGMs to be available on the NHS for all T1s

RebeccaSmith92 — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 19:53:00 GMT

Hi there!

My name is Rebecca Smith, and I am running a campaign to help get better healthcare for type 1 diabetics on the NHS.

The campaign endeavours to make NHS budget managers, MPs and the public more aware of the way that type 1 diabetics are not receiving (in some cases) the most efficient health care.

At present, treatment of diabetes is variable across the UK, with a postcode lottery determining if T1 patients can have insulin pump therapy as a treatment method or not: clearly this is unfair on the T1 diabetics who want it, but for whatever reason (be it not fitting into NICE guidelines, or lack of departmental funding in that particular hospital). Therefore, this petition proposes that pump therapy be, at the very least, optional as a method of treatment for ALL T1 diabetics. With Israel having more pumps in operation than the UK, I feel it is fair to say that the UK are failing a whole group of T1 patients, and not providing the most modern and potentially most effective (patient dependant) care possible.

There are also issues with blood glucose testing strip availability on prescription on the NHS. Many T1 patients are reporting of only receiving 50 test strips per month, when a T1 needs a minimum at 5, and up to 10 if driving, playing sports, or experiencing symptoms of hyper/hypoglycaemia - many T1s are also of student age, and working long hours, not sleeping regularly or eating regularly, and so may consume even more; being prescribed less than the needed amount will hinder attempts for good glyceamic control and result in future diabetic complications. Therefore, this campaign also endeavours to attempt to get continuous glucose monitors available on the NHS for T1's. The information on CGMs indicates that hypo fear is reduced, glyceamic control better, patient outlook better and patient compliance improved. With depression being 2x more common in diabetics as opposed to non diabetics (Diabetes UK 2012 statistical report), CGMs really could help T1s control their diabetes better. The long term financial benefits of reduced diabetic health complications has been proven again and again in America, and therefore, it seems short sighted of the NHS not to invest in such a modern treatment.

The campaign has a petition available to sign: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/41620

The campaign also asks that people send letters to arrive to their local MP and health authority on the same date (Thursday 16th May 2013). I have attached these letters for you to read. The campaign asks that people sending them amend them as they wish to. The principle idea of this is to get MPs across the region talking about T1 diabetic care, and see it as an issue that needs addressing promptly, with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes increasing.

There is also a page that people can like on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/campaignforpumpsandcgms?ref=hl

And a group that people can join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/131796363637159/

And an event to remind people to send out letters: https://www.facebook.com/events/554152251267504/

- Raise awareness of inadequate care that some T1s receive

- Attempt to alleviate the present post code lottery of consultancy care, pump therapy opportunity, and amount of blood glucose testing strips

- Allow all T1 diabetics, at the very least, the opportunity of insulin pump therapy as a form of diabetic treatment

- Allow CGMs to be accessible through the NHS to improve diabetic control

Many thanks,

Rebecca Smith

Forum Post: Re: Love it!

brad68der1 — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:12:00 GMT

My daughter thought it was annoying, lol, until I told her that when it goes off it means some thing important. Now she hears it and is right there when I check my BG.

Forum Post: Dexcom CGM: Do the pros outweigh the cons?

Stephen England — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 16:52:00 GMT

I have been 'pumping' for over a year now and am still very much hesitant to get a CGM. Please comment on your favorite pro and con of the device.

Forum Post: Re: NEW CGM!

Dani — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:17:00 GMT

I think it does. I do notice that if I don't keep my pump somewhat near (as in the same side of my body) as the cgm sensor, I get a weak signal warning. It's not often, but it does sometimes happen when I'm sleeping and my pump shifts to the opposite side of the cgm site.

Forum Post: Re: New CGM

Angie — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 04:40:00 GMT

We are pretty much bionic women. It's amazing.

Forum Post: Re: Love/Hate Relationship with CGM

Dawnripley — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:27:00 GMT

Pumpingmom of three ...

Have you ever considered getting a Diabetic Alert Dog? I dont have one yet, I have the CGM, but I hear great stories about them and how much better , more accurate, less expensive in the long run, and dont hurt at all.

Forum Post: Re: CGM 'minimed' used longer then 10 days, normal? and above all good?

Margot Vanfleteren — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:20:00 GMT

ok thanks for your comment!

Forum Post: Re: Getting A CGM

Dani — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:16:00 GMT

Good point about the adhesive. If you are getting a MM CGM, have them send you a sample pack of adhesive. There are several difference kinds you can try out. I found the Tegaderm adhesive works best for me. The IV3000 was *ok* but it isn't really sticky enough IMO. I can't remember the brand, but it comes on a roll like scotch tape and you can get it at CVS. I hated that for everyday use because I found it to be too stiff and irritated my skin after awhile. However, I keep a roll of it in my desk at work, just in case.

Forum Post: Re: CGM and pump sites

Jason — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 20:21:00 GMT

I think they are working on a CGM/Infusion set that is all in one, which would just super awesome. No asexual proof... but they are always making improvements. I know that the CGM that Medtronics uses, which is what I wear, they are coming out with a CGM that is the least invasive and has equal wearing time to the Dexcom. Still two sights, however...

Forum Post: Dex com 7 and a medtronic pump

Marta Hohnstadt — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 03:02:00 GMT

I switched to the dex com cgm primarily for the ease of the transmitter. The Medtronic one seemed like the needle was too big.... anyway, has any one heard if there might be a dex-com integrated into an insulin pump?