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CGM systems - Medtronic or Dexcom

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M

McB

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Hi all,

I am considering investing in a CGM system and am finding it difficult to choose between the Dexcom 7+ system and the Medtronic Guardian with Enlite sensors.

I do not use a pump so am not concerned about whether the CGM integrates with the pump interface, most focussed on comfort and accuracy. I would welcome any views on this (first or second hand)!

Many thanks.
 
Dexcom is more accurate and the sensors last longer so I have been told.
Obviously who ever uses x cgm will say their's is the best.
So your best bet is to do a search and contact both companies and decide for yourself 🙂

Have you looked at the navigator as well?
 
Thanks Sue

Yes, I have looked at the Navigator but understood Abbott have withdrawn support in the US and are not investing in the technology so may not be the best long term choice.
 
McB said:
Thanks Sue

Yes, I have looked at the Navigator but understood Abbott have withdrawn support in the US and are not investing in the technology so may not be the best long term choice.
Click to expand...

Ah ok had forgotten that. Wise choice then 🙂
 
My son had the Dexcom 7, they actually let you have it for a month,(although you have to pay for it) and then will refund the money less the cost of the sensors if you wish to return it. My son didnt take to it atall, but I dont think it was the Dexcom that was no good, he just didnt like having it attached to him all the time. It seemed to be quite accurate when the sensors were in the abdomen, but not so good when he put it in the top of his buttock. These were both sites recommended by Dexcom.
 
Neither are better than the other, they both have great points.

However what myself and friends have found out is that like everything to do with diabetes, they work differently on different people.

We use Medtronic sensors and they work great for us. We trialled the Dexcom and it was awful for us.

However I have friends who use the Dexcom and love it.

You can trial both.

The Dexcom is through John Hughes at Advanced Theraputics in the UK. You can trial it for 2 weeks. You have to pay for the whole system plus 2 sensors which works out at ?1200 ish. If after two weeks you have found it really isn't following your levels (so you need to do lots of tests) then you can send it all back and you get a refund for the kit (not the sensors which are ?62.50 each) plus they also minus another ?62.50 so they can trial the kit and make sure it is still working.

If however after the two weeks you love it, you can keep it. The sensors are licensed for 7 days usage however generally people get longer out of the Dexcom sensors so whilst they are the more expensive at ?62.50 each you get longer out of them.

I believe you can trial the Medtronic Guardian but not sure how as I haven't had to do that but a couple of friends have.

Again the enlite sensors there are mixed reviews like the Dexcom. They are ?55 each but you buy then in a box of 5 and they are priced ?52.50 each that way. They are licensed for 6 days. Some people can get longer out of them but not as much it seems as the Dexcom.

Both are pretty painless to insert (well compared to the Medtronic sof sensors, the first ones which are like harpoons).

If you are forking out this much then my advice to you is to try them both. You cannot base your decision on lots of people saying one or other is better as you don't know what is best for you.

I hope that has helped a bit. Good luck and I love hearing people getting CGMS, I just think they are great. We would never be without them now. 🙂
 
Thanks, I think I will trial the Dexcom first and see how I get on with that.

Will send an update in a few weeks.
 
Hi McB

I use the Dexcom and find it brilliant. However do be aware that the results can be very inaccurate for the first few hours after inserting each sensor. I usually find that each sensor lasts on average 10 days - I use extra adhesive cover but usually find that the transmitter (which has the sensor in it) comes unstuck after 10 days.......but I have had some last 14 days. The CGM someimtes throws out some wild results but I usually find that it is reasonably accurate - often matching exactly the figure on my testing machine or having a difference of up to 2 e.g. testing machine says 9.2 and CGM says 11.2. You shouldn't use paracetamol whilst you have a sensor inserted - if you do it completely messes up the readings so, if you need to use a painkiller, try to use a different tyoe. I've had my Dexcom CGM for six months and think it is wonderful.
 
Hi McB,
I would say it can't hurt to try both. I'm using the previous generation "sof sensor", and agree to Adrienne's simile. Nonetheless, I'm pleased at first year results. Whichever sensor you choose, know that accurate results come from calibrations done w/steady glucose levels - this can't be stressed enough and worth getting all your teams thoughts. Sometimes this means calibrating earlier than planned or restarting (electronically turning off and on) a sensor prior to its timeout if you are approaching one. After my 3 day expiration, I restart sensors to get the most out of them - not recommended as you are legally past the limit, but that's what I do because they still function. I'm really impressed at the accuracy of some sensors. It might also be worth noting - persistence pays. On one occasion after starting a sensor in morning, where levels are most calm, throughout the day I had erratic readings (false high SG sensor glucose) prompting me to restart sensor 3x over 8 hr period. The same sensor ran 8 days problem free.....who knew.

As I'm sure you know, sensors require calibration every 12 hr or less - I find 4-7 hrs work best and don't worry any more about the early morning hrs where sensor output stops waiting for new BG.

Am I starting to ramble......lemme know if you have ?? and I can try to help. Otherwise look forward to your update.
 
schmeezle said:
Hi McB,
I would say it can't hurt to try both. I'm using the previous generation "sof sensor", and agree to Adrienne's simile. Nonetheless, I'm pleased at first year results. Whichever sensor you choose, know that accurate results come from calibrations done w/steady glucose levels - this can't be stressed enough and worth getting all your teams thoughts. Sometimes this means calibrating earlier than planned or restarting (electronically turning off and on) a sensor prior to its timeout if you are approaching one. After my 3 day expiration, I restart sensors to get the most out of them - not recommended as you are legally past the limit, but that's what I do because they still function. I'm really impressed at the accuracy of some sensors. It might also be worth noting - persistence pays. On one occasion after starting a sensor in morning, where levels are most calm, throughout the day I had erratic readings (false high SG sensor glucose) prompting me to restart sensor 3x over 8 hr period. The same sensor ran 8 days problem free.....who knew.

As I'm sure you know, sensors require calibration every 12 hr or less - I find 4-7 hrs work best and don't worry any more about the early morning hrs where sensor output stops waiting for new BG.

Am I starting to ramble......lemme know if you have ?? and I can try to help. Otherwise look forward to your update.
Click to expand...

Ah ha Brian I take it you are on the 522 or 722 pump. On the VEO pump and I imagine the Guardian as well the sensors are for 6 days. You do not have to restart after 3 days like you do on the x22 series.

Both the sofs and enlites are licensed for 6 day usage. However on day 6 you can do what you do on day 3 and restart.

I agree re the calibration. The Medtronic pump takes notice of the last two calibrations so they have to count and be good ones ie level, not fluctuating numbers Pre meal is good. You can do up to about 4 calibrations but not recommended to do more.

🙂
 
Thx for info.........I have the 523 - an upgraded 522,but don't know all changes.....know it's on Medtronic site.
 
schmeezle said:
Thx for info.........I have the 523 - an upgraded 522,but don't know all changes.....know it's on Medtronic site.
Click to expand...

A 523. Are you in the USA? They are the Revels that are only available in the USA. They are the pumps that are compatible with the My Sentry piece of kit. (another thread)

Wow
 
Adrienne said:
A 523. Are you in the USA? They are the Revels that are only available in the USA. They are the pumps that are compatible with the My Sentry piece of kit. (another thread)

Wow
Click to expand...

Duh just seen you are in Michigan so yep USA.

The 523 is the Revel. We don't have that in the UK. I don't think you had the 522 did you, or did you. Its all so confusing. You certainly get different pumps than we do as it is all about licensing.

I know that Medtronic and JDRF are working damned hard to get the VEO with the low suspend through the FDA
 
I see you found answer to your question (USA that is)......crashed early Tues and never made it online and late is the only time avail on cpu with toddler and infant. MiniMed 523 (aka Revel) is ans to other. Started pumping on it late Nov of 2010 after proper diagnosis. Haven't heard much on VEO release in US. Just know Enlite entered trials in Nov.
 
Thought I would provide an update on my CGM exploits. I received the Dexcom on trial last Wednesday and have been using it since. I have found it incredibly helpful, particularly in highlighting the spikes in BG levels during the day but, most importantly, in avoiding lows as downward BG trends are very clear.

On the whole, it has been very accurate. Differences to my BG meter emerge when my BG levels are high but the readings are very consistent when I am <9 BG.

Am planning to stick with it. Thanks for all the advice.
 
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