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Dexcom -Do you wait until the transmitters expire, or change after 90 days?

PhoebeC

PhoebeC

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Hi Folks, its now been 3 months since started on the G6 and I had a notification that the transmitter is due to expire. I just wondered do people swap at the 90 days or push it another sensor or few longer?

Sensor change is tomorrow, 90 days is next Monday 26th May, so do I use the new transmitter tomorrow? Add another senor with this and risk the extra few days hoping the transmitter will work?

I had a few replacements which mean that there's a few week or so out of the first 90 days on senors for me, last replacement will expire on 1st June.

Just seeing if there's any issues, and what others do.

I did search for the topic before asking this (another) question.
 
I wonder if @everydayupsanddowns can help you on this one. I believe he used to carefully prise the transmitter off, put it in another room for a few mins and then reattach in order to extend/double the life of the sensor but obviously this is slightly different. Just wondering if you can just remove the transmitter when it dies and then apply a new one with the sensor still in situ.
 
I do not use Dexcom but the Medtrum CGM is similar in having a rechargeable transmitter and single use sensor.
The Medtrum transmitter is supposed to last for a year but I find it lasts longer. Over the years, I have built up a supply of transmitters so that I can recharge the next one before it is needed.
As they start to fade, I throw them out.
A "fading" transmitter is one that loses connectivity and needs a kick (turn Bluetooth off and on again) to reconnect. If
this happens a few times each day, I decide it has passed its use by date.
I am reluctant to throw one out until it has reached this stage - it feels like a waste. And I am supposed to pay for them
 
If the transmitter says it’s got enough battery to last at least another 10 days then you should be able to use another sensor with it, my daughter did this recently. They send you one transmitter with 9 sensors which is 3 months worth, and for tidiness she usually starts the new transmitter at the same time as the new batch of sensors, even though the transmitter is usually only just starting to warn of coming to an end. We recently got an extra sensor though, for reasons which are too boring to go into here, and there was plenty of battery life left in the transmitter to do an extra one.
If the transmitter thinks it’s got less than 10 days left it won’t let you start a new sensor with it
 
The dexcom will make you change transmitter when its 'low on juice'. You don't have a choice about it.
 
This is all great advice. Thanks all! Knew you would know 😎
 
PhoebeC said:
Hi Folks, its now been 3 months since started on the G6 and I had a notification that the transmitter is due to expire. I just wondered do people swap at the 90 days or push it another sensor or few longer?

Sensor change is tomorrow, 90 days is next Monday 26th May, so do I use the new transmitter tomorrow? Add another senor with this and risk the extra few days hoping the transmitter will work?

I had a few replacements which mean that there's a few week or so out of the first 90 days on senors for me, last replacement will expire on 1st June.

Just seeing if there's any issues, and what others do.

I did search for the topic before asking this (another) question.
Click to expand...

I self-funded my transmitters for several years, so squeexed every last drop out of them. I think it’s actually about 110ish days that they run for. And if memory serves they give a “this is your last sensor with this transmitter” warning.

Even if funded I’d suggest milking them for all they are worth, just to gradually build up some slack in case of emergencies!

And yes, I ran my G6 sensors for 20 days each too when self-funding. It was the only way I could afford it.
 
everydayupsanddowns said:
I self-funded my transmitters for several years, so squeexed every last drop out of them. I think it’s actually about 110ish days that they run for. And if memory serves they give a “this is your last sensor with this transmitter” warning.

Even if funded I’d suggest milking them for all they are worth, just to gradually build up some slack in case of emergencies!

And yes, I ran my G6 sensors for 20 days each too when self-funding. It was the only way I could afford it.
Click to expand...
Very helpful, thanks. Did you just leave the sensors on and ignore the reminders to change it?

This sensor typically has decided to fault with about 12 hours left, at this time of night so now I’m in the 2 hour warm up period and in the spare room so I don’t wake anyone else up. It’s the other side of the house and a very thick wall so it’s practical.

This is the first interrupted (due to diabetes) sleep I’ve had since I moved over, from libre. And this is a tech error I am choosing to wait out.

This HCL has been great for overnight levels, I think even the issues it can’t work out or its equally (maybe a bit slower) as good as me at during the day, is won by the amazing overnight levels and the quality of my sleep. I sleep like a none diabetic now. It’s incredible.
 
It’s alerted me today, 2 weeks battery life left. Worked out well.
 
PhoebeC said:
Hi Folks, its now been 3 months since started on the G6 and I had a notification that the transmitter is due to expire. I just wondered do people swap at the 90 days or push it another sensor or few longer?

Sensor change is tomorrow, 90 days is next Monday 26th May, so do I use the new transmitter tomorrow? Add another senor with this and risk the extra few days hoping the transmitter will work?

I had a few replacements which mean that there's a few week or so out of the first 90 days on senors for me, last replacement will expire on 1st June.

Just seeing if there's any issues, and what others do.

I did search for the topic before asking this (another) question.
Click to expand...
Transmitter will last until your sensor expires. So no need to change it bang on 90 days. The transmitter will actually tell you when it's finished.
 
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