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Non stop Guardian 4 issues

G

gmacwilson

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Hi, I'm a pretty experienced pump user (Type 1 since 1986, pump user since 2001), and have been on a Guardian 4 SmartGuard set up since November. Since starting using the Guardian 4 sensors (July 2024) approximately 20% have lasted their specified duration. It's great to rapidly get replacement sensors from Medtronic, but I'm becoming totally fed up with the uncertainty as to how long a sensor might last. Consequently I have to ensure that I have a replacement, plus alternative sensing (meter) always available. I have been holding on for Simplera to become available, but this is now uncertain. I have now reverted to Freestyle Libre 2, as it has been generally more reliable for me.
Am I unusual in this situation, or is does this represent an acceptable level of inaccuracy?
 
Sorry to hear you’ve been having a frustrating time with Guardian G4s.

I moved away from Medtronic for 4 years partly because G3 was not great for me. I switched to tSlim with initially self-funded Dexcom G6.

I’m now back with Medtronic and was one of the first at my clinic to try Simplera, which have mostly been great for me, aside from this last box.

I missed out on G4, and I gather the software update / rollout of Simplera to existing users has been slowed down. As often seems to happen with diabetes tech rollouts for various reasons.

I think @SB2015 used G4s, and may have experiences of how often they lasted to full term for her. Are they coming loose? Giving errors? Where are you wearing them?
 
Thanks for this. Yes, I'm frustrated about the delayed rollout of Simplera, which I was really hopeful of sorting things. The issues are mainly of sensors failing unexpectedly, which happens after variable durations. A few occur after 'sensor updating' alarms, but generally just 'sensor failure, replace'. It's a ridiculous first world problem, but it amazes me how Medtronic can provide a pretty ropey product, and expect people to spend a lot of their owne time trying to resolve issues. OK rant over!
 
Where are you putting the sensors? I started off in my tummy and had similar failure rates to you. A rep advised to try back of arm and that has been better. Still seem to get some bad batches though, very frustrating!
 
Hi, thanks for this. I have used mostly upper arm, as recommended, and then tried my abdomen on rep advice! No change sadly. It doesn't seem to be a batch thing though, as it has been remarkably consistent. I do wonder whether there is a design issue, related to proportion of skin tissue. I'm pretty thin, with limited site options, and I think the depth of the sensor may be too big for me. Just an idea.
 
As @everydayupsanddowns mentioned I previously used G4 sensors. I did have a few batches that finished early. I think all the sensors are over cautious and will opt out if in doubt. It keeps us safe and I would prefer that it did this, rather than guess. It doesn’t make it any less frustrating and yes I will have a good shout at my pump sensor in such instances.

Simplera’s do seem to be more reliable, but I have still odd batches where they have not lasted the full seven days. They say that they should last between 6/7 days. Mine often last for 6 but more recently I have had a run of four lasting the fullness seven days, including one that bled a lot at the start.
 
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