Type 2 diabetics not on insulin technology discrimination

[HalfpipMarathon]

I'd be quite surprised if they wanted them back. I'd guess they'll just say to keep them.

So am I, after all it was their mistake but I wasn't sure if I hadn't misheard when I ordered so thought I had better check. Obviously as each transmitter lasts 90 days and each sensor lasts 10 days I am assuming that I would need another 7 sensors for the current transmitter if I am able to keep the second sensor and transmitter.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

So am I, after all it was their mistake but I wasn't sure if I hadn't misheard when I ordered so thought I had better check. Obviously as each transmitter lasts 90 days and each sensor lasts 10 days I am assuming that I would need another 7 sensors for the current transmitter if I am able to keep the second sensor and transmitter.

Nothing wrong with asking. I would, too. I'd just be very surprised if they wanted them back (handling that is probably very unusual for them and so costly).

 

[Deleted member 21371]

Is this reply for me? If so thank you for your reply and recognition that constantly testing can be a mental health issue.

I'm beginning to wonder in my case whether it's more to do with my posting about testing. I know people are trying to help and I appreciate that but maybe it's not the best thing for me to do and I should just get on with it.

I'm still waiting for a response to my email from Dexcom asking if it is okay to pay for the extra transmitter and sensor save the hassle of sending it back. I bought a special deal of 1 transmitter and 1 sensor but for some reason they doubled my order. I thought I would check as I could have misheard what the guy said when I ordered (I hadn't) as I didn't want them to think I was dishonest and they could have asked for it back when they did an audit.






I

Not specifically, but I do believe it's quite common.
And there is certainly an argument to take time off on occasions as well.

 

[HalfpipMarathon]

Not specifically, but I do believe it's quite common.
And there is certainly an argument to take time off on occasions as well.

Okay wasn't sure. I did have breaks with Libre 2 due to the cost I also like the fact that I can wear the Dexcom One on my abdomen as well as the back of my arm. I may have to do the same if I continue with Dexcom One.

 

[Proud to be erratic]

Okay wasn't sure. I did have breaks with Libre 2 due to the cost I also like the fact that I can wear the Dexcom One on my abdomen as well as the back of my arm. I may have to do the same if I continue with Dexcom One.

I've been a little slow on recognising this: you can wear your Libre 2 sensor anywhere you wish @HalfpipMarathon, not just your arm. But it is only licenced for the arm and thus does not meet the DVLA remit, for those of us subject to hypos (but not applicable to you). You might also fall short of Abbott's warranty requirements, should you have a failed sensor.
I wore sensors on my chest, which started when I wasn't driving and continued - so I just reverted to finger pricking for driving. The sensors worked well. I've seen postings here and on FB, where others wear them on their abdomen and thighs with satisfactory outcomes.

 

[HalfpipMarathon]

I've been a little slow on recognising this: you can wear your Libre 2 sensor anywhere you wish @HalfpipMarathon, not just your arm. But it is only licenced for the arm and thus does not meet the DVLA remit, for those of us subject to hypos (but not applicable to you). You might also fall short of Abbott's warranty requirements, should you have a failed sensor.
I wore sensors on my chest, which started when I wasn't driving and continued - so I just reverted to finger pricking for driving. The sensors worked well. I've seen postings here and on FB, where others wear them on their abdomen and thighs with satisfactory outcomes.

I suppose one wouldn't say they were wearing it anywhere else but back of arm if reporting an issue to Abbotts although they must be aware that people do this.

I'm currently trying out Dexcom One atm. If I decide to return to Libre 2 I might try my abdomen. I have never had any fall off or fail ;suppose I have been lucky. I have a receiver and a transmitter which lasts 90 days with the current sensor.

 

[Proud to be erratic]

Yes, I am watching (lurking?) to see how that works out for you with Dexcom One. I have a recommendation from my Endo for this, but my ICB haven't approved Dexcom One. So I might give in and self-fund. But, like you I'll need a Receiver as well, so a 3 month package has a start-up £60 cost and if Dexcom One isn't any better for me that could be a wasted expense.

But for you, Libre allows very intermittent use on a simple pay-as-you-go basis. So you could fund one sensor per month or per 2 months or per quarter; ie at whatever frequency you like. And worn on whatever part of your anatomy you wanted. Whereas each Dexcom transmitter should last 90 days, so I'd have a feeling of waste if there was a transmitter working, but no sensor!! That said my earlier post was just something that struck me - not even sure why it occurred to me.

What app did you finally decide to record your data on, if you are recording carbs from meals? Or perhaps you just keep a pen and paper record. I'm not clear if Dexcom One does actually link to Clarity; we do have a PC.

 

[HalfpipMarathon]

Yes, I am watching (lurking?) to see how that works out for you with Dexcom One. I have a recommendation from my Endo for this, but my ICB haven't approved Dexcom One. So I might give in and self-fund. But, like you I'll need a Receiver as well, so a 3 month package has a start-up £60 cost and if Dexcom One isn't any better for me that could be a wasted expense.

But for you, Libre allows very intermittent use on a simple pay-as-you-go basis. So you could fund one sensor per month or per 2 months or per quarter; ie at whatever frequency you like. And worn on whatever part of your anatomy you wanted. Whereas each Dexcom transmitter should last 90 days, so I'd have a feeling of waste if there was a transmitter working, but no sensor!! That said my earlier post was just something that struck me - not even sure why it occurred to me.

What app did you finally decide to record your data on, if you are recording carbs from meals? Or perhaps you just keep a pen and paper record. I'm not clear if Dexcom One does actually link to Clarity; we do have a PC.

I use Nutracheck the free version but I use the barcode scanner the app has to check out carb content.

Dexcom said you need a computer so I haven't bothered with Clarity. I have a Dexcom One account set up so if I get a phone that is compatible I will be able to see my data on phone but I haven't decided regarding my phone atm hence the receiver.

The thing I do miss with Libre 2 is that I have a logbook of scans whereas the only way I would have the same thing with Dexcom One would be If I wrote down the time and reading from my sensor in a book.

I'm not sure if it's because the sensor is on my abdomen that I am having high readings compared to what I had with Libre. I may try back of my arm (if I am able to keep the second sensor they sent me in error) next time.

As the receiver I believe has a warranty of one year not sure if that's how long it lasts I have it if I wanted to swap between Libre and Dexcom One

 

[Bruce Stephens]

I'm not clear if Dexcom One does actually link to Clarity; we do have a PC.

I think it does. https://www.dexcom.com/en-GB/faqs/using-clarity-reporting-software?c=d1

 

[Lucyr]

I use Nutracheck the free version but I use the barcode scanner the app has to check out carb content.

Dexcom said you need a computer so I haven't bothered with Clarity. I have a Dexcom One account set up so if I get a phone that is compatible I will be able to see my data on phone but I haven't decided regarding my phone atm hence the receiver.

The thing I do miss with Libre 2 is that I have a logbook of scans whereas the only way I would have the same thing with Dexcom One would be If I wrote down the time and reading from my sensor in a book.

I'm not sure if it's because the sensor is on my abdomen that I am having high readings compared to what I had with Libre. I may try back of my arm (if I am able to keep the second sensor they sent me in error) next time.

As the receiver I believe has a warranty of one year not sure if that's how long it lasts I have it if I wanted to swap between Libre and Dexcom One

The receiver would likely last more than a year, just like a phone might come with a warranty of one year but work for 5. The transmitter will only work for 90 days once activated, regardless of whether you use another sensor or not.

 

[BadaBing]

I'm all in favour of NICE considering longer term reductions in complications and that was one of the considerations in recommending CGMs for everyone with T1.

I'm just not at all sure that that would support CGMs for everyone with T2. Maybe it would but I think it's unlikely. I can imagine it would support offering test strips (so SMBG) for everyone who wanted to use them, and maybe CGMs to at least some (perhaps those who wanted them and had some genetic or other factors increasing their chances of complications).

I just don’t buy the proposition that any diabetic - left to their own devices 95% of the time - can make proper decisions about their glycaemic control by pricking randomly their finger and doing a fingerstick test X times a day.

Sure, one might be able to test to see if one is genetically predisposed to get certain complications. But I understand such tests are expensive, and a perpetually cash-strapped NHS (or rather HM Treasury) isn't going to spend the money doing those kind of tests as a matter of routine.

80% of the entire NHS budget spent on diabetes is used treating preventable complications.

The recent data coming out of NICE suggests that keeping one's blood glucose within a defined range for 70% or more of the time lessens the risk of future complications/hospitalisations, etc.

And if those consequences happen the NHS has no choice but to spend money dealing with the aftermath. In many cases on an ongoing basis.

If the technology exists to help every diabetic achieve greater time in range, why not proactively give it to them and save money in the medium/long term?

The NHS is penny wise, pound foolish. A terrible accountant.

 

[Martin62]

This is just my thoughts and opinions on the above: I'm one of the above. I'm not ashamed of it.

By being proactive about managing my condition I decided to try a cgm (Dexcom One) having tried Libre 2 (flash gm).

Some people believe diabetics like myself not on insulin don't benefit from either cgm or flash gm; my question is how do they know? One gets out what one puts in. We're all different.

Whilst I realise that the NHS doesn't have a bottomless purse hence the strict criteria for receiving Libre 2, Dexcom etc on prescription. I understand the argument with regards to that however if someone is self funding it's no one's business whether someone has a cgm or flash gm and how they interpret the data. M

I had someone on a FB group appear to blame people like me because she couldn't get a supply of the Libre for a week . The admin put her right that how someone manages their condition is noone else's business and a pharmacist will sell if it's available.

I'm grateful that noone on the forum has been judgemental about what I have posted. Everyone has been most supportive and helpful responding to my posts which has helped my mental health for this I thank you.

This is just my thoughts and opinions on the above: I'm one of the above. I'm not ashamed of it.

By being proactive about managing my condition I decided to try a cgm (Dexcom One) having tried Libre 2 (flash gm).

Some people believe diabetics like myself not on insulin don't benefit from either cgm or flash gm; my question is how do they know? One gets out what one puts in. We're all different.

Whilst I realise that the NHS doesn't have a bottomless purse hence the strict criteria for receiving Libre 2, Dexcom etc on prescription. I understand the argument with regards to that however if someone is self funding it's no one's business whether someone has a cgm or flash gm and how they interpret the data. M

I had someone on a FB group appear to blame people like me because she couldn't get a supply of the Libre for a week . The admin put her right that how someone manages their condition is noone else's business and a pharmacist will sell if it's available.

I'm grateful that noone on the forum has been judgemental about what I have posted. Everyone has been most supportive and helpful responding to my posts which has helped my mental health for this I thank you.

Hi there, I'm type1 and before I managed to get libre on prescription, I was self funding , using the glucorx aidex sensors , they go on your abdomen. I had very good results with them, but I know a lot of people didn't, maybe worth a look ?
Kind regards
Martin

 

[HalfpipMarathon]

Hi there, I'm type1 and before I managed to get libre on prescription, I was self funding , using the glucorx aidex sensors , they go on your abdomen. I had very good results with them, but I know a lot of people didn't, maybe worth a look ?
Kind regards
Martin

Hi Martin

Unfortunately my phone is not compatible with GlucoRX app and although the sensors are cheaper it's not an option unless I either fork out for a second phone just for the app or downgrade my phone as doubt any new phones will be compatible.


Apparently if you can download the app and set up an email account the GlucoRX Aidex app should work but it's a risk ordering the starter pack not knowing for sure if this will work.


Dexcom provide a receiver for phones that don't support the app. The sensors which,if you want to buy individually, are £41.25 but only via phone as not on the website. Not sure how much the transmitter costs individually. Need to look as can't afford the three month bundle.

Yes the transmitter doesn't last as long as Aidex just 90 days.

 

[Deleted member 21371]

I just don’t buy the proposition that any diabetic - left to their own devices 95% of the time - can make proper decisions about their glycaemic control by pricking randomly their finger and doing a fingerstick test X times a day.

Sure, one might be able to test to see if one is genetically predisposed to get certain complications. But I understand such tests are expensive, and a perpetually cash-strapped NHS (or rather HM Treasury) isn't going to spend the money doing those kind of tests as a matter of routine.

80% of the entire NHS budget spent on diabetes is used treating preventable complications.

The recent data coming out of NICE suggests that keeping one's blood glucose within a defined range for 70% or more of the time lessens the risk of future complications/hospitalisations, etc.

And if those consequences happen the NHS has no choice but to spend money dealing with the aftermath. In many cases on an ongoing basis.

If the technology exists to help every diabetic achieve greater time in range, why not proactively give it to them and save money in the medium/long term?

The NHS is penny wise, pound foolish. A terrible accountant.

Many diabetics wouldn't make any decisions.
All you need to do is look on eBay to find prescribed test strips being sold, CGM's would go the same way.

When I used to work I mentioned I was type 2 to one of my customers, he said
"Do you need any strips, we're both prescribed them every month but don't test much", and showed me a draw full of them.

 

[42istheanswer]

It's really frustrating the number of people who just order everything on their prescription list whether they need it or not. My practice nurse said to me that people do that with lancets - there are 200 on one prescription as opposed to usually 50 test strips, but they still order the lancets every month too.... (I'm not sure why they don't just put the lancets on non-repeat so they have to be specifically requested but maybe they think that extra staff time would cost more?)

 

[BadaBing]

Many diabetics wouldn't make any decisions.
All you need to do is look on eBay to find prescribed test strips being sold, CGM's would go the same way.

When I used to work I mentioned I was type 2 to one of my customers, he said
"Do you need any strips, we're both prescribed them every month but don't test much", and showed me a draw full of them.

That is very naughty, as well as most likely being fraudulent.

And presumably these people will regret if they find later in life on their eyesight deteriorates or appendages have to be removed.

I also assume such laissez faire is a result of clinicians not making it crystal clear to their patients what the consequences are of not maintaining good glycaemic control.

 

[Drummer]

I just don’t buy the proposition that any diabetic - left to their own devices 95% of the time - can make proper decisions about their glycaemic control by pricking randomly their finger and doing a fingerstick test X times a day.

I managed it - but I have always been a logical and scientific thinker. In fact I found it very easy to discover that almost all foods over 10% carbs were difficult to deal with if I ate a normal portion, that I needed to restrict legumes as I seem to extract more carbs than the value given, and then I was no longer diabetic. Job done.

 

[Deleted member 21371]

That is very naughty, as well as most likely being fraudulent.

And presumably these people will regret if they find later in life on their eyesight deteriorates or appendages have to be removed.

I also assume such laissez faire is a result of clinicians not making it crystal clear to their patients what the consequences are of not maintaining good glycaemic control.

Poor assumptions there.

 

[NotWorriedAtAll]

It's really frustrating the number of people who just order everything on their prescription list whether they need it or not. My practice nurse said to me that people do that with lancets - there are 200 on one prescription as opposed to usually 50 test strips, but they still order the lancets every month too.... (I'm not sure why they don't just put the lancets on non-repeat so they have to be specifically requested but maybe they think that extra staff time would cost more?)

I changed my lancet today when I realised I was getting sore fingers. I have had one 200 pack since I was given my monitor - the date on the pack is 19/04/19 - it is still 2/3 full.

 

[rebrascora]

I was considering asking for the lancets on my repeat list to be removed next time I have a review because I don't plan to live 200+years and I am a member of the St Swithin's Day club!