Which CGM is best?

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Mary Lou

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Type 1
My son is 17 with Type 1. He currently has a Medtronic Pump 640g. We are trying to research all the CGM options but feeling a bit overwhelmed and confused! We have looked on line at Freestyle Libre, DexCom and now the Guardian sensor that’s works with Metronic. We are not certain of any NHS funding for it at present. Is there any clear overview of pros and cons for all the different things out there? Any advice would be gratefully received. Thank you
 
Libre is easier to get funded, depending on where you are based.

Guardian Sensors - I'm now using these, they work wonderful & work with my 670G in auto-mode
Dexcom G6 - Accurate, no calibrations, lots of errors but worked well when it did.
 
I've variously tried Libre, Enlite, Guardian and Dexcom G6 and, for me, the Dexcom was far and away the best overall. On paper, the Medtronic sensors should have been the best fit because of the integration with my 640G but I found their accuracy (compared with fingerstick) to be very variable, and they are very fiddly to apply.

The Dexcom is very easy to work with and I've found the sensor readings to be very close to finger tests.

I think others have not been so enthusiastic about the Dexcom so, like a lot of things diabetic, it might be down to what works best for you.
 
Someone I know who has a great deal of experience with CGM over the years always says (in a Harry Potter style), “The sensor chooses the person!”

For reasons which will never be altogether clear, different sensor technologies just seem to suit some people’s skin/body chemistry etc better than others.

Libre and Dexcom offer relatively affordable starter packs at about £150 a pop, but getting started and trying out Medtronic Guardian 3 sensors will cost quite a bit more - though if they do work you would have access to the amazing support of Smartguard, which makes a significant difference to my BG outcomes, confidence and quality of life.

unfortunately the only way to know, is to try them for yourselves.
 
Thanks for the comments so far. They have been helpful. Is the Medtronic Guardian the only system that automatically links to the pump to adjust insulin levels or does the Libre and DexCom do that with other models of pumps?
 
Mary Lou said:
Thanks for the comments so far. They have been helpful. Is the Medtronic Guardian the only system that automatically links to the pump to adjust insulin levels or does the Libre and DexCom do that with other models of pumps?
Click to expand...
Dexcom and Tslim ^^
 
Mary Lou said:
Thanks for the comments so far. They have been helpful. Is the Medtronic Guardian the only system that automatically links to the pump to adjust insulin levels or does the Libre and DexCom do that with other models of pumps?
Click to expand...

There are main 3 commercially available 'hybrid closed loop' (semi-automation) products currently available and several more waiting in the wings, plus the 'homegrown' options.

Medtronic MM670G and Guardian 3 Sensors
Medtronic MM640G (older) and Guardian 3 Sensors (or older Enlites)

TSlim and Dexcom G6

Also there are 'homespun' #wearenotwaiting options using Libre or Dexcom such as Loop and AAPS (Android Artificial Pancreas System) generally called 'looping' - https://www.diabettech.com/looping-a-guide/what-is-it/

There are also rumours of future integration between Eversense and Roche, and Omnipod and Libre. Plus there's newcomer Medtrum (but I'm not sure if they offer a hybrid closed loop yet)

It's a fast moving world and quite hard to keep up! If you are intrerested look out for social media coverage of 'Rise of the Machines 3' later in the year on Twitter etc. https://www.diabettech.com/events/t1d-rise-of-the-machines/
 
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