I am ready for ENLITE!, 3 problem sensors in a row Options

[Linda B]

I am so frustrated! I have been using sof-sensors for as long as they have been available with a minimum of problems. This week is a record.

First I hit a bleeder when inserting a sensor. This was the kind where the blood flows up through the sensor and bubbles out so fast that there is no way to stop it besides pulling the sensor. I tried pressure, but I knew from experience (this only happened twice before) that I would have to pull it.
The second sensor went in fine, but started bleeding through the tape on the second day. The readings were wild - the ISIG would vary dramatically making it impossible to calibrate properly. The ISIG was a roller coaster - varying from 8 to 30 within a couple of SG cycles. I got a cal error, tried to restart, but the erratic readings made it impossible to use.

So I pulled that one and inserted the third one in 4 days. All was well, I was able to calibrate after it had been inserted for about 6 hours (I never do it at 2 hours, my sensors take longer than that to get 'wet'). It went all night without problem. Yesterday when I was sitting at my computer it went through the nonsense where it gave a weak signal for no good reason that would not resolve on it's own (I waited for it to alarm twice), I would tell it to reconnect and it did so without a problem, but of course it then goes through another 2 hour start up. It did that TWICE last evening. It has been fine since then, but I am dreading another weak signal.

Boy, do I wish we had the Enlite!

Linda B.

[Liz]

I am so frustrated! I have been using sof-sensors for as long as they have been available with a minimum of problems. This week is a record.

First I hit a bleeder when inserting a sensor. This was the kind where the blood flows up through the sensor and bubbles out so fast that there is no way to stop it besides pulling the sensor. I tried pressure, but I knew from experience (this only happened twice before) that I would have to pull it.
The second sensor went in fine, but started bleeding through the tape on the second day. The readings were wild - the ISIG would vary dramatically making it impossible to calibrate properly. The ISIG was a roller coaster - varying from 8 to 30 within a couple of SG cycles. I got a cal error, tried to restart, but the erratic readings made it impossible to use.

So I pulled that one and inserted the third one in 4 days. All was well, I was able to calibrate after it had been inserted for about 6 hours (I never do it at 2 hours, my sensors take longer than that to get 'wet'). It went all night without problem. Yesterday when I was sitting at my computer it went through the nonsense where it gave a weak signal for no good reason that would not resolve on it's own (I waited for it to alarm twice), I would tell it to reconnect and it did so without a problem, but of course it then goes through another 2 hour start up. It did that TWICE last evening. It has been fine since then, but I am dreading another weak signal.

Boy, do I wish we had the Enlite!

Linda B.

I've had sensors blled after they had been in for awhile. Most of the they would be fine but I've had a couple that went crazy. I don't think it was the blood itself but probably the action that caused the blood in the first place - banging it up against something, getting it caught on clothing etc. The sensor must have moved and there was no recovering it from it.

I just finally ordered new sensors. My last order had been July 2010 and those sensors had a Nov 2010 expiration date. The last bunch I've used worked well but died after 6-7 days without fail. A few I tried to restart after changing the transmitter but they wouldn't work. I just put a new one in yesterday, from the expired stock, and I'll see how it goes. It hass been working great so far but I'm not hopeful that it will go more than a week. I'll try a new one next time and see if there's a difference. I only have a few expired ones left.

I've been lucky so far and have never had to pull a sensor right after insertion because it bled too much. I have also had sensors that gave false weak signals and restarted a bunch of times. I had a number of those in a row 2 years ago and thought it was my transmitter but it kept happening even after I ordered a new transmitter. I think that lot of sensors may have had a problem.

I'm still pretty happy with the Sof-sensors. I'm always wary of new things and wonder what I'd do if the Enlite sensors don't work for me? If that happened I think I would try the Dexcom even though I hate the thought of a separate receiver. I'm not willing to use the Animas pump, especially since the Dexcom transmitter that works with it automatically dies after 6 months. Getting insurance to approve a transmitter every few years can be hard enough; I wouldn't want to have to do it twice a year.

[Bob2]

Linda,

I have a question, if the GCMS sensors are such a pain in the behind why go thru all the problems. Why wouldn't regular BG tests be sufficent?
Inquireing minds would like to know. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/Please.gif)

[gigem99]

Linda,

I have a question, if the GCMS sensors are such a pain in the behind why go thru all the problems. Why wouldn't regular BG tests be sufficent?
Inquireing minds would like to know. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/Please.gif)

I can't speak for Linda, but I'll add my 2 cents worth. It is kind of a pain/benefit deal. The benefits of the CGM far outweigh the pain they are. When I decided to get serious about my DM, I started testing 6-7 times a day, but my A1c was still 9.8.

Within a few months of going on the CGM, my A1c had dropped to 6.2, I think. My most recent was a little worse than that, but being able to see real-time trends is invaluable to me. If I see that I'm at 170, I'll take a one unit correction without testing. In a similar fashion, if I see I am at 85 with a down arrow, I'm breaking out the jellybellies.

Plus, I'm testing a lot less. I typically test around 3 times a day - it's definitely not recommended, but it works for me.

Tom

[Linda B]

Linda,

I have a question, if the GCMS sensors are such a pain in the behind why go thru all the problems. Why wouldn't regular BG tests be sufficent?
Inquireing minds would like to know. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/Please.gif)

The sensors are NOT usually a problem. That's why I wrote my message!

When they work, they are WONDERFUL. With CGMS my A1C went from 7.5 to 6.6. But the more important thing is that my standard deviation decreased significantly. In lay terms what that means is that all of the BG number making up my average BG are in a relatively close range. I am between 80 and 170 90% of the time with the CGMS. I seldom go above 200 because I have an alarm set for 160. When the alarm goes off, I do a finger stick to get an up to the second accurate measure of my BG and then I do a correction if the pump tells me to. This allows me to be back to normal before my next meal almost 100% of the time. Without the CGMS that was not true. I would not always test between meals, and would often be higher than I wanted to be when it was time to eat again.

The CGMS is an excellent additional tool to keep your control as tight as possible without risking hypos. It's not impossible to have a low, but it is much less likely because the CGMS alarms when I am trending low. I have the alarm set for 80 because there is a slight lag time between the sensor number and the actual BG. When I get a low alarm, I can see the previous numbers and know if I am stable at 80 or if I am heading for a low. I take the appropriate action and eliminate almost all lows that way. It also wakes me up during the night if I go low - that alone is worth the inconvenience of a bleed once in awhile or a sensor that gets incorrect weak signals.

Linda B.

[Manxman]

My HBA1C's hover around 6%, and I have NEVER used a CGM. After all of the negative posts regarding the use, pain, and the expense of this technology, I can't imagine why anyone bothers to pay such a fortune in monthly expense for so little value. I don't WANT A1C's any lower than mine, and certainly would not pay for the added cost and pain to use this added stuff. I feel sorry for anyone who actually believes that they need the CGM hardware and associated discomfort and pain in order to survive.

The OCD crowd is the obvious target for this market, but if the victims would just pay more attention to the need for BG tests, the "need" for the extra hardware, that only alerts you to "trends", would be far less important.

For those, like me, whose insurance won't pay for the CGM materials, don't worry about it. You really don't need it.

[gigem99]

... I can't imagine why anyone bothers to pay such a fortune in monthly expense for so little value. ...

....For those, like me, whose insurance won't pay for the CGM materials, don't worry about it. You really don't need it.....

You really don't need a pump, either. However, it is a valuable & convenient tool for most of us. The same is true of the CGM. I get more than a 'little value'. The trade-off for me is great.

This, as most things diabetical, is a huge YMMV deal. Please don't attempt to demean those of us who find the technology invaluable.

Tom

[Liz]

My HBA1C's hover around 6%, and I have NEVER used a CGM. After all of the negative posts regarding the use, pain, and the expense of this technology, I can't imagine why anyone bothers to pay such a fortune in monthly expense for so little value. I don't WANT A1C's any lower than mine, and certainly would not pay for the added cost and pain to use this added stuff. I feel sorry for anyone who actually believes that they need the CGM hardware and associated discomfort and pain in order to survive.

The OCD crowd is the obvious target for this market, but if the victims would just pay more attention to the need for BG tests, the "need" for the extra hardware, that only alerts you to "trends", would be far less important.

For those, like me, whose insurance won't pay for the CGM materials, don't worry about it. You really don't need it.

Excuse me, but you don't know what I (or anyone else here) needs. Sure, I could test my BG 18-22 times a day which I did often before I had CGMS. For people who are hypo unaware the CGMS can be a lifesaver, literally.

If we all posted things like: "I inserted a sensor on Tuesday and didn't feel a thing. It's been very comfortable and accurate. I've only tested my BG 3 times daily instead of 15", these boards would be a lot busier. In general, people post about problems. Sure, sometimes people post when they have an exceptionally good sensor working or if they can extend the life of one for a long time, but mostly we don't.

"The OCD crowd"?

[Manxman]

And as usual on forums, there is an exaggerated overreaction from the people who are prone to such things. My comments about not needing a CGM were obviously aimed at anyone whose insurance won't cover it.

If you believe that you absolutely need something, then your belief makes it true. But the converse is equally true. I did not demean anybody. I merely reassured the people who can't get a CGM that intelligent use of their pump makes it unnecessary.

The people who feel "demeaned" by my comments seem to believe that they are the only members here, and that their opinions are the only ones that have meaning. They are wrong.

[Tomster]

And as usual on forums, there is an exaggerated overreaction from the people who are prone to such things. My comments about not needing a CGM were obviously aimed at anyone whose insurance won't cover it.

If you believe that you absolutely need something, then your belief makes it true. But the converse is equally true. I did not demean anybody. I merely reassured the people who can't get a CGM that intelligent use of their pump makes it unnecessary.

The people who feel "demeaned" by my comments seem to believe that they are the only members here, and that their opinions are the only ones that have meaning. They are wrong.

With respect 'Manxman' I completely disagree with your assessment of the value of the CGM.

I've had Type I for 18 years. In that time I've developed hypoglycemia unawareness. For example, in the past week I felt hypoglycemicat 88 and 48 hours later the same symptoms did not occur until I'd dropped down to 34. With a CGM and properly set alerts I'd not be forced to rely upon unpredictable symptoms to begin treatment.

Secondly, I've experienced gastroparesis for the last 9 years. With this, the rate at which a meal is digested and glucose begins to enter the blood stream is unpredictable. One would think that eating an identical menu coupled with accurate knowledge of insulin sensitivity would overcome the vagus nerve damage and allow for adequate control. I tried that for weeks, carefully tacking BG levels at identical times before and after meals. The standard deviation of post meal BG readings ranged from 42 to 89 mg/dl. Combining the various insulin deliver modalities with CGM has provided me with the ability to better understand what is happening and to modify treatments accordingly. Without a CGM I'd lack sufficient data to make an intelligent and informed decision for future treatments.

Third, the expense of utilizing CGM devices is not trivial. However, for me a careful cost benefit analysis indicates that it is appropriate for me and the cost of the device is more than offset by the benefits of better glucose control and ultimately better health.

[Manxman]

With respect 'Manxman' I completely disagree with your assessment of the value of the CGM.

I've had Type I for 18 years. In that time I've developed hypoglycemia unawareness. For example, in the past week I felt hypoglycemicat 88 and 48 hours later the same symptoms did not occur until I'd dropped down to 34. With a CGM and properly set alerts I'd not be forced to rely upon unpredictable symptoms to begin treatment.

Secondly, I've experienced gastroparesis for the last 9 years. With this, the rate at which a meal is digested and glucose begins to enter the blood stream is unpredictable. One would think that eating an identical menu coupled with accurate knowledge of insulin sensitivity would overcome the vagus nerve damage and allow for adequate control. I tried that for weeks, carefully tacking BG levels at identical times before and after meals. The standard deviation of post meal BG readings ranged from 42 to 89 mg/dl. Combining the various insulin deliver modalities with CGM has provided me with the ability to better understand what is happening and to modify treatments accordingly. Without a CGM I'd lack sufficient data to make an intelligent and informed decision for future treatments.

Third, the expense of utilizing CGM devices is not trivial. However, for me a careful cost benefit analysis indicates that it is appropriate for me and the cost of the device is more than offset by the benefits of better glucose control and ultimately better health.

Tomster,

If you believe that you need the CGM, then it is true for you. I sympathize with your large array of added complications with your Diabetes, and I can see that the CGM has value for you whether or not you must pay out-of-pocket for it. But, if you do not have insurance coverage for the device and you couldn't pay for it otherwise, I don't believe that your death is the alternative. Shortening the time between routine BG tests would also work and cost less.

My own experience with Diabetes is 3.5 times longer than yours (63 years), and I don't have your added complications, but do have other complications that are unique to me. But after reading all posts concerning the currently available CGM hardware from MM, even if I had insurance coverage for the CGM, I would not use it.

For those who believe that they need it, and who can afford it in any fashion, congratulations. For those in other circumstances, it just means that you might have to work a little harder to stay safe. No big deal.

[Arlene S.]

And as usual on forums, there is an exaggerated overreaction from the people who are prone to such things. My comments about not needing a CGM were obviously aimed at anyone whose insurance won't cover it.

If you believe that you absolutely need something, then your belief makes it true. But the converse is equally true. I did not demean anybody. I merely reassured the people who can't get a CGM that intelligent use of their pump makes it unnecessary.

The people who feel "demeaned" by my comments seem to believe that they are the only members here, and that their opinions are the only ones that have meaning. They are wrong.

"The OCD crowd" is not demeaning? You could've fooled me.

[Kevin R.]

I have hypoglycemic unawareness and am a very brittle diabetic. I'll spare you all my stories but would like to say CGM is a love-hate relationship with me. I am very slim and muscular and have only one place on each side of me I can insert into. It is very uncomfortable at times to insert the SOF-SENSOR. I am hopeful the ENLITE sensors are available soon to make insertion more easy and also to give me a few more areas where I can insert if possible.
The accuracy of the BG readings is not as important to me as is the alarms when BG levels are falling rapidly. It has saved me countless times and been a great tool for me to manage this condition and gain better control of my life.
CGM is not a substitute for finger sticks with me as I do checks several times daily, but for some people like me it was and is a life saver. Can I live without it? Sure I can , but in my case for how long? and what quality of life would I have?
There are some whose condition is more complex than others and I for one am thankful for this technology and am looking forward to the new sensors.

[mollygolly]

My HBA1C's hover around 6%, and I have NEVER used a CGM. After all of the negative posts regarding the use, pain, and the expense of this technology, I can't imagine why anyone bothers to pay such a fortune in monthly expense for so little value. I don't WANT A1C's any lower than mine, and certainly would not pay for the added cost and pain to use this added stuff. I feel sorry for anyone who actually believes that they need the CGM hardware and associated discomfort and pain in order to survive.

The OCD crowd is the obvious target for this market, but if the victims would just pay more attention to the need for BG tests, the "need" for the extra hardware, that only alerts you to "trends", would be far less important.

For those, like me, whose insurance won't pay for the CGM materials, don't worry about it. You really don't need it.

Manxman you need to broaden your acceptance that not all people's experiences are the same as yours. I too have been offended by a reply you gave to one of my posts in the past. Perhaps if you want others on hear to listen to your opinions maybe try not demeaning their choices as unnecessary. I personally use the CGM on my DD out of pocket and find it more useful than the pump in as far as keeping her sugars in a normal range. If I had to pick between the pump and the CGM, the CGM would win...but of course that is just my opinion!

[Mike G]

"The OCD crowd" is not demeaning? You could've fooled me.

Agreed - if CGM makes me OCD - then bring it - frankly - I would need a lot more OCD to maintain my A1C's without it! It's a lifesaver.

[gigem99]

.... If I had to pick between the pump and the CGM, the CGM would win...

This is exactly my position. In fact, the only reason I have the pump is because I saw the CGM demo'd at an ADA convention, and decided I had to have it - the pump just kind of came along with it.

I remember when my kids were younger, I refereed a lot of soccer matches (OK, football for the rest of the world). I always had 2 lemon drops in my mouth. When I had to blow my whistle, inevitably, I had a lemon drop stuck to the mouthpiece of my whistle. If I'd have had a CGM at that time, I probably wouldn't have felt a need to always be sucking on the things!

[Tomster]

Tomster,

If you believe that you need the CGM, then it is true for you. I sympathize with your large array of added complications with your Diabetes, and I can see that the CGM has value for you whether or not you must pay out-of-pocket for it. But, if you do not have insurance coverage for the device and you couldn't pay for it otherwise, I don't believe that your death is the alternative. Shortening the time between routine BG tests would also work and cost less.

My own experience with Diabetes is 3.5 times longer than yours (63 years), and I don't have your added complications, but do have other complications that are unique to me. But after reading all posts concerning the currently available CGM hardware from MM, even if I had insurance coverage for the CGM, I would not use it.

For those who believe that they need it, and who can afford it in any fashion, congratulations. For those in other circumstances, it just means that you might have to work a little harder to stay safe. No big deal.

I appreciate and respect your experience.

One aspect of this challenging disease is that each patient's approach to management must be tailored based on their unique needs. Some do just fine without a CGM, others find it a useful adjunct to effective therapy while yet others (in conjunction with the advice of their medical team) find it a necessity. Personally, I bounce between the latter two groups.

When the Dexcom CGM first came to market,on the advice of my health care team I chose to purchase one. At the time my insurer did not cover it, hwoever Dexcom had a low introductory price. The purchase was based not because I'm obsessive/compulsive, but rather because hypoglycemic unawareness was becoming a problem that was difficult to manage. During waking hours frequent testing worked just fine, but at some point you have to sleep and maintaining the frequency of testing I was using while awake was impossible at night. I was also happily in a position financially to be able to write a check for the initial cost and the subsequent purchase of sensors. Later on my finances changed and I was unable to afford keeping it.

Just like any other tool, sometimes when you need it nothing else will do and at others something else is more appropriate.

[mere]

My HBA1C's hover around 6%, and I have NEVER used a CGM. After all of the negative posts regarding the use, pain, and the expense of this technology, I can't imagine why anyone bothers to pay such a fortune in monthly expense for so little value. I don't WANT A1C's any lower than mine, and certainly would not pay for the added cost and pain to use this added stuff. I feel sorry for anyone who actually believes that they need the CGM hardware and associated discomfort and pain in order to survive.

The OCD crowd is the obvious target for this market, but if the victims would just pay more attention to the need for BG tests, the "need" for the extra hardware, that only alerts you to "trends", would be far less important.

For those, like me, whose insurance won't pay for the CGM materials, don't worry about it. You really don't need it.

My insurance does not cover my sensors, but I truly believe that I wouldn't have the quality of life that I do if I did not use it or maybe even worse - I dould be dead. I used to have to wake up every 2hours during the night to test for low blood sugar and now with the sensors, I can sleep through the night and rely on the low alarms....This has literally changed my life. I didn't sleep through the night for over ten years. I literally feel like a different person. As well, I LOVE to run, but had given it up when diagnosed with Type One at age 29 because I had a hard time being able to tell when I had dangerously low blood sugar. This is increasingly harder to predict for me when exercising heavily. Having a sensor allows me to predict how my run will go - or how a presentation will go at work or if I am going to make it through a meeting becuase I can look at the "trends"....I used to have to test up to 20 times per day. I just wanted to put in my two cents as well on this because we all make choices - and no I am not rich, but my priority is my quality of life and having the CGMS has increased this for me. So, I am a little offended by you telling people to "don't worry about it".

Meredith

[bkh]

My HBA1C's hover around 6%, and I have NEVER used a CGM. After all of the negative posts regarding the use, pain, and the expense of this technology, I can't imagine why anyone bothers to pay such a fortune in monthly expense for so little value.

Hi, Manxman. Let me explain why I pay for it. But first some background so you can see where I'm coming from. I got type 1 about 8 years ago, at age 52. Tests showed a clear autoimmune basis, which is why they called it type 1. And 5 years ago a C-peptide test showed that I don't make any insulin at all. I used multiple daily injections for about 7 years, and really enjoyed the freedom of not being tethered to a pump.

But a routine experience was "Hmm, I don't feel quite right. Better take a measurement. Oops, 62. Time for glucose." Another routine experience: "Well, how much insulin do I take for this restaurant meal? Lets try 18u. And two hours later the postprandial measurement says Oops, 243. Better take another 6 units and see what happens. An hour and a half later, the measurement is 281. Well, better take, say, another 8 units. Guess I'm going to bed late tonight...." So I got the Guardian CGM.

So now I can see the low coming *before* I go low, and take some anticipatory glucose to prevent it. And at meals out, I can check 40 minutes into the meal, and if I see it heading up sharply, I can add insulin before I go way high. And a half hour later I can add more if needed because I can see what is happening. Point measurements from a finger stick aren't informative enough for me to make these steering adjustments on the fly. With just the point measurements, it is a matter of doing some arithmetic to calculate a correction, and tweaking that based on a guess about whether I'm rising or falling and how fast. But with the CGM I can see the response as it happens (well, 20 minutes later...), so I can steer my blood glucose into a good range several hours earlier. I get to sleep.

About a year ago the Guardian started getting serious error codes, and anyway I was having trouble controlling the dawn effect without going low, so I got the pump. But I would give up the pump before I would give up the CGM, because the CGM enables me to spend more time in a good range, and less time in wild excursions. It's far from perfect --- I can only clip off about 2/3 of the excursions, not all of them. And it hasn't really changed my A1c, which was 5.2-5.9 before CGM, and now more like 5.4-5.7 .

To me, managing the excursions (and getting the early notification about lows whether I'm awake or asleep) makes it worth the cost and trouble. I suppose the alternative would be a low-low carb diet, but that's not my preference.

[johnnyh]

And as usual on forums, there is an exaggerated overreaction from the people who are prone to such things. My comments about not needing a CGM were obviously aimed at anyone whose insurance won't cover it.

If you believe that you absolutely need something, then your belief makes it true. But the converse is equally true. I did not demean anybody. I merely reassured the people who can't get a CGM that intelligent use of their pump makes it unnecessary.

The people who feel "demeaned" by my comments seem to believe that they are the only members here, and that their opinions are the only ones that have meaning. They are wrong.

I knew people would feel jealous about my ferarri, but seriously, now WE are taking flack for our CGMs? Just because you cannot get one, for whatever reason, does not give you any right to judge those of us that belong to the oh so cool club of CGM users. That said, CGM has allowed me to do some pretty crazy things with little to no inconvenience. For example, when you are out for a 26.2 mile run, it can be difficult to bust out my meter and strips every few miles. CGM shows me at a 170 and not trending down too hard, I am G2G my friend. The CGM is great, try using the google to catch up on some research. I am sorry your insurance will not help you with this, but that is no reason to bash us CGM club member, so cool. Now, if you would like to rant about your insurance, or possibly ask for advice or tips on how to get insurance to approve the CGM for you, these are things that we forum members can help you with. Now, I shall jump into my fararri, and watch the neighbors glare. If they only knew I had CGM too!!