Using DexCom G4 CGM with MM 723 pump Options

[TonyK]

I just started using the G4 this week after using the MM CGM for two years. For some reason the MM sensors just stopped working for me. The accuracy went out the window and they would only last 2-3 days with some lasting only a few hours before I would have to change it. My Endo recommended the G4 and here are my initial observations. The G4 takes up less real estate on my abdomen than the MM, however, the G4 stands taller which means greater visibility through a thin shirt such as a T shirt. Insertion was much easier and absolutely no pain, I didn't even feel it. the MM harpoon was usually painful and sometimes would not insert all the way, even with a new inserter=more pain. The G4 does seem to catch lows quicker than MM at least for me so far. The color screen is great but you will have to carry an additional item, the receiver, because the G4 does not communicate with the MM pump. So far this has not been a problem, the receiver is about the size of the original IPOD Nano and looks just like it, maybe a little bigger. The receiver does come with a case that clips to your belt. Each sensor has an inserter already attached and it's very easy to use. Another feature I like is that the range of the transmitter is advertised as 20 feet to the receiver and so far this is accurate. I have left the receiver in the kitchen and went out to shovel snow and my wife said that the antennae signal showed that they were still in range. The distance was about 25 feet. What makes this nice is that you don't need to keep the receiver on you when your in the house, unless of course you live in a sprawling mansion. Did I mention the bright color screen?
The accuracy is dead on most times exactly what my meter, Contour Next Link, is reading, the most they have differed is 2 mg/dl. The MM sensors were going anywhere from 20 to 100 mg/dl off. It's only been a few days but I think this is going to work out well, beginners luck, maybe.
Tony

[gigem99]

Great review! Many thanks. I really wanted to talk to the Dexcom folks at the ADA Expo, but they were a no-show (IMG:style_emoticons/default/angry.gif) . I still can't figure out why.

I hope it continues working well for you.

Tom

[Mike G]

The accuracy is dead on most times exactly what my meter, Contour Next Link, is reading, the most they have differed is 2 mg/dl. The MM sensors were going anywhere from 20 to 100 mg/dl off. It's only been a few days but I think this is going to work out well, beginners luck, maybe.
Tony

Yikes - that is pretty awesome - the MM CGMS is a rarity to be dead on - at least for me. Does Dexcom reset the value to the latest calibration? Drives me nuts that the MM doesn't do that. Seems there might be a market for a device that reads the Dexcom and converts it to a MM readable signal!!!

[TonyK]

Yikes - that is pretty awesome - the MM CGMS is a rarity to be dead on - at least for me. Does Dexcom reset the value to the latest calibration? Drives me nuts that the MM doesn't do that. Seems there might be a market for a device that reads the Dexcom and converts it to a MM readable signal!!!

That's a good question. I didn't notice, I will check at my next calibration.
Tony

[Ralph]

I just started using the G4 this week after using the MM CGM for two years. For some reason the MM sensors just stopped working for me. The accuracy went out the window and they would only last 2-3 days with some lasting only a few hours before I would have to change it. My Endo recommended the G4 and here are my initial observations. The G4 takes up less real estate on my abdomen than the MM, however, the G4 stands taller which means greater visibility through a thin shirt such as a T shirt. Insertion was much easier and absolutely no pain, I didn't even feel it. the MM harpoon was usually painful and sometimes would not insert all the way, even with a new inserter=more pain. The G4 does seem to catch lows quicker than MM at least for me so far. The color screen is great but you will have to carry an additional item, the receiver, because the G4 does not communicate with the MM pump. So far this has not been a problem, the receiver is about the size of the original IPOD Nano and looks just like it, maybe a little bigger. The receiver does come with a case that clips to your belt. Each sensor has an inserter already attached and it's very easy to use. Another feature I like is that the range of the transmitter is advertised as 20 feet to the receiver and so far this is accurate. I have left the receiver in the kitchen and went out to shovel snow and my wife said that the antennae signal showed that they were still in range. The distance was about 25 feet. What makes this nice is that you don't need to keep the receiver on you when your in the house, unless of course you live in a sprawling mansion. Did I mention the bright color screen?
The accuracy is dead on most times exactly what my meter, Contour Next Link, is reading, the most they have differed is 2 mg/dl. The MM sensors were going anywhere from 20 to 100 mg/dl off. It's only been a few days but I think this is going to work out well, beginners luck, maybe.
Tony

Sounds good! Does anyone have any info about using a iPhone as receiver for the Dexcon sensor? There was a video clip on the net recently that implied that the Dexcom unit could be used with smart phones. Whats up with that?

[TonyK]

That's a good question. I didn't notice, I will check at my next calibration.
Tony

Unfortunately the answer is no. I did several calibrations and they just calibrate the sensor.

[Pumped]

Yikes - that is pretty awesome - the MM CGMS is a rarity to be dead on - at least for me. Does Dexcom reset the value to the latest calibration? Drives me nuts that the MM doesn't do that. Seems there might be a market for a device that reads the Dexcom and converts it to a MM readable signal!!!

That sounds like a great idea. My pump will reach its four year mark in Nov and I checking out replacements. I've been researching the Veo or Vibe - which may or may not be available in Nov. So far the Medtronic's seems to be the pump and Dexcom the CGM. A conversation device would awesome.