Sarah Howard
Sarah Howard (nee Tackett) has dedicated her career to supporting the T1D community ever since she was diagnosed with T1D while in college in May 2013. Since then, she has worked for various diabetes organizations, focusing on research, advocacy, and community-building efforts for people with T1D and their loved ones. Sarah is currently the Senior Manager of Marketing at T1D Exchange.
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I’m happy with the Freestyle Libre (have been using it for the past three years), and particularly like its thin form factor, and am keen to try the Freestyle Libre 2 as soon as it becomes available. There are recent reports/rumors that smart watches (Apple Watch 7, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4) may be getting non-invasive blood glucose monitoring abilities later this year. Not having to change a sensor every two weeks would be a real game changer, though it will be interesting to see what accuracy these watches provide. https://www.techradar.com/news/apple-watch-7-and-samsung-galaxy-watch-4-both-could-get-potentially-life-saving-new-feature
I also use Freestyle 14 and have been happy with it. All it lacks is an alarm feature.
I loved the G5, particularly because I could routinely get at least two weeks out of the sensors — it was actually more accurate the second week of use than during the first, even though one is only supposed to use it one week. But regardless of being happy with the G5, I’ve been forced to switch to the G6 now because the G5 is discontinued. I faced some ridiculousness when I was denied the ability to get G6-compatible transmitters to go with the G6 sensors I was forced to order. I was denied the transmitter simply because I had remaining time on my previous G5 transmitter order, but that transmitter would not work with the new sensors that I was eligible to order. Crazy stupid. Dexcom did give me another four G5 sensors for free (they aren’t much use to Dexcom now anyway!), but if I hadn’t been able to get the G6 transmitter through another avenue, I would have been left with no cushion of time between CGM orders, which I need to feel comfortable, since I have had ordering problems in the past. I would never want to face having no CGM because of a gap in ordering (which did happen one time in the past).
I love using the G6. It takes some of the fatigue away from constantly having to check your bs. The only issue is the way insurance companies allow distributors to send them out. I had to trick my current sensor into another 10 days. The reason why, my insurance company isn’t verifying that yes I do have that insurance so they can send them out to me. They should allow for 1-2 more than you need in an order period for any issues. Thankfully Dexcom is great in getting a new sensor or transmitter out quickly if they malfunction.
I was so tired and stressed out with not being able to get Dexcom supplies when I needed them that I switched to the Libre2. I wish I had switched earlier. I no longer have problems getting supplies. I also save a bundle of money. Dexcom prices are outrageous in comparison.
I am currently using Dexcom G6. I like it the best so far. I have previously used two others listed, G5 and a Medtronic Guardian in 2018.
I’m relatively new to using a CGM. I just received my second shipment from Dexcom G6. I am a long term T1D (77 years) and resisted having a second item attached to my body. However I really do like having the continuous ability to know where I am blood sugar wise. Now that I live in a retirement community and some else is doing the cooking, it’s the number of carbs to put in my pump is my biggest problem!!
Other: Abbott’s Freestyle Libre 2
I currently don’t have a cgm insurance doesn’t cover it but I here my insurance will cover it starting in April
I have the Medtronic Enlite.
Libre2 is easy accurate and much cheaper than anything Dexcom has in the market in USA right now. I was with Dexcom for 8 years before switching.