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CGM users: Do your sensors typically last for their full approved session duration? If not, how many days early does your sensor fail or fall off, on average?
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Mine last the full session if I use additional bandaging. I usually have to change the bandaging halfway through the session, though. Once the bandage starts to peel up at the edges it can get caught on my clothes and tear out the sensor, too, but if I’m careful I can remove the bandage without pulling off the sensor and then put on a new bandage.
I currently use G6 Sensors. Generally I do get a full 10 days use out of the sensors. I previously used G4 (5 yrs), G5 (1yr) & currently G6 for 1.75 yrs. I have had occasional times & even periods of time needing replacement sensors which Dexcom has provided. Reasons have been bad placements, applicators which failed to release sensors, excessive bleeding upon placement & once in error a defective G6 transmitter required a new sensor. I would have been in a bad spot if Dexcom had not provided replacements. To Dexcom’s credit they were also very interested in details of failures for the occasional problems. Without Dexcom replacements I could not rely on usual method of bg control bc of Medicare rules. I understand the reason but the supply of new sensors is strictly controlled by those rules. When I prematurely need a sensor bc of Medicare time table I cannot simply order a new one. I could have long periods of going without sensors if Dexcom didn’t fill the gap. The use of the closed loop system of Tandem t:slim x2 & G6 would be nullified without sensors.
I went from G4 to G6 in April 2019. My sensors always last 10 and then I restart and get at least another 10 accurate days. I pop the transmitter out for 20 minutes and then start the sensor as though it is new. I take a picture of the code on my phone and enter that so I don’t have to calibrate twice a day. My record for useful days for one G4 sensor is 53, for G6 it is 30.
The key word here in the first answer choice is “usually.” I use Dexcom g6. Three or 4 times a year a sensor will act up in the last 36 hours. Mostly it’s a frequent loss of signal but just last week it was giving me crazy highs and lows. Dexcom always sends replacements.
Clare Fishman…how do you “pop the transmitter” out without removing the sensor?
Sensor duration is always the full time and more, for me. ADHESIVE duration OTOH is about 7 days max for a 10-day G6 sensor (and yes, I do use SkinTac). I almost always have to over-patch it to keep it going, and the patched don’t last that long either.
My sensors last the full 10 days. I use the Tegaderm overpatches that Dexcom provides at no charge to secure the sensor and I have not had a problem with loosening adhesive. To get the Tegaderm patches, contact Dexcom support.
I wear the Abbott Freestyle Libre 14 day sensor. It was coming loose, falling off, or simply not accurate towards the end of the cycle. The call for help brought me transparent tapes, complimentary from USMED, that keep in the sensor in place for the full 14 days. The reader will let me know when it is time to change or if the sensor has stopped working for some reason. I live alone so this CGM is a life saver 24/7/365.
I am lucky if I get the full 10 days from the sensor. Problems usually start a day or so before the 10 days with three — dashes instead of a number. It is frustrating to have to rely on finger sticks to make sure I am bolusing appropriately. My issue is probably because I am thin and don’t have much body fat when inserting a new sensor. I do use over patches that are supplied by Dexcom, free of charge and have no problem with them keeping the sensor in place. I am thrilled when I get a full 10 days. I use with a Tandem pump. When the sensor malfunctions I always get a replacement. Overall, I am happy with the closed loop system as it has made my dealing with T1d so much easier.
I usually go 20 days with my Dex6 or 4days with Guardian then tape begins to loosen at edges
I use the Dexcom G6 and I never have issues with the sensor falling off, but have only gotten it to last without sensor errors for the full 10 days once. It always gives me a sensor error, stops giving me readings or decides I’m below 40 no matter how many times I calibrate it. I’m lucky if I get 8 or 9 days in before one of those happens
My sensors last exactly the specified time, but not one minute more.
You asked about my CGM,nothing else. The sensors have worked as they’re supposed to do: for 10 days. And that’s when I change it (as long as I get my supplies).
It varies, and quite dramatically. My Guardian Sensor 3 sensors are intended to last 7 days. On the whole they last round about that many days. Having said that I did receive, what I believe were ‘faulty’ sensors, though Medtronic/MiniMed dispute this. They DID replace the sensors when I got in touch to complain that I’d gone through 4 sensors in 2 days. Of course, Medtronic/MiniMed asked me how long I’d been using a pump with their sensors, and whether they’d been inserted correctly, which they had, of course.
Occasionally the G6 will start giving me sensor errors on day 10, and I don’t get readings for a while. I think it stays accurate when I do get readings.
My sensors are fine. I on the other had have had issues with my transmitter stop working.
I use a G6 and typically get close to 20 days from each one, after restarting it. They’re quite accurate during the 2nd 10 days as well. (YouTube has lots of videos on how to do this.)
Sometimes get weird readings on last day and bizarre readings for the first 12 hours or so of the sensor. Pretty annoying. I used to hack the G5 to last longer. Not sure if it’s worth it with the G6 if the readings are off. I’ll check Youtube and see. Thanks for the tip.
OK… During the Summer my Dexcom G6 was always coming loose, even with the provided clear patches that extend the adhesive ability of the sensor. I ride a bike on hours long, fast bike rides in the heat of Summer when accurate readings are very important. I dealing with errant readings and loosely attached sensors all Summer. I wish there was a better solution for people, like me, who exercise and sweat a lot I’d be lucky to get 6 days out of a sensor in hot weather. Winter time I’m fine.
I’m encouraged by the people here that can extend their G6 sensors to work past 10 days, AWESOME! On average 2 out of every 3 G6 sensors I use start failing about 2 days before the 10 days are up. Dexcom is good with replacing them but I get tired of having to call them and get replacements alot! I also calibrate with finger sticks to check their accuracy and have been surprised at times how far off they can be, especially after I start getting error messages. I love the technology of the CGM’s and think they have lowered my diabetes stress levels immensely because I try to stay in the normal lower glucose levels and don’t worry about it until the alarms tell me to. I just think that if they promote the sensors to last 10 days then that should be the minimum of days they work.
I don’t usually have any issue with my sensors ending early. Yes, I have had a few over the years, but a quick call to Tandem & I get a replacement.
Usually my G6 last 10 days, but when not I restart them for only one or two days. Then they are not as accurate.
I use the Medtronic Sensor 3. Mostly, they last the full 7 days they are approved for. Occasionally they quit early. I will call and get a replacement. For the ones that last the full 7 days, I will recharge the transmitter and restart the sensor. I usually get an additional 3 to 7 days.
My G6 rarely makes it to 10 days. I call Technical Services so it is tracked. Maybe the label is too optimistic??
I use the Medtronic guardian 3 sensors. They usually last the full 7 day wear time but frequently become more inaccurate by the 7th day or start “updating” or fail in the last few hours.
I use the Dexcom 6 which usually lasts close to the 10 days it’s supposed to last. Every now and then I have a box of sensors that simply aren’t accurate, my Contour Next and the Dexcom are very different and despite calibration remain that way. I’ve talked to Dexcom about this and was told to call them immediately and have that sensor replaced. I now use only my arms since that site consistently gives me the best accuracy.