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CGM users: On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your current CGM? (5 = most satisfied, 1 = least satisfied)
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I am very satisfied with the accuracy of my CGM and how it has improved.
I chose 4 as I wish in an alternate reality they implanted one in you or you swallowed something instead. Trying to find the best body parts for insertion can be difficult at times.
You might want to look at Eversense cgm system – implantable by a HCP under the skin q 3 months, transmits BG readings to a reader.
https://www.ascensiadiabetes.com/eversense/eversense-cgm-system/
I chose 3. I use Medtronic and while the sensors are quite accurate for me, there are a number of things I dislike. They need to be changed weekly which is the shortest life of the 3 on the market. They need to be calibrated multiple times daily. The first day is ridiculous and I often end up going to bed knowing I will have to wake up in the middle of the night because it refuses to move to the 12 hour timer. Also, if you miss the calibration the readings stop.
By the next day my sensors almost always are on track and I trust the readings. They do always last a full 7 days but when I try to extend the life the accuracy is good only for another 1-3 days and then they drift farther away from my meter BGs, so it’s not worth it.
I too use Medtronic and calibration severable times a day.
I agree with most of what you’ve said, ma’am, apart from “They do always last a full 7 days.” Unfortunately, that’s NOT my experience with the Guardian 3 Sensors.
One other ‘problem’ is that even if I’ve treated a high blood glucose level, the pump insists on telling me that my blood glucose level is high … even when I have ‘active’ insulin onboard.
The best things, for me, is having the sensor ‘talk’ directly to the pump AND it stops me losing consciousness so often. (I’ve had hypoglycaemia unawarenes [hypoglycemia unawareness, as I’m making an assumption that you are one of my American sisters] for more than 20 years now and have been admitted to hospital on numerous occasions when people have found me unconsious.
I like the dexcom g6 a lot. Lately, though, I have been having problems with excessive bleeding upon insertion. Then after the 2 hour warmup, it doesn’t work and have t start over. Dexcom has been really good about replacing the sensor.
I use the Dexcom G6. I am very happy with everything just wish it transmitted directly to watch with out using the phone as an intermediary.
I wish the warm-up period was shorter. I’m very unhappy with the amount of waste per sensor. Accuracy is good (G6) for me. I wish the app gave me more control over alarms.
I agree
5 – Just switched to Dexcom G6 from Medtronic. Medtronic was awful in multiple ways, so I might be honeymooning here, but the Dexcom is like a dream come true. No fingersticks, no incessant calibration alarms, easy insertion, in-cred-ible accuracy. I could go on. I know there are things I’ll think of since anything can be improved, but right now I’m on cloud 9.
I use the Libre 2. Overnight & waking up accuracy need to be improved. Far too many finger sticks to verify numbers for my liking. I gave it a 3.
I use the 670g from Medtronic. Auto mode is amazing but still could be improved for high bgs sometimes. The warmup period is too long though. And I have a horrible issue with the sites bleeding when I put them in. I also miss Dexcom’s ten day period with less or no calibrations. Not because I mind the fingers ticks but because of the inconvenience of it.
i use G6 and Medtronic. with just Guardian Link, I would be 3, yet G6 brings value to 4. G6 reports too many abnormal low values (example 45 when pump and meter have 125). Usually there is more confidence with G6 unless BG falls for no apparent reason which is a weakly occurance
5 with Dexcom G6. I’m an easy push over. This beats boiling test tubes (to get orange, green or blue) by so much. It’s seismic proportions better. 😃🤸🌅
I vacillated between 3 and 4. I chose 4 because the Dexcom G6 combined with the Control IQ on the Tandem X2 is an incredibly accurate system, and quite an improvement from previous versions. I almost chose number 3 because I was unable to use the G6 app on my Samsung A71 phone. I kept loosing the transmitter and had to stop using the phone app (wasted money on buying the phone). Also, I still run short from time to time on length of the sensor (last one stopped working after 6 days). I agree with others, that 2 hour warm up usually occurs at times when I really need to know what my blood sugar level is. Previously used the Medtronic CGM and found it to be inaccurate. However, as many of us, the CGM I’m using is lightyears better than the old days, when there were no blood tests, no insulin pumps, and no CGM’s. So, it’s hard to complain. Life is good.
I was one of the first owners of the Abbott Freestyle Libre 14 day. Since this was my first cgm, I was and still am very pleased with less fingersticks . However I am having trouble with the sensor lasting 14 days. It seems to give up in accuracy and corrected by a change of sensors. So from day 10 I keep an eye on the numbers and when they start running low all of the time, I compare with the blood tests and replace the sensor to the other arm. Often I see blood on the insertion needle or the sensor begins to hurt. It doesn’t fall off because I use tape provided by USMed. I still love having the reader in my pocket and purse and can test often with the data showing graphs and averages.
The Libre 2 is the only CGM I’ve used. Cross checking with finger sticks proved so accurate I no longer bother. It lasts a full two weeks, and the alarm system is excellent.
I was extremely happy with the Libre, but when I switched to Libre 2 it hasn’t worked well. Sometimes the readings are 40-60 too high or too low! (when cross checked against a blood test). The reader also has several error codes a day and when you call in to report the errors they first ask if their products error led to hospitalization… scary!
Started using Dexcom in 2007—each upgrade gets better. Anxiously awaiting the FDA approval of Omnipod 5 which will integrate the G6 with Omnipod.
I second these comments. I’ve used Dexcom since version D3. Each upgrade has gotten better. However, I did like I could restart the G5 and I used to get 12-14 days out of my sensors. I haven’t figured out how to do that with the G6 yet. I really like that it communicated with the InPen. I’d like to see a closer reading between the two. Right now there is a 3-hour delay.
I love my Dexcom G6. That said I’d love it even more if they resolved a couple of issues. The adhesive unfortunately is a real irritant in all aspects of the word, they need to change the adhesive so that my skin doesn’t react to it. Allergic reaction that is. The second item would be cutting down on the warm up / start up time by at least 50% would be great.
Someone asked “do you talk back to your G6” and I replied “I just let it Talk to my Tandem X2 and they have a beautiful conversation going on!”
I’ll admit I sometimes yell at my 670G when it alarms incessantly at night. We may need counseling…
I chose 4 and use the Dexcom G6 which is fantastic but there is room for improvement: shorten the warmup interval; improve accuracy in the final days of the (10 day) session; increase the session length; interface directly with smart watches.
I love my Dexcom G6 (I use it with a Medtronic 630 pump). I am anxiously awaiting the G7, hopefully out by the end of this year. It will be completely disposable (meaning the transmitter is part of the sensor) so you don’t have a to yank off the transmitter each time and reinsert in the new sensor. Also, there’s only a 30-minute wait time when you start up a new one. And lastly, they’ve promised less plastic waste for each sensor, which has been a sore point for many people.
I went from the dexcom g6 to the guardian link with my pump. It was the worst trade. I went from only an occasional bg for being off. To having to put in 4 a day to keep the thing calibrated and in auto mode.
I have a Dexcom G6 and I’m very pleased with it. Looking forward to the G7 that has been described as much smaller.
I picked 5 as I am very satisfied with the G6. Is the device perfect…far from it and I hope that my next CGM will improve the current shortcomings. However in terms of robustness and daily usage for diabetes management, my CGM is a must have and it is awesome.
Although, as a quick reference point, I appreciate the engineering that went into this tool, as it is far superior over continually having to do blood letting…. However, there are times the sensor is far from accurate, which is beyond annoying. Also, I don’t like that there is only 1 section of the body it can be used for best results. I am having enough problems with forever having to attach the pump line to one specific area…. To have to do this with the CGM also is frustrating, and thus the ‘4’ on the scale.
I use the Medtronic CGM and put 3. I previously used a Dexcom G4, and the early Medtronic real-time CGMs. Being in automode is so helpful, but I would like to see some of the improvements the Dexcom sensor already has made and others that have been mentioned below to reach 5-level satisfaction.
The biggest frustration is loss of sleep that comes with the alarms.
The need to do a first calibration after the two hour warm up and then another 2 hrs later contributes to sleep loss or delaying insertion further to avoid it.
Having to charge the transmitter between sessions reduces my wear time because I need to remember to get back to it.
The darn tape to hold the transmitter in place on be the body! Absurd! I use IV-3000 rectangular tape instead. Dexcom wins with no tape.
Despite this room for improvements, I am so grateful for the huge strides that have been made with CGM & pump technology over the past decade or so! Miles ahead of where I started ~26 years ago!
I have enjoyed all the ibre products. They calibrations and the software is intuitive. Now that I have the libre 2 with alarms, I am confident in a way I never thought possible.
All good except when CGM doesn’t agree with meter. I take 3 fingersticks and calibrate. If CGM rejects the calibration it won’t provide readings for extended period of time and requires recalibrating with a reading it accepts. Leaves me with no CGM for that time.
I had that happen with my Dexcom CGM 5 and 6 several times. When I talked to them and explained what was happening they quickly replaced the sensor.
I’m very happy with the Dexcom G6, and have appreciated all the improvements over the 10 years I’ve been using Dexcom. I gave it a 4, because I do wish it were smaller and had a shorter calibration time. I do get 20 days of good use out of most of them, but then have to do extra work to get an extra transmitter, since they only ship them now as part of a package….and, it works great and I love it overall!
Are you saying you can get 20 days use out of a G6 10 day sensor? If so, can you please share how are you are accomplishing that with the rest of us?
Or are you saying you only get 20 good days of use out of three 10 day sensors?
How do you get 20 days useage? Yours must be coming from a different factory than mine!
I use the Dexcom G6. It looses a star because of the 2 hr. “warmup” after insertion and the 10 day limit on the sensor.
I use the G6 Dexcom and less WASTE from the sensor applicator and synchronized sensor/transmitter wear times would be welcome. But I like the results I get!
Dexcom G6 user –
Here are some of the issues I have experienced:
1) the sensor only lasts 7 to 8 days for me about 60% of the time
2) the readings can be wildly different from my meter (upwards of 100 points when really off)
and
3) crazy bad overuse of plastic on the inserter
When it works, I love it! So, even though I really don’t get the full 10 days usage, generally speaking, I’m happy to have it.
I’m super glad they changed the way the alarms worked. I couldn’t handle the G4 alarms… G6 and customizing alarms is far, far better.
Gave it a 5. I use Dexcom G6 and am pretty happy with it. I do agree with wanting a shorter warm-up time, longer sensor life, and less insertion device packaging and plastic to dispose of.
The G7 incarnation has made many improvements based on consumer user feedback, so hold your horses before you jump to judgmental conclusions. Diabetes technology things improve with age and lessons learned from feedback and experience.
I’ve been using the Dexcom for the last 5 years, and now it talks to my Tandem pump and automatically delivers insulin for my glucose levels. No reason to not be happy with that. I don’t check fingersticks behind it, I just trust it until the next big thing comes along.
I agree with all the comments on the Medtronic pump, except that the sensors last 7 days. In my opinion on a very good week you get 5 days. I don’t count the 1st day because all your doing is calibrating that whole day?? By the 6th or really the 5th day It almost always starts failing. I wonder does anyone from Medtronic read these posts?? I hardly hear anything good about this sensor. They really have to step up or step out!! Knowing what I know now in 3 more years if they don’t improve by my next insurance cycle I will have to move on.
It’s a two edged sword. When the readings are on, it’s wonderful to have data on which to act. But it only takes a couple wonky readings to impact the confidence we need in the device and question the value. The latter is exacerbated by telephone support people that clearly are reading from a script, want to blame literally anything but the device, and refuse to accept the devices sometimes need replacement. I’m already fighting the disease, I can do without fighting the manufacturer.
The Libre 2 has been super helpful, but I wish I could set different glucose alarms for different times of day. I want to use it as an early warning system during the day – while I’m at work and active – so my low glucose alarm is set to 85. But at night fluctuating between 85 and 90 is great. I don’t need to be woken up every time. That’s my only complaint. I want different day time and night time alarms.
I’m on Dex 6 (which I love) with Medtronic 630g (which is ok but does not communicate with Dex 6). My Endo (who is in Medtronics’ pocket) wants me to switch to their new system that will be coming out towards the end of this year. Should I?
Oh, one more factor: I’m on Medicare so Metronics’ CGM not covered and will cost me $60 per month.
I’m on the same configuration because I did not like Medtronic’s CGM and it irritated my skin. My pump just went out of warranty so I am going to switch to the Tslim to work with the G6
I am on the Dexcom G6 and it is the best CQM I have ever used. No finger sticks or calibration needed. Very accurate. I am going to switch to the T-Slim from Medtronic to my G6 works with the pump
Libre 14 day is close to a complete FAIL. I gave it a 2.
1. The last sensor was the first [out of about 10] that lasted longer than 13 days. All the others failed after about 10 days.
2. Every one read very low compared with blood glucose readings. You can almost calculate what your blood sugar readings actually are by knowing the extent of the errors in the sensor. If my fingerstick gives 150, the CGM reads about 100. If fingerstick reads 60, the CGM reads LO [<40].
3. Errors are consistent until the last day of sensor life when errors go to almost 100%.
4. First and second readings with a new sensor are the most accurate compared with fingerstick. Then the meter takes a hiatus for several hours. No readings possible for up to 8 hours, then the sensor comes back on line then works consistently inaccurately for more than a week.
5. What the meter says does not correspond to symptoms. Sometimes when it reads LO, I feel fine – and blood sugar actually is 55-60. Or I have symptoms the reader says LO and I am actually low, but blood sugar is actually 35-45 on BGM. I had one instance where blood sugar [by BGM] was 401 and I felt really bad, but the CGM read only 284 – which shouldn't make me feel that lousy..
It's really convenient – when it works – and I am capable of using its consistent inaccuracy to know what's really going on.
My copay seems WAAAYYY too high for such an inaccurate system.
I love my Dexcom, but I chose a “4” mainly because I believe there is always room for improvement. I this case, I would like to see more accuracy in all diabetes care products,
Diagnosed 61 years ago & only has Testape. ADORE my Dexcom G6 ! There is always room for improvement, but I would not trade my Dex for anything !!!!!
I said 4 for my Dexcom 6. I wish it had a shorter warm up time, better accuracy, and sensors that always last the 10 days.
With Dexcom G6, I notice sometimes it’s necessary to repeat the calibration input to see the correction show up. If you’re having problems with customizing your meter to meet your needs, like alerts or readings, make sure the meter acknowledges your input.
Love, love, love my Dexcom G6! It is virtually painless to insert, gives me ability to calibrate excessive difference between BG and SG, and has a wealth of data to analyze for good BG management!