20 Comments
Do you have a backup blood glucose monitor if you use a CGM and insulin pump to manage your T1D?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
© 2023 T1D Exchange. All Rights Reserved.
IF, I could afford ay CGM, IF I could afford any pump, I WOULD have the mandatory backup equipment which experience absolutely says is 1000% mandatory.
I firmly believe that every American should have access to medical needs and supplies. This is an American tragedy.
I do have a backup meter, mainly for warmup times. U can’t afford to use the meter more often. The meter covered by my insurance isn’t accurate (problem reading higher than actual for people with chronic anemia. Getting and acting on a reading that is much higher than actual is far more dangerous than the other way around). Prior to CGM I was a 15-20+ fingersticks a day (aside from the usual 8x, I also checked bg every time I was about to drive). Anyway I pay out of pocket for the highest rated meter (BTW Contour Next). SO I use it sparingly.
I don’t consider it a backup. CGM doesn’t always work or correlate to your BG.
Dexcom suggests using glucose monitors if your symptoms don’t match.
I occasionally use blood test strips. However, Medicare does not cover the costs.
I use a G6 and check it about twice daily with a Contour Next meter. About 50% of the time I use the reading to calibrate my G6. I see the G6 as something I use between finger tests.
I always have one in my car and in house in case my readings get off or when first starting a new sensor to get it in sync with my blood sugars.
I do not use a pump but I do use a cgm. I have more than 1 back-up glucose meter. The back-up meters may or may not match the cgm and they do not match each other.
Sometimes I just bury my head in the sand.
Blood test strips serve as my backup.
I have a CGM and I have two blood glucose meters. I do not have two CGMs.
I do not use my meter often, but sometimes use it to check CGM readings that seem wonky, and then to calibrate if appropriate. When I used Dexcom G6s I would use my meter during the lengthy warm up period. With the quick warm up for Dexcom G7s I don’t need the meter. One note: Medicare does not cover bg meter test strips for people who have a CGM.
So glad to see someone else call a CGM wonky.
I have a back up in case my CGM goes wonky…no pump. Use the glucose monitor to calibrate since CGMs aren’t 100% reliable.
I purchased a CVS Advance glucose monitor.
I have two backups… a One Touch Ultra 2 and Abbott’s Precision Xtra (which also has ketone testing.)
Freestyle Libre 2
I use a Dexcom G7 CGM. I inject my insulin and don’t use a pump. I have One-Touch test strips as a backup. Side note: Medicare doesn’t like paying for strips if I have a CGM. What do they think I’ll do with unused strips? Peddle them on the street corner like a dope dealer? Side note 2: Why are glucose test strips still so expensive? The technology is 30+ years old. They’re just small strips of plastic with a reactive end. No reason for them to be so expensive.
Yes, I use the Contour next to confirm my Dexcom CGM 7 readings. I’m going to be switching to the Eversense in the next few weeks due to so many inaccurate Dexcom readings.
Contour next link.
Dexcom G7 and Livongo