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For CGM users: How long have you been using a CGM?
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I started using the original Medtronic sensors in 2007, when they introduced the 522/722 pumps that also acted as the receiver for the readings. Those old harpoon sensors worked very well for me.
A male nurse at a RWJ recommended a gm when I was in the ER. I started with a G4, then a G6 and now the G7 which seems to work the way they should. The arm location is a pain but my last two insertions are back to my abdomen. The accuracy of the G7 is very satisfying. I feel like a walking electric transmission machine with my fit bit, cgm and cell. My wife of 36 years is using the G6!
Don’t remember exactly but as soon as available.
My memory is foggy from time-to-time. It was either 2006 or 2008. My health insurance had not yet approved CGM financial coverage. After a 1 1/2 hour drive to work in the morning, I high a low blood glucose soon after arriving at work (I should note that I was doing 12 or more glucose blood tests daily) and collapsed. I broke my right ankle in the fall. While at home convalescing from my injury, I called the insurance company and said that if I had a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system, I probably would not be out of work, and they would not be paying money for my broken ankle. Soon afterward, I was approved for a CGM (Medtronic), and may have been the first approved by my insurance company for a CGM.
Used a CGM maybe 6 years ago with the Medtronic system, due to the costs stopped (my old dog’s meds were more expensive). Almost 2 years ago Medtronic offered the upgrade, added “patient assistance,” used the 770G in manual because the system wasn’t dosing aggressively enough. A year ago learned how to use the CGM correctly (and insulin), now retired/dropped health insurance and pay for the Libre3 (with insulin pens).
It’s been at least 6 years but I don’t know exactly.
I started using the Medtronic CGM system with the harpoon sensors as soon as they were available to me, which probably was in 2006-2007. It was life changing, of course. I would probably give up my pump before I’d give up my Dexcom just for the peace of mind of knowing that I wasn’t on the verge an awful low.
I did try the wrist watch system (Glucowatch) briefly but it was painful and inaccurate, so I did not count that. I started full time in 8-2006, which is when CGM became widely commercially available, It was the first Dexcom system, 3 days and not very accurate- but a game changer for me!
Don’t know the date but I started when the first Dexcom was available. Stayed with them ever since.
I waited until the libre was available. It seems that having competition spurred on development by dexcom with issues like calibration and warm-up times.
15+ years. I had to look up when Dexcom first came on the market. It was the Seven. I’ve been dexcom’ing daily ever since. Sometimes with insurance coverage, otehr times without. But my 15+ fingersticks a day were more expensive because I had to pay retail for the strips (the meter covered by my insurance was proven – by the AACE, The Diabetes Tech Society et al – to read higher than actual for people with chronic anemia. That’s quite risky – directing patients to do a correction bolus when it’s the last thing they need (they are trending low)
I started with Medtronic’s first lolipop think that had to be taped on the arm. It gave some measurements. Then came the Enlites. I used them until people convinced me that the Dexcom was more accurate, and it was. Great movement foreword.
I started in July 2007 with Medtronic’s sensor. I had just had an accident due to a very low BS that I tried to treat but everything I had with me, wasn’t enough, I totaled my SUV. I was trying to find an endocrinologist that was on my insurance and as good as the one I couldn’t see; after hearing of my accident he ordered the Medtronic sensor and had me start it without asking my opinion on it. I reluctantly used it. I hated the calibration and that it rarely was correct or even close to what meter said, thus I was STILL testing daily and more than before. I was FINIAlLLY able to go back to my endocrinologist with new insurance, her and her team convinced me that Dexcom would be worth the switch. Best decision, I’m so happy with mine now. 16 years of CGM and more to go!
Can’t remember when I got my first CGM exactly (2004-2007-ish). I estimate off and on for roughly 15-17 years.
I don’t remember precisely.
I did have a Dexcom G4 for a short time, but I couldn’t handle it and stopped using it.
I was convinced to try again (it may have been a G5), but, again, was not able to handle it.
The next one was the keeper and the change in processing and thinking that was my game changer. I consider it the “beginning” even though I had a few false starts… but, I just don’t remember when that was. It was sometime between 2009 and 2012-ish… maybe?
Started with Medtronic harpoon inserter whatever they were called, then the Enlite – was a start but hated them. In 2009 switched to Dexcom 4, then 5, then 6. Will upgrade to Dexcom 7 soon and stay with Dexcom for foreseeable present and future.
I remember ads for the Glucowatch but was advised of its inaccuracy & unreliability. Affordability has been the main barrier for pumps and CGMs. So I didn’t get a CGM until a few years ago when insurance started covering them after accuracy and reliability had improved. I have no reservations about becoming a cyborg.😎
Been on Medicare Advantage insurance a LONG time and one injection per day, I did NOT qualify for free CGM… Started using finger sticks about 30 years ago, 3 per day… Then got aproval for 6 sticks per day…. Then about 2 years ago my Doctor wrote a letter to my insurance and they approved free CGM…. Now [ I think ] Medicare is approving CGM for all In sulin useres…
I only use the Freestyle 2 CGM when I have enough money to afford it
Started with the Medtronic Enlight, on to the Dexcom G4-G5 now on the G6 awaiting the G7.