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For CGM users: How long have you been using a CGM?
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2006, starting with the hellspawn Medtronic harpoon.
Great description of the barbaric Medtronic harpoon device! I started using CGM back then with Enlite and the harpoon as well. Have been on Dexcom since 2011.
Started with Medtronic Enlite then switched to Dexcom G5, G6 for a total of 11 years.
I waited for the Abbott Freestyle 14 day Libre to come out and was one of the first owners in 2018. Before that it was a 10day sensor . I am still using the same CGM and my fingers thank me each and every day.
I am anxiously waiting for Insulet’s Omnipod 5 system to be approved, when it’s approved, I’m in!
Omnipod 5 got FDA approval January 28, 2022 but it has not be released for the general public yet. Only a select group has received it to date. I’m also eager for the general public to get it. But I also am waiting for the Dxcom G7 to get FDA approval. I want the smaller size of the G7.
Technology advancements have been great. When will the cure come?
Started with old Medtronic one. Was awful. Thick needle and large shell like device. Then got Dexcom 4-6 over the years. Then insurance would only cover freestyle Libre so have been on FSL 2 Changed insurance but will stay on the FSL. Good and bad with both. FSL3 should be approved soon and will be able to see on Apple Watch. Only thing I really miss.
used the Libre 14 day to start but was always for readings to catch up to reality. like the Libre2 much better although the 12 hour warmup drives me crazy. we’ll see what the Libre3 has in store.
I answered 15 to 20 years, but I really don’t remember. I wore a Medtronic CGM for many year, several different versions. All of them were inaccurate and not useful to me. I switched to Dexcom G4, then G5 and now G6. All of the Dexcom CGM’s were far superior to the Medtronic CGM’s.
I started in 2011 with the Dexcom SEVEN and then with G4, G5 and now G6 with the Tslim integration. Wonderful advancements!
I’m 75, and I started using a CGM in April because the latest version came out with an alarm system that is programmable and works reliably. My hands have carpal tunnel, and this use air to use. My 85 tea told husband is no help, and while he never was, this can be an issue at my age. I font love being tethered to my illness, but I appreciate the steady reliability.
I may be one of the very few who still uses Medtronic sensors. I started using sensors in 2008, initially Medtronic 3-day sensors (stretched to 7) which were fair. Then upgraded to their 7-day Enlite which were awful. Switch to Dexcom G4 for a couple of years. I then went back to Medtronic’s current version. Approved for 7 day use, I try to stretch them out to 10-14 days.
I have gone down a similar path but I had not switched form Medtronic.
I have only ever used Medtronic as well, starting as soon as they integrated the receiver into the pump, the 522/722 Paradigm models. Those original sensors worked great for me although insertion was not fun! I always extended them and often got several weeks with great results. The longest I went was 56 days and it was accurate the entire time until it died suddenly. I hated to see it go. Moved to the Enlite when I got a new pump and they sucked. Every single one would only read low no matter what. I tried for months and gave up. I should have gotten a Dexcom then but didn’t, went without a sensor for years. Got the 670 in 2018 (now 770) and the Guardian sensors work great for me.
I started on an Enlite from Medtronic in 2008 when insurance started covering them, but fingersticks were absolutely necessary – sensor was not reliable! 5 years on G5-G6.
I waited to order the Abbott Freestyle Libre when the system went to 14 day instead of 10 days before a sensor change needed. I have had this system for 4.5 years and have to keep until 5 years before making any changes with Medicare coverage. I am very pleased with this Abbott system except for the accuracy component. My fingers thank me 10 times every day!!
2009 Started on Dexcom System 7+ and upgraded G4, G5 and G6. Looking Forward to the G7 to integrate with Tandem X2
I don’t know how we were able to survive before CGMs. I began using a Dexcom 7+ in 2/2011. My life and control have been transformed for the better with CGMs and all the apps available these days.
I had a horrible experience with the Enlite. The results were all over but never close to reality. It drove me crazy.
I first used the Dexcom CGM in a research study at the University of Washington in 2009. It was wonderful but not as accurate as the G6 is now. Tried the Medtronic sensor first but had a hard time putting it in correctly. My insurance would not cover a CGM after the study. Many years later Medicare approved the Freestyle Libre, which was not that accurate for me. Medicare finally approved the Dexcom G6 and I love it. My fingers look like real fingers again! Looking forward to the G7.
I started using the Abbott Navigator in 2008. I have also used Medtronic and Dexcom. Currently using the Dexcom G6 with my Tandem X2 pump
started as soon as my insurance helped lower the price. it’s still about $100 a month though.
I started with the first Medtronic CGM (known as the “harpoon”) as soon as it was available. I’m not sure when that was exactly. I use a Dexcom G6 now and will upgrade to the G7 as soon as I can.
I’ve been using Dexcom G5, G6 for not quite 6 years. When I first started using the G5 I really struggled trying to get the transformer to fit correctly. Now with the G6 I have few problems because it’s much easier to insert the sensor/transmitter on my upper arm instead of my abdomen. Using the CGM/Tandem combo with Control-IQ has made a tremendously positive difference in my quality of life. I’m now very concerned that increased DME cost in addition to insurance coverage changes will force me to return to MDI without the use of the CGM.
From test tubes and tablets like a mini chem lab, to a Dexcom with a Tandem hanging out in its pretty blue case until I will get the newest version when my warranty runs out. What a trip it’s been! My 15 year old Labradoodle wears a Libre sensor. Are we all tricked out? Can’t say any of this has been a choice, but I’m old and healthy, and loving every minute!
Off and on for about 14 years I think?? Starting with the early iterations of the Medtronic CGMs then long break, the Dexcom 4, then Medtronic with 670G pump, now Dexcom 6 with Tandem pump.
Not sure how someone could be using more than 20 years. Personal CGM has only been widely available commercially since Spring of 2006. Maybe they were in studies. I started in 8-2006, have been on it continuously since, and am likely only alive today as a result. Before CGM, hypoglycemia was trying to kill me.
I’ve been using CGM’s for over 8 years now, all have been Dexcom. I’m really looking forward to the Dexcom 7, but I’m not sure when Medicare will allow the change from 6 to 7.
Since diagnosis 4 months ago. I have never known T1D life without one.