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If you currently use a hybrid closed loop system, which of these potential benefits of these systems has been the most impactful for you? Select all that apply!
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The reason I got a CGM was because of all of the low blood sugars I used to have (several per day). Since getting on a hybrid closed loop system, (dexcom and tandem slimx2) I not only have avoided going as low as I used to, but also not going as low as often as I used to. I also do not go as high or high as often as I used to. The closed loop system has helped me tremendously in many ways. Unfortunately I accidently put “decreased risk of severe hypoglycemia” as my answer. 🙁
I checked off every one besides the DKA. My BG is incredibly variable. It is nice not to have to prick my fingers so many times a day and try to think clearly about what my temporary basal rate should be when I am very low.
Based upon limited understanding, ability to mix march components
Definitely less lows but incredibly difficult time managing long highs. My A1c has increased as a result. On Omnipod 5.
Prevents bad lows.
Still struggle with highs as I’m insulin resistant and need not of insulin to stay in range and I have to manual bolus a lot to get what I need. I wish max bolus could be adjusted for those like us that need more. But, I understand the safety risk too.
Hi Amanda, Check out some Type 2 meds like Metformin and Jardiance, they helped my insulin resistance and I was able to drop my total daily dose by 25%,
Decreased time spent and decreased burdens of calculating anticipated insulin needs with activity and unusual foods.
All plus not needing poke my finger all the time. Being diabetic for 55 years this has been amazing and have felt the best in my life. I also like the ability to set activity and set up adjustments for when I’m working out, sick or am taking steroids for my asthma. So much easier!!!!
Better control of ‘sleeping blood sugars’. As long as I goto bed with stable blood sugars, I stay pretty close to around 100-110 when I wake up
I picked other. I use CIQ and find that it gives me excellent BG control overnight. During the day I often need to turn CIQ off or it will make me hypoglycaemic. With CIQ my A1c has gone up slightly but the better nights & sleep are worth it.
It game me my life back.
Unfortunately, I’m one of those people who can’t leave well enough alone. I had pretty good BG control before I started using CIQ. I find myself constantly tinkering with the settings and overriding bolus calculations to achieve more time in range and avoid problems with exercise-induced lows. I admit that I do sleep better at night, confidant that nothing bad is going to happen if I relinquish control to the algorithm for a while.
As I wrote yesterday, to me, one of the biggest benefits of Tandem’s Control IQ is starting the day at or near 110 mg/dl. It makes managing the rest of the day so much easier.
I just started with Tandem CIQ last year. I’m sure my answers would’ve been different if Dexcom actually caught my lows. When I drop fast Dexcom is dangerously behind and rarely shows the extent of the drop. Thankfully, I had learned this before going to CIQ. And, for someone with hypo unawareness, this isn’t necessarily a good thing.
The most impactful thing has been the ability to sleep through the night due to increased time in range. The only con of the Tandem/Dex has been the difficulty managing exercise and needing to outsmart the device to avoid severe lows.
Tandem’s CIQ app has lifted a very heavy load from my arthritic shoulders. After 65 years of needing to constantly remember far too much, in addition to everything else going on in life, the past three years using CIQ has provided some relief from the 24/7 of life with T!D.
All those things are good. One additional good measure is the standard deviation.
Average CGM divided by standard deviation should be less than 3. Most (96% of people) are within the middle of the bell-shaped curve. If you are outside of that range you are considered a 3-sigma deviant or worse. So . . . if you are a 3-sigma deviant, make sure you’re a good one rather than a bad one. 🏃♂️🌞🤺
Where do you find the “average CGM” measurement?
The blessing of Medtronic is the emphasis of the algorithm to prevent hypoglycemia. This also presents glucose levels remaining higher than I’d prefer. But using the graphs I can counter this: allowing an extremely safe 5.7 a1C. A not mentioned is ever system allowing the individual see the dose without trying to remember.
All of the above, AND not having to finger stick 4 to 10 times a day. On Tandem CIQ and love it – makes life with T1D so much easier to manage. It’s like having AI beta cells … in fact I named my pump Beta Cella.
I’m not sure a pump is less effort. It adds lots of frustration and maintenance time. CGM plus a pump allows for auto-corrections which is a big plus. I am brittle T1, so BGs swing rapidly without any apparent reason. The pump is definitely able to do better at keeping me in range.