Samantha Walsh has lived with type 1 diabetes for over five years since 2017. After her T1D diagnosis, she was eager to give back to the diabetes community. She is the Community and Partner Manager for T1D Exchange and helps to manage the Online Community and recruit for the T1D Exchange Registry. Prior to T1D Exchange, Samantha fundraised at Joslin Diabetes Center. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelors degree in sociology and early childhood education.
Switched from Medtronic CGM to Dexcom G4 or G5 in February, 2016. Switched from G5 to G6 in January 2019. I find the Dexcom more accurate than Medtronic.
I chose 4-5. Started with Dexcom G5. Now on G7. Did use an old Medtronic’s version but was too uncomfortable. Had to use FSL for a year due to insurance. Best invention since insulin
I’ve been using my Dexcom G6 since it first came out in 2018, and I’ve been really happy with it. I expect to update to the G7 as soon as I use up my current batch of G6 sensors in about 60 days. I’m looking forward to its smaller size and shorter warm up time. I hope it will be as accurate and consistent for me as the G6 has been.
Started the Dexcom G7 in July of this year! The G6 before that for several years and the Libre for a year or so before that? Ten year diaversary today!
I started with the G4 in 2014 and have been with Dexcom the whole time. I could kick myself for not starting earlier and now wonder how I managed without a CGM. — essential to peace of mind. I do look forward to the G7 because I HATE the G6 touch-screen receiver. I believe Dexcom wisely abandonned touch screens for the G7. The lower part of the G6 touch screen responds very poorly to touch, particularly frustrating when trying to acknowledge a warning so it won’t repeatedly annoy you. There was nothing wrong with the G5 receiver. Dexcom apparently hasn’t heard the saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
I’ve never had a problem with G6 warmup beyond the first 12h, although I’ve found you can only really rely on the initial reading for about 50% of the sensors — you need to calibrate initially with finger sticks. I do four at once and average to settle on a calibration number at the start, and calibrate again perhaps at 12h or 24h.. The readings for the first day are a bit more variable, but generally not a problem.
I answered 10+ years since I started with Dexcom with the Dexcom7 – maybe 2009 or so? Prior to CGM’ing I was a 15-20 fingersticks a day person (the usual times for most people, and every time I was going to drive. Being in attendance too many times at vehicle accidents involving impaired drivers, I didn’t want to be the cause of anything dire). I was often scolded by the Endo (that I have to use – thanks HMO) for wanting so many test strips Rx’d. I answered his remarks with a question of my own: how many times during his residency rotation was he on scene. He (rather proudly if I recall correc tly) said never. I responded with I was on scene so many times I’ve lost count.
I totally rely on my Dexcom G6 (far more accurate than the glucos monitor system covered by my health plan. Even doing 15-20 fingersticks I was still crashing. Somehow I managed to be invited to Enbdo CME, learned that the One Touch had issues with reading higher than actual for people with chronic anemia – that’s me). I would be alerted I was trending low, do the obligatory fingerstick and the meter would say anywhere from 150- 250. Which of course meant a correction bolus – the last thing I needed. I took home hard copies of the reports presented at the CME session. Purchased the highest rated meter and did my own research. After a month of using both meters, the newest meter (purchased out of pocket – along with a gazillion test strips) and the CGM (then the G5) were very close together. So I dose based on the CGM. I love that it is linked to my Tandem X2 pump – no need to have a receiver nor my (damned) smart phone with me 24/7 (like the old days when I was on call – I am so over smart phones). Since relying on the CGM, I haven’t had a major low/crash in several years.
I selected “0-1 years”, but that’s not strictly true. I’ve been using the current iteration, Medtronic Guardian 4 Sensor, for about 18 months now. Prior to this iteration, however, I used the Medtronic Guardian 3 Sensor for several years, and prior to that I used the FreeStyle Libre and then the FreeStyle Libre 2.
Medtronic harpoon 2006-2016. Name comes from the insert needle that was roughly 17 nautical miles long. It also required a 45-degree angle insert.
Dexcom G6 2016-2023. Did I say Improvement? Q.E.D.
I am now in the nomadic no-man’s land of G6 to G7 upgrade. It is a wilderness like none I have ever seen. Will the S/W work? Will the H/W work? Will the administrative system work? Will the com systems of Tandem tSlimX2 geniuses come through? Supposedly Medicare will be the coach calling the plays. Check back with me after January 2 . . . 😖
The tandem tslim2x with control IQ in conjunction with the Dexcom G6 works quite well. I’m sure you realize that in diabetes nothing is easy, everything requires work and machines are not perfect all the times.
The Dexcom sensors are way superior to the Medtronic sensors.
tandem finally got the system to connect with the G7 and I’m looking forward to it.
Medicare and my secondary cover the cost of the two.
Give it a try. I might like it.
Going into 13 years with Dexcom sensors except a couple of years with Medtronic that were pretty hellish. Looking forward to start using the Dexcom G7 with the tandem tSlim 2x with my next shipment in December.
Switched from Medtronic CGM to Dexcom G4 or G5 in February, 2016. Switched from G5 to G6 in January 2019. I find the Dexcom more accurate than Medtronic.
I have been on the G6 for almost a year and I just updated my T:slim to work with the G7. Before that I was on the Minimed sensors for over 2 years.
I did not realize you could use the G7 with the TSlim at this point in time?
Dexcom…tried Libre….back to Dexcom.
11 months
I chose 4-5. Started with Dexcom G5. Now on G7. Did use an old Medtronic’s version but was too uncomfortable. Had to use FSL for a year due to insurance. Best invention since insulin
Dexcom G4 May, 2014; Dexcom G5 July, 2017; Dexcom G6 August,2020. A total of 9 years with Dexcom.
I’ve been using my Dexcom G6 since it first came out in 2018, and I’ve been really happy with it. I expect to update to the G7 as soon as I use up my current batch of G6 sensors in about 60 days. I’m looking forward to its smaller size and shorter warm up time. I hope it will be as accurate and consistent for me as the G6 has been.
I personally experience difficulty with the accuracy of the G6 during the first 24hrs of sensor placement. Anybody else experiencing this?
No, but are you making sure that you don’t eat before or during the warm up period? That can make a difference I’m told.
Yes, same with the G7. A little wonky at times, I just keep finger-sticking for around 18-24 hours.
I used Medtronic for years. 2 months ago I started Dexcom and Omnipod. What a difference! Wow. My A1c has gone from 8.6 to 6.7 in 3 months!!!
I need a I’m not sure check box, since it’s however long the G6 has been out.
Started the Dexcom G7 in July of this year! The G6 before that for several years and the Libre for a year or so before that? Ten year diaversary today!
I started with the G4 in 2014 and have been with Dexcom the whole time. I could kick myself for not starting earlier and now wonder how I managed without a CGM. — essential to peace of mind. I do look forward to the G7 because I HATE the G6 touch-screen receiver. I believe Dexcom wisely abandonned touch screens for the G7. The lower part of the G6 touch screen responds very poorly to touch, particularly frustrating when trying to acknowledge a warning so it won’t repeatedly annoy you. There was nothing wrong with the G5 receiver. Dexcom apparently hasn’t heard the saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
I’ve never had a problem with G6 warmup beyond the first 12h, although I’ve found you can only really rely on the initial reading for about 50% of the sensors — you need to calibrate initially with finger sticks. I do four at once and average to settle on a calibration number at the start, and calibrate again perhaps at 12h or 24h.. The readings for the first day are a bit more variable, but generally not a problem.
I answered 10+ years since I started with Dexcom with the Dexcom7 – maybe 2009 or so? Prior to CGM’ing I was a 15-20 fingersticks a day person (the usual times for most people, and every time I was going to drive. Being in attendance too many times at vehicle accidents involving impaired drivers, I didn’t want to be the cause of anything dire). I was often scolded by the Endo (that I have to use – thanks HMO) for wanting so many test strips Rx’d. I answered his remarks with a question of my own: how many times during his residency rotation was he on scene. He (rather proudly if I recall correc tly) said never. I responded with I was on scene so many times I’ve lost count.
I totally rely on my Dexcom G6 (far more accurate than the glucos monitor system covered by my health plan. Even doing 15-20 fingersticks I was still crashing. Somehow I managed to be invited to Enbdo CME, learned that the One Touch had issues with reading higher than actual for people with chronic anemia – that’s me). I would be alerted I was trending low, do the obligatory fingerstick and the meter would say anywhere from 150- 250. Which of course meant a correction bolus – the last thing I needed. I took home hard copies of the reports presented at the CME session. Purchased the highest rated meter and did my own research. After a month of using both meters, the newest meter (purchased out of pocket – along with a gazillion test strips) and the CGM (then the G5) were very close together. So I dose based on the CGM. I love that it is linked to my Tandem X2 pump – no need to have a receiver nor my (damned) smart phone with me 24/7 (like the old days when I was on call – I am so over smart phones). Since relying on the CGM, I haven’t had a major low/crash in several years.
I selected “0-1 years”, but that’s not strictly true. I’ve been using the current iteration, Medtronic Guardian 4 Sensor, for about 18 months now. Prior to this iteration, however, I used the Medtronic Guardian 3 Sensor for several years, and prior to that I used the FreeStyle Libre and then the FreeStyle Libre 2.
Medtronic harpoon 2006-2016. Name comes from the insert needle that was roughly 17 nautical miles long. It also required a 45-degree angle insert.
Dexcom G6 2016-2023. Did I say Improvement? Q.E.D.
I am now in the nomadic no-man’s land of G6 to G7 upgrade. It is a wilderness like none I have ever seen. Will the S/W work? Will the H/W work? Will the administrative system work? Will the com systems of Tandem tSlimX2 geniuses come through? Supposedly Medicare will be the coach calling the plays. Check back with me after January 2 . . . 😖
The tandem tslim2x with control IQ in conjunction with the Dexcom G6 works quite well. I’m sure you realize that in diabetes nothing is easy, everything requires work and machines are not perfect all the times.
The Dexcom sensors are way superior to the Medtronic sensors.
tandem finally got the system to connect with the G7 and I’m looking forward to it.
Medicare and my secondary cover the cost of the two.
Give it a try. I might like it.
Medtronic CGM expires after 1 year
Going into 13 years with Dexcom sensors except a couple of years with Medtronic that were pretty hellish. Looking forward to start using the Dexcom G7 with the tandem tSlim 2x with my next shipment in December.
I just switched to the Eversense this summer.
I really like not having to insert a new sensor every 6 to 8 days.
Dexcom CGM just over 3 years, but used Medtronic CGM for 21 years prior to that.
I was foolish for not using a CGM earlier. Nothing is perfect, but it has changed has changed my numbers and the way I tack and take my insulin.
I used a Dexcom G6 for 3 years prior to recently switching to a Dexcom G7