25 Comments
If you wear a CGM, what do you do when a sensor fails?
You must be logged in to post a comment.
© 2022 T1D Exchange. All Rights Reserved.
Dexcom is usually pretty good about replacements.
Other. I call, but only after several have failed prematurely. I recently had 9 not meet their life expectancy. I suspect it was a bad batch. I called after several months. ( ͠° ͟ʖ ͡°)
Minimed sensors fail often. I had one earlier this week. The medtronic diabetes store has a replacement link on the main menu. They will only replace 3 over a 3 month span. Because they cost so much i don’t hesitate ordering replacements. That’s how I know about the limit. If the sensors were more reliable, they wouldn’t have this problem.
I save it. Then call Dexcom and they are good about replacing them. I’ve only had two fail in three years. They always want me to send the old one back to them.
I was having trouble with the Abbott Freestyle Libre staying on my arms, until I started using the clear tape that is worn over the entire sensor. It keeps the sensor on for the entire 2 weeks and my supplier does not charge extra for the tape, I just have to ask for it. So live and learn, but do what works best for you.
I recently found out that I can just go to Dexcom tech support online at https://www.dexcom.com/support You can put in your sensor problems or “chat” with a support person online. I have not had a sensor fail in more than a year, but when it does I always request a replacement.
I’ve only had one Dexcom G6 sensor fail in almost three years, so didn’t follow up. When I was using Minimed sensors I had a lot of problems and had several replaced. My situation now is that under my Medicare Advantage plan I don’t pay anything for the Dexcoms so an occasional one failing isn’t a big deal for me.
Website, because Dexcom offers a chat option on their contact page that is 20X faster and more responsive than calling and sitting on hold for hours. It’s limited to business hours Pacific time, but that’s not a huge problem even for an East Coaster like me.
I’ve had several sensor failures and always call for a replacement. Yesterday I had a transmitter fail and also called for a replacement for that.
A failed sensor happens so rarely that I throw it and just start anew with out worrying. I usually extend my sensors and get a an extra 4-5 days of wear beyond its life expectancy. So, with that I gain more time than I lose when one does fail.
I throw out the one that failed and put on a new one. End of story.
Funny you should ask! Just last night my transmitter for my G6 failed after 20 days. I called Dexcom and they acted quickly, as always when I have a problem. After the warmup on the new sensor/transmitter combo, my readings were LOW. That’s not what my finger stick told me! Well, since it was late, I gave it overnight to “cook” to see if there would be any change in numbers. (I actually turned off my receiver and Bluetooth on my phone, no way to sleep with that racket!) This morning it is up a bit higher but over 50+ points off. Time to call Dexcom again ……
Not a common event but I call because they like defective products returned for quality control and troubleshooting.
I use the Tandem X2 pump and Dexcom G6. The last time I had a problem with the transmitter failing early (just a few weeks after used), Tandem replaced the transmitter and the sensor that was lost
My answer isn’t as simple as the choices you provide. My Medtronic sensors are supposed to last a week. If the failure occurs in the last 2-3 days, I just throw it away. If it fails early, and my supply is low, I call for a replacement. If it fails early, and my supply is more than I need (that’s most of the time), I still call to see if they want the failed sensor returned for investigation. They request that less frequently these days, but sometimes it helps them discover the causes of their failures.
Mine rarely fails, but when it does, I just get a replacement from the website (Medtronic). Much faster (and not having to deal with a frustrated representative), in my opinion.
Medtronic always replace them but I didn’t know you could get a replacement sensor from the website. I thought you had to speak to a representative and answer all the questions etc! Takes a while for sure. Someone commented on getting more time from your sensor. How do you do that? Mine tells me to replace it after 7 days and the transmitter no longer receives readings. Thanks.
Mine fail about 55% of the time (and I have an Excel spreadsheet to prove it.) ;p One of the only times I’ve geeked out on data! ;p So, if a sensor fails on the 8th or 9th day, I just let it go. But, if it fails between 1 and 7 days, I _generally_ call for a replacement (especially if I’m low on sensors). Dexcom has always been fantastic with the customer service on this issue. I appreciate that about them so much. (I’m very excited to see what their G7 will be like!)
I very rarely have trouble – the last time I had a problem it was my transmitter that died Does anyone else have an issue with the Dexcom 6 being way off from the finger sticks? In the morning it can be right on or very close and by lunch it can be 30 or more off
Dexcom’s Live Chat feature on their support website is the easiest way to obtain a replacement. Plus everything discussed is documented. The tech support folks are extremely helpful and kind.
This is for Elizabeth who questioned how to get her Medtronic sensor to last more than 7 days. I leave mime inserted but disconnect the transmitter and re-charge it. I then tell the pump it is a new sensor and it happily goes through the warm up procedure. To be able to remove the transmitter I use surgical tape to hold it in lace the first week, which comes off relatively easily. I only use the sensor for 2 weeks.
I had no idea they would replace them now! I started with a Dexcom WAY back at the beginning for me, so 10 years ago or so. I argued so much with everyone about getting them replaced that I gave up and that’s when I started reusing them to create a stockpile just in case. I never revisited the issue in all this time. Good to know this is an option now!
I chose other as my main goal was to call the company and report issues with the sensor, so cause could be found and prevented. I always receive a replacement, which is nice. I am curious if I have issues with my sensors about a quarter of the time due to quick fluctuations in BG. It can be difficult to find the right time to start a session when my BG will be stable.
I’m on Medicare now and switched to the Dexcom CGM 6 in September. I’ve had multiple sensors fail since then and one transmitter that only lasted 4 weeks. When I call Dexcom tech support I’ve been told if the readings are off significantly from finger sticks and calibration doesn’t rectify this I’m to remove the sensor, apply a new one, and call for a replacement.
Thanks, Derek! Appreciate you taking the time to explain.