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How much more accurate Dexcom G5 over G4?

cz_dave

cz_dave

Well-Known Member
Messages
450
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
G5 is clearly more convenient than G4, mainly because you don't have to carry the receiver with you.

But is it also more accurate? I've seen some official numbers but would appreciate real-life feedback from people who have used both G4 and G5.

The reason why I am asking is that my insurance will not pay for my Dexcom for the time being and so I wonder if it is worth it to self finance G5. The other option for me is to stay on G4.
 
Based on my experiences, I rank, in terms of accuracy, first place, G5, second place, Enlite with Guardian 2 Software rev 2 and third G4. I find the G5 doesn't stray as much as the G4 used to between calibrations.
 
I have just ordered the G5 transmitter, it should arrive some time next week...
 
Are you in the UK and, if so, I'd be interested to know what insurance covered your Dexcom?
 
Apart from reading specifications, how do you measure the accuracy of a CGM?
If the CGM reading is different to a finger prick, is this because of the delay (CGM is typically about 15 minutes behind) or is it because the CGM is inaccurate or is it because your finger prick is inaccurate?
Personally, I cannot rely on how I feel because I believe my hypo awareness is based on learnt behaviour: my body is used to being around 5 - 7 mmol/l according to my meter.

Or are you asking whether you get more missing readings with the G4 compared to the G5? Or whether the G5 lasts longer than the G4? Or ...?
 
pinewood said:
Are you in the UK and, if so, I'd be interested to know what insurance covered your Dexcom?
Click to expand...
I am in Prague as @tim2000s noted. So, unless you are considering to move here, this info may not be that useful for you:) Still, starting April 2017, most local health insurance companies should in theory cover G5. In practice, it remains to be seen. There is a process that I still have to go through.

For the time being I have asked my employer to pay for the first G5 transmitter from what's called a social fund and that has worked out ok. However, the social fund is only limited to €800 annually per employee, so that will cover only a part of the total cost.

If my insurance approves, it should cover 80% of all costs.

I have been paying for the G4 mostly out of my pocket and I have become so used to a CGM that I can't imagine living without it.
 
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