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CMG

Charlie Tudgay

Charlie Tudgay

Active Member
Messages
43
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I'm looking into self funding the Dexcom G4. Does anyone have any idea where we can buy it from along with all the sensors and the transmitter.

Also the costs if found vary a lot it's between £1000-2500 start up and £50-£60 per sensor and arround £300 for the transmitter. Does this sound about right?

Also any pros and cons you guy know of that might be of interest?

Thank you :)
 
Charlie Tudgay said:
I'm looking into self funding the Dexcom G4. Does anyone have any idea where we can buy it from along with all the sensors and the transmitter.

Also the costs if found vary a lot it's between £1000-2500 start up and £50-£60 per sensor and arround £300 for the transmitter. Does this sound about right?

Also any pros and cons you guy know of that might be of interest?

Thank you :)
Click to expand...
Have you thought about looking at the Libre? Entry costs are much cheaper (around £150 for a reader and two sensors), although you don't get alarms when low.
 
I am wanting it for the alarms. Not that I don't get symptoms of low blood sugar. It's more this I'm a dance fitness instructor so can fall pretty quick and would be nice to be told before anything happens. I know the libre is cheaper but I've seen some very mixed reviews
 
Charlie Tudgay said:
I am wanting it for the alarms. Not that I don't get symptoms of low blood sugar. It's more this I'm a dance fitness instructor so can fall pretty quick and would be nice to be told before anything happens. I know the libre is cheaper but I've seen some very mixed reviews
Click to expand...
OK - yes a Dexcom would be better then.
 
Google Advanced Therapeutics, they are the UK distributor. You still need medical approval to buy it.
 
Spiker said:
Google Advanced Therapeutics, they are the UK distributor. You still need medical approval to buy it.
Click to expand...
What form does the "medial approval" need to take - is it just a letter or something from your GP/Consultant confirming you have diabetes? Do Advanced Therapeutics require sight of this before they will sell it? I'm also considering self-funding it and didn't know you needed any kind of "approval".
 
Spiker said:
Google Advanced Therapeutics, they are the UK distributor. You still need medical approval to buy it.
Click to expand...
What from advanced T? That surprises me as it non prescription.
 
They need a "letter of support" that your diabetes team support the CGM decision and will "support you" (very vague) in using it.
 
Spiker said:
They need a "letter of support" that your diabetes team support the CGM decision and will "support you" (very vague) in using it.
Click to expand...
I got my dexcom from them without any questions. Placed an order via email, transferred the payment and got a package next day.
 
I didn't have a letter from my GP when I ordered mine in January last year.
Not a bad idea to talk to them though, I can't imagine why they wouldn't support you.
 
Well maybe they changed the rules or maybe I am confusing ATUK with Dexcom. Or both.
 
Charlie Tudgay said:
I'm looking into self funding the Dexcom G4. Does anyone have any idea where we can buy it from along with all the sensors and the transmitter.

Also the costs if found vary a lot it's between £1000-2500 start up and £50-£60 per sensor and arround £300 for the transmitter. Does this sound about right?

Also any pros and cons you guy know of that might be of interest?

Thank you :)
Click to expand...

Charlie,

Cons:
The Cost.
How much depends on how long you can get the sensors to last. They are warranted for 7 days but can be restarted (simply stop the sensor then start the sensor). This isn't approved by Dexcom but most self funders do this. I get 3 to 4 weeks usually. Some struggle to get to 2 weeks others (e.g. CarbsRok on this forum) get up to 7 weeks. At around £65 per sensor this can make a big difference.
A new transmitter costs about £330 - a lot considering it's just for a dead battery.
I paid Advanced Therapeutics £1107.50 for the initial kit Receiver/Transmitter/2 sensors. If it doesn't suit you they will refund the Receiver & Transmitter cost.

Pros:
It's changed my life!
I was having some nasty overnight hypos - this now wakes me in time to stop the hypo happening. Peace of mind is invaluable.
I've learned so much about my diabetes.
 
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Spiker said:
Well maybe they changed the rules or maybe I am confusing ATUK with Dexcom. Or both.
Click to expand...
Animas require the letter, no idea except to get a list of Drs to junk mail them me thinks. AT have never asked for one CGM are non prescription so no need to discuss with GP or anyone else.
 
Charlie,
If you talk to Advanced Therapeutics then ask if the new Dexcom Share receiver is available yet. It's already out in the USA & will forward the readings to an iPhone via bluetooth. Useful for a partner or parent to keep an eye on readings.
 
No medical approval letter needed with Advanced Therapeutics. As soon as they have your money (by Bank Transfer) a delivery is arranged.
 
I've just bought a Cgm (dexcom) and have been using it for a week. I am convinced! It's not a cure and it doesn't solve every problem- but it's half way there. My control is good and has been since diagnosis, 8 years ago, but I was having too many ups and downs and after just a few days I feel that I am much mor in control and am having too correct far less often. The next stage will be to link with an app and an iwatch. After that it's going to be about linking to a pump. It's all good news!
 
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