CGM Advice

[GrantGam]

Hello all,

Looking into the realms of CGM and looking for some advice on what is currently available in the UK and what systems are good.

I have heard a lot of good reviews with regards to Dexcom systems and I like the idea of the G5 interfaced with a smartphone.

If anyone is using any CGM systems could they kindly add their pros/cons and monthly/annual running costs?

Many thanks,
Grant

 

[tim2000s]

@GrantGam1337 The running costs have just changed. The new Dexcom data is available here: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/dexcom-in-the-uk-lower-prices.101203/

Other CGM costs are listed here: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/cgm-gm-price-comparison.75106/

My view on the differences between Libre and Dexcom with Nightscout: http://crick-tech-munch.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/freestylelibre-and-dexcom-g4-with.html

I've updated the post in the cost comparison thread, and if you can get a Dexcom sensor to last for a month, then the cost of the Dex over two years is now significantly lower than Libre.

 

[DunePlodder]

I have the G4 & wouldn't be without it. I usually get about 3 weeks, sometimes a bit more.

If you are self funding the G4 is significantly cheaper than the G5 because the transmitter only lasts 3 months - it then switches off. The two G4 transmitters I've had, each lasted 13 months.

Like Tim I built an xDrip box & can view readings on my Android phone, Pebble Watch & online via Nightscout:
http://stephenblackwasalreadytaken.github.io/xDrip/
http://www.nightscout.info/

As Tim says Dexcom have just reduced prices in the UK. Have a look at this thread which includes their letter with the new price list.

 

[GrantGam]

I had just finished ordering up the xDrip parts before reading your post DunePlodder Looking forward to getting it built.

I read the price list that Tim sent (thanks Tim!) and I'd be happy paying £260 for 13 months worth of transmitting!

A couple questions seeing as you've made one...

-Is the voltage divider on the Wixel just for displaying charge status on Nightscout?
-What did you use for a case?
-What is the maximum range between: you and xDrip, xDrip and smart phone? i.e. could I walk around the house with the xDrip box in the living room for example and still feed data to my smart phone?

Thanks guys, appreciate it!
Grant

 

[DunePlodder]

The xBridge voltage should appear on the xDrip screen. Mine however always shows 100%. I haven't got round to sorting this out - almost certainly my mistake.
I haven't really checked the range but perhaps 3 or 4 meters between each?
I have found that since my phone was updated to Marshmallow bg readings don't seem quite as reliable. However the xDrip software for Marshmallow is a beta version so there may be something there. Also I changed to a new low profile transmitter at the same time, which may or may not be relevant. Battery life is not as good either but I've been unable to pinpoint a reason.
Not a big problem but irritating.

 

[GrantGam]

I'm just reading through the installation guide for xBridge2 just now. Seems like there's quite a lot too it code wise, I think the assembly will be the easiest part...

Does the Dexcom CGM when used normally require calibration from finger prick tests btw?

Cheers,
Grant

 

[DunePlodder]

Yes, the Dexcom will ask for 2 calibrations a day, maybe an extra one if it's not "happy" for some reason.

The xBridge software is a bit tricky but you just need to follow the guides carefully.

 

[GrantGam]

Can you please explain how the system is calibrated?

Sorry I just reading into all this today and now I have no usable Internet connection...

 

[TorqPenderloin]

Can you please explain how the system is calibrated?

Sorry I just reading into all this today and now I have no usable Internet connection...

You will get an alert to calibrate. At that point you just do a normal finger stick test and input the reading into your Dexcom receiver/phone.

Also, when you first start a new sensor (or restart the same one after a week) you follow the same process, but it asks for two readings instead of one. Pretty simple really