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CGM Advice

GrantGam

GrantGam

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,603
Location
Scotland
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
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
 
@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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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...
 
GrantGam1337 said:
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...
Click to expand...

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
 
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