Dexcom 4 Or 5?

[cool_blonde212003]

Hi, my diabetes team are putting an IFA application for me to my CCG for dexcom due to hypo issues which meet Nice guidance. I am currently self-funding Libre but as we all know it’s not a CGM and doesn’t have alarm functionality without extra tech equipment from non-Abbott companies.

I have been asked would I prefer the dexcom 4 or 5 if successful. Initially, I though the dexcom5 would suit me as I can use my mobile and not have to carry a separate receiver around with me. However, as it uses Bluetooth I assume I will need to keep my phone Bluetooth turned on all the time which will drain its battery, I currently have an iPhone7.

Can dexcom users share their experiences and views on the dexcom4 and/or dexcom5.

Many Thanks

Nikki

 

[EllsKBells]

Hi Nikki,

I use the G5. Honestly, I don't think it makes that much difference in terms of battery life (I have an iPhone 6S, and to be honest, the battery life is naff anyway). I don't really know what the difference of G4 vs G5 is, apart from the receiver, although I can say that not having to carry around something extra, as I did with the libre, is definitely one less stress to have to deal with - and one less set of batteries to replace. For me, it has been a big improvement over the libre, but different people have different experiences re the adhesive and accuracy. I like the alarms, although you need to decide for yourself what to set them at - don't be bullied by your HCP into having them set at a level that doesn't work for you.

Hope this helps,

Eleanor

 

[cool_blonde212003]

Hi Nikki,
Hi Eleanor

Thanks for replying and what you’ve said goes along with what I was thinking as the less gadgets & diabetes related products I have to carry around with me the better .

If the CCG approve the funding request i am most concerned about getting the early warnings of going low before hypo right, especially at night.

Thanks again


I

Hi Nikki,

I use the G5. Honestly, I don't think it makes that much difference in terms of battery life (I have an iPhone 6S, and to be honest, the battery life is naff anyway). I don't really know what the difference of G4 vs G5 is, apart from the receiver, although I can say that not having to carry around something extra, as I did with the libre, is definitely one less stress to have to deal with - and one less set of batteries to replace. For me, it has been a big improvement over the libre, but different people have different experiences re the adhesive and accuracy. I like the alarms, although you need to decide for yourself what to set them at - don't be bullied by your HCP into having them set at a level that doesn't work for you.

Hope this helps,

Eleanor

 

[Deleted Account]

Why don’t you ask about the G6?
This has just been launched and is cheaper than the G5.

There are a few threads about the G6 on the forum with details.

Given this, I would be concerned about having a CGM which is two generations old: it may be discontinued or at least have less support if there is a problem. So I would be nervous about taking the G4 now (although I have used it in the past).

 

[cool_blonde212003]

Hi

Thank you, I noticed the threads and wonder if the g6 is available via NHS funding - I would hope so if it’s cheaper but that doesn’t seem to necessarily mean anything when it comes to NHS funding. I will do some reading up on it. You make a good point about the g4 becoming outdated and less supported, I hadn’t considered that.

I am now also wondering about Bluetooth and streaming as I currently stream music quite often from my phone to soundbar when i’m at home and I am guessing I won’t be able to do this anymore and i’ll have to look at iTunes sign in from other devices to stream music. Oh the dilemmas....

 

[ringi]

You don't know what discount the NHS gets on the g4 or g5, and if the discounts are yet in place for the g6. Hence don't assume the cheapest option for self funding is also the cheapest for,the NHS.

 

[cool_blonde212003]

Hi all

Thanks for your responses I got notification from my DSN that the IFA has been approved and I’ve gone for the G5. I did ask if the G6 is available yet but I assume it isn’t as they are ordering the G5 for me

 

[Gaz-M]

the G6 is available for a month trail for £159 for 3 sensors and 1 transmitter, I will be ordering 1 tomorrow as I have just had a week on the G5 from the hospital on for a week tomonitor my bloods, shocked is all I can say from what I saw

 

[tim2000s]

I'd certainly ask your clinic about the G6 as it's the newest option in the Dexcom range, but as it is only just available, I'd also not expect there to be any pricing in place for it with the NHS.

Of the other two options, the G4 is now quite old and in terms of accuracy, the European version is definitely less accurate than the G5 is. The other thing to bear in mind is that the G4 is likely to be discontinued in Europe fairly soon due to the only pump that supported it going out of warranty big time (the Animas Vibe is no longer being produced).

Dexcom are trying hard to push G5 users to G6, so there are plenty of conversations for you to have.