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Dexcom Error

BeccyB

BeccyB

Well-Known Member
Messages
465
Location
Birmingham, UK
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Pump
I currently have my first Dexcom G5 sensor inserted, it has been restarted and is now on day 10. Last night I had an error which the app suggests could be because of the transmitter attachment, after it hadn't cleared for a while I restarted my iPhone and Bluetooth and it reconnected. But it has now happened again.

My question is whether this is most likely to be a problem with my transmitter (which was brand new 10 days ago), or whether this is a sign that my sensor is dead and I can't get as long out of them as many do? Or is it probably the way I've inserted/attached it??

I'm tempted to just insert a new sensor and try again but obviously if I can I'd like to get longer out of this one. Any advice/ideas appreciated x
 
I have been trialling a Dexcom G4 (because it links to my Animas pump).
I receive errors after about 10 days too.

I believe, for me, this is due to "trauma" around the sensor. Basically, it starts itching and my body decides this foreign object has been there log enough. As a result, the sensor does not accept the weird BG readings I give.

It has been suggested I try putting the sensor somewhere different (I usually put it on my belly). I tried it on my lower back and it fell off with the pull and push of the waist band of my jeans. Another idea is my upper arm, like a Libre. However, the Dexcom applicator is rather clunky and I am not dextrous enough to attach the sensor with one hand (and my partner is screamish about attaching things to your body so cannot help).
 
Before you abandon it, try carefully removing the transmitter from the sensor, clean the contacts with an alcohol wipe, then reinserting it.
 
@BeccyB, where is your sensor inserted? The majority of people getting long lives out of sensors are using their arms rather than their belly/midriff for the insertion. I find that using my midriff kills sensors very quickly and therefore use my arms.
 
Yes @tim2000s, it's on my midriff. It's actually started working again now so i'll see how the accuracy goes, and if it happens again I'll try the tip from @DunePlodder (thank you!). And the next one will go in my arm :-)
 
Make sure your also well hydrated, many have issues through not taking enough fluid on board.
 
Hmmm. If the calibration doesn't work, I've found that stopping the sensor and restarting it can resolve that kind of issue. It's often down to variation in the early period of insertion.
 
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