Dexcom G5?

Tagging @GrantGam for you

Does your daughter use a pump?

Ok - which pump?

Freya122 said:

Omnipod

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Have you got another account here? I remember a Freya recently with an Omnipod.

If anyone is considering a CGM, like a Dexcom, or a Flash monitor like a Libre, my first question is "Why?"
No matter how accurate they are, they are not considered as accurate as finger pricking which is why the DVLA do not accept readings from them. However, they are very useful for getting a better understanding of your BG profile throughout the day to make minor adjustments to your pump and, in the case of a CGM, a useful hypo/hyper advanced warning system.
I have spoken to parents who use these as an alternative to finger pricking for their children (and maintained good Hb1AC control) but I don't have that level of confidence in them and I am not alone: I think you still need to prick your finger ... albeit a little less.

Personally, I have invested in occasional DexCom usage. Mainly to make minor adjustments to my pump. However, I tend to coincide my use with something like a business conference when more usual meal schedule and variety is disrupted and it is not easy to regularly finger prick.

Freya122 said:

Yes, we couldn't seem to log into the other account so we had to make a new one.

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Ok Hopefully we can sort that for you

There are a number of Dexcom users here. I don't use it but I would if I could afford to.

Tagging @paulliljeros and @TorqPenderloin too.

Freya122 said:

I'm considering buying the Dexcom G5 soon, does anybody have one? If so is it any good?She would be using her iPhone.

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Indeed it is very good, although I've never used it in conjunction with an iPhone nor the official Dexcom app.

Is there anything specific you'd like to know?

Hi,
I got a dexcom G5 recently and have found it really useful.

I was struggling to get my hba1c down and my fingerprick tests always seemed good-reasonable. With the dexcom I can see what my bg is doing after meals and whilst I'm asleep really easily.
I discovered I was going hypo whilst asleep and it's comforting to have the alerts as I wasn't waking up. I have managed to fix that now by adjusting my basal following the patterns that the dexcom identified.
The clarity software is good for pattern detection and I've been using it to help adjust things.

Plus there is a follower app so you can keep an eye on your daughters levels from afar assuming she has wifi/data.

All that being said, when my levels are stable the dexcom is spot on, but fast changes are not that accurate. Good for a general trend but I wouldn't bolus against the number shown on the sensor.

My main reason for having the dexcom is the real time alerts that I get on my phone when my bg goes out of range.
If you don't want that the libre sensor is also very good and lot cheaper; but you only get data when you swipe and only you can see it.

In general, I still test before meals and driving via the finger prick and keep an eye on my levels using the sensor. I have stopped testing before bed unless I really need to and only test post meals if I am out of range.

Personally I have found that the dressings start to peel off after a few days so I have to use an extra way of sticking the sensor on, like micropore tape etc.

Finally, My hba1c has improved with using it so for me it's worth it.

Feel free to ask more questions

helensaramay said:

If anyone is considering a CGM, like a Dexcom, or a Flash monitor like a Libre, my first question is "Why?"

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With all due respect, I suspect this lack of appreciation of the value of the data is one of the main reasons it is difficult to justify this technology being given out on the NHS. The value is being able to put the data into context. Without CGM, if you take a BG reading now, and know it is exactly 5.6mmol (within +/- 20%), it tells you that you're not hypo, but nothing more. If I look at my CGM, and it says I am approximately 5.5, but 5 mins ago I was 5.9 and 10 mins ago I was 6.3, 15 mins 6.6 and so on, we can all guess that in all likelihood, in another half hour or so I'll be having a hypo.
However, returning to the OP's Topic, I'm afraid I cannot comment too much on the G5. I use the G4, as it integrates seamlessly with the Dexcom Pump. I think the G5 may include Share, which would allow you to get notifications of her readings remotely, so if I were a parent, I think I would definitely go consider the G5. Either way, the control it has afforded me has been unbelievable, and if only I'd had it 30 years ago, my life now would probably be very different! If you have any specific questions, I'd happily try to answer them. You may benefit from reading "Sugar Surfing" as it gives a fantastic and light hearted insight into the use of CGM + pumps.

paulliljeros said:

With all due respect, I suspect this lack of appreciation of the value of the data is one of the main reasons it is difficult to justify this technology being given out on the NHS.

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Exactly my point - I did not mean "'Why?" as in "Why on earth would anyone want one of those?" more to question whether @Freya122 had considered what value her daughter would get from a CGM. It is great if you invest the time and effort to understand the data that it provides. It is very expensive if you use it as a replacement to finger pricks.