Medtronic 780g + Guardian 4

[Jess1D]

Just an update, so I started the guardian 4 yesterday- got to say pleased with it so far, my only concern is when I have to replace it getting the taping right. I inserted it on my stomach- doesn’t feel a clumpy as expected which is a bonus

 

[Jess1D]

Good morning Meg
this morning after breakfast I dipped slightly low but then came back to normal ok. In the last 2 hours it has continued to rise despite I can see it has given me very micro corrections(0.225) in the last hour I cycled & it was 10, but now it’s sitting at 12.1
I don’t understand what’s happening

 

[Jess1D]

this morning after breakfast I dipped slightly low but then came back to normal ok. In the last 2 hours it has continued to rise despite I can see it has given me very micro corrections(0.225) in the last hour I cycled & it was 10, but now it’s sitting at 12.1
I don’t understand what’s happening[/QUOTE]

 

[Nicola M]

There’s a lot to consider when it gives you corrections for a high blood sugar. It can take into account how far away from your target you are, how long you’ve been out of target, how fast your glucose has been changing and whether it thinks with the correction you are eventually going to drop back into target and also your last 6 days of sensor values to determine your maximum and minimum amount of insulin.

You’ve got to remember that the algorithm is forever learning about you and it isn’t going to be perfect straight away. Exercise can also make your blood sugar rise but it can fall pretty soon after. If you dipped low in the last couple of hours if it gives you too many corrections it’s possible you could drop low again.

 

[Jimmy42]

Hi Folks
I have been using the 780g and G4 sensors since December 22 and really interesting reading others' experiences. I must admit I am a fan since starting but there are a few anomalies. My last sensor only lasted 6 days and doesn't give any warning other than "change sensor". On a few occasions the sensor starting "updating" and can take anywhere between 5 minutes and an hour to complete. Not a clue why this happens and has happened when I have been out for a run; not ideal. The "temp basal" mode is strange and is supposed to reduce the amount of insulin given when exercising for example. However I can still get worryingly low despite my best efforts to mitigate. I did not get this problem before in manual mode so something I have to try and figure. I though it was to do with basal settings but the system does not use user settings (I hope) as it works basal levels out for you as it it is designed to do. I sometimes use "other" tape as a supplement to keeping the sensor in place as it can be a challenge if putting it anywhere else other than the front of the stomach. I will try the back of the arm at some stage. I try as best I can to let the system do its job and am hitting 80-90% and have been higher (depending on range setting) so no real complaints as it is still early days in the journey.

 

[hboyt]

Hi Shell,

I have had the 780g with Guardian 4 since May this year and I can say it has made a massive difference for me. My bloods weren’t bad before hand but they also weren’t amazing. I work all kinds of shifts so it has been hard for me to find a routine but since having the guardian 4 it’s taken away a lot of my stress and worry. I’m just speaking from my experience as I am sure everyone’s opinions will differ depending on many factors. If I had to pick one fault it would be that I can’t do a dual bolus, but in the grand scheme of things it’s not a massive issue. I’ve never had any issues with sensors not lasting and find that they also stick quite well.

Hope you get to start it soon and if you have any questions I’ll be happy to help if I can x

I started out using the Medtronic with their guardian sensors and I didn't get on with the sensors v well, can't remember which version but the calibration was the worst! And also the adhesive I got a major rash from!

I have since switched to xslim pump and dexcom sensors when the warranty was up and it's a dream come true. Hardly ever finger stick anymore....worth a try to that system if u ever want to try again

 

[hboyt]

Hi

Ive been approved funding to have the 780g with the Guardian 4. All the gear is actually sitting in my spare room waiting for an appointment with the Rep to set me all up... It's like tangling a carrot!!

I've been looking for some genuine/honest experiences and advice when first going onto this set up (I'm already a Medtronic pump user with the 640g) but can't seem to find anything but Medtronics advertising and people who are clearly affiliated with them.

Can anyone offer anything? I worried I've bigged it's capabilities up and really, experience should tell me that with diabetes technology there is always a catch or something that's not quite good enough.

TiA
Shell

Hi

Ive been approved funding to have the 780g with the Guardian 4. All the gear is actually sitting in my spare room waiting for an appointment with the Rep to set me all up... It's like tangling a carrot!!

I've been looking for some genuine/honest experiences and advice when first going onto this set up (I'm already a Medtronic pump user with the 640g) but can't seem to find anything but Medtronics advertising and people who are clearly affiliated with them.

Can anyone offer anything? I worried I've bigged it's capabilities up and really, experience should tell me that with diabetes technology there is always a catch or something that's not quite good enough.

TiA
Shell x

Hi there
All I can say is give it a good couple weeks before u expect results and satisfaction....it really is trial and error figuring it all out! I was ready to give up after a couple days into it but glad I stuck it out. And if it's closed loop it does take awhile for the algorithm to listen to how u tick iykwim!
Hope it all works for you and all the best for your new journey!

 

[Jess1D]

Hi
So I seem to be having irritation from the guardian 4 sensors, I inserted this one on Wednesday & feel like I want to rip it off- skin feels itchy as
Anyone experienced this?
Wondering what to do? This is the last of my trial sensors
Expecting my ordered ones to arrive early next week

 

[Hopeful34]

I've not used these @Jess1D but hboyt in the post 2 previous to yours had problems with the adhesive. I'd take it off, and use something like Cavilon or Sorbaderm spray prior to inserting another one when you get them next week.

 

[Billytowngirl]

I've not used these @Jess1D but hboyt in the post 2 previous to yours had problems with the adhesive. I'd take it off, and use something like Cavilon or Sorbaderm spray prior to inserting another one when you get them next week.

Good Afternoon
Sorry to jump on your post
My husband has just received his new 780g, and I need to request some testing strips from our GP. I can’t seem to find the correct name of the strips? Could you possibly let me know what they are please?
Thank you

 

[Dexta]

If you ask them for the Accu-Chek Guide Link test strips they should be able to refer to them.
How do I know? I’ve just received my M780g unexpectedly from Medtronic as a replacement for my faulty M670g.

 

[Jess1D]

Hi
I have had my HBA1C result back- 51
Not that pleased with this
I am using the 780G & guardian 4
Pleased with this so far but want
To tighten my control a bit more, I can’t seem to change between basal rates, can anyone advise please?

 

[Prancy]

Hi Folks
I have been using the 780g and G4 sensors since December 22 and really interesting reading others' experiences. I must admit I am a fan since starting but there are a few anomalies. My last sensor only lasted 6 days and doesn't give any warning other than "change sensor". On a few occasions the sensor starting "updating" and can take anywhere between 5 minutes and an hour to complete. Not a clue why this happens and has happened when I have been out for a run; not ideal. The "temp basal" mode is strange and is supposed to reduce the amount of insulin given when exercising for example. However I can still get worryingly low despite my best efforts to mitigate. I did not get this problem before in manual mode so something I have to try and figure. I though it was to do with basal settings but the system does not use user settings (I hope) as it works basal levels out for you as it it is designed to do. I sometimes use "other" tape as a supplement to keeping the sensor in place as it can be a challenge if putting it anywhere else other than the front of the stomach. I will try the back of the arm at some stage. I try as best I can to let the system do its job and am hitting 80-90% and have been higher (depending on range setting) so no real complaints as it is still early days in the journey.

I’ve had similar issues with my 670 G……I’m trying to see how the 780 and G4 are better or different before getting it. My placement area for 670 is the back of my arm. It doesnt work on my stomach. It sounds like your numbers are good despite the problems.

 

[JNJ7707]

Just happened on to this site. In USA, just upgraded software to 780 G and accidentally used G3 sensor. It sounds like it will be okay just needs to be calibrated more? Right now I am 96% in range, which I never saw on the 770G! Just checking to see if that seems right. Thanks for any help!

 

[Nicola M]

Just happened on to this site. In USA, just upgraded software to 780 G and accidentally used G3 sensor. It sounds like it will be okay just needs to be calibrated more? Right now I am 96% in range, which I never saw on the 770G! Just checking to see if that seems right. Thanks for any help!

That’s correct I used the 780g and G3 for about a year before the G4 became available. It was perfectly fine just needed calibrations everything else worked the same as the G4.

 

[LizLola]

You definitely need the G4 sensor to get the full benefit from the 780 pump and G4 transmitter. Whilst technically true to say you CAN use the G3, it is not as good.

I've found it excellent.

I'm not sure why **shell** said this: A very useful function is suspension of your insulin when your CGM records a downwards trend heading towards a hypo, I noticed it stop a few hypos. This, I have recently noticed is not available in Smart Guard.

Smartguard definitely suspends your insulin before low - that's how it works - as well as putting in more insulin when you trend high. It just doesn't let you know. Or do you mean you cannot do it yourself? Doing it yourself is much less accurate.

However, there is ONE thing about this pump which is a bit of a problem. It 'learns' you. So treats you according to how it has noticed you need treating - amount of corrections, how much basal at whatever time of day etc. based on the days before. If there is something suddenly different - you are ill, or really stressed, and your blood sugars rise and won't come down, it will have a problem getting you down. I've found the solution to this is to come out of Smartguard (very easy, you just turn it off), and it goes back to the basals you have entered at the beginning. I then enter a 150% basal for a couple of hours until my blood sugar more normal and then go back into Smartguard. Works a treat.

 

[LianneR]

Hi
So I seem to be having irritation from the guardian 4 sensors, I inserted this one on Wednesday & feel like I want to rip it off- skin feels itchy as
Anyone experienced this?
Wondering what to do? This is the last of my trial sensors
Expecting my ordered ones to arrive early next week

Yes, I had that all the time. Use a barrier cream like cavillon before putting it on, then I use a skin tac wipe which secures the tape better than the tape itself. I always use adhesive remover wipes when I've taken them off too. I place my sensors on the front of my thighs as it's the only place they will stay on and I don't catch them with anything there.

 

[LianneR]

Just an update, so I started the guardian 4 yesterday- got to say pleased with it so far, my only concern is when I have to replace it getting the taping right. I inserted it on my stomach- doesn’t feel a clumpy as expected which is a bonus

The tapes can be confusing at first, when I started using them in May I ended up using four at a time because I kept doing it wrong. I watched a YouTube video and with practice, I can now easily place them with two tapes. Only on my thighs though. I can't fit the sensors anywhere else because 1. I can't see what I'm doing and 2. They catch on all of my clothing. So the top front of my thighs are so much easier.

 

[Prancy]

I’m a little confused, as I’ve been hearing that the G4 application is the same as G3.

 

[kiwipoo]

Anyone able to get the Minimed Mobile app to successfully stay connected with Android phones? Anyone on iPhone able to say that it works reliably? My experience with a Samsung is that it's difficult to connect and disconnects super easily (cue the 10-20 attempts to reconnect).

I moved over relatively recently and am having a bit of a time with the glue on the G4 - (currently using 10x12cm Tegaderm Film). It's a lot more pernicikity to apply compared to the Dexcom - definitely need support to apply on the arm, but was able to do it successfully on the abdomen unaided. The eruptions in my skin has truncated a few of the sensors, and sometime it just randomly stops and you have to replace - it's more flaky than the Dexcom in my experience so far (max duration has been 4 days so far).

When it is working with the 780G it's very good, SmartGuard seems pretty function.