Question to all CGM users

Hi there,

I am waiting for a Medtronic Veo to be ordered for me by my pump DSN. One of the reasons for having this pump is teh ability to use CGM. I discussed this with the consultant back in August who agreed that it would be very useful for me, but didn't expect that I could get funding.

The DSN told me recently that there are only 2 people at my clinic who have CGM funded by the NHS (200 pumps users apparently). One is completely hypo unaware & has a hypo awareness dog, but didn't like the GCM & doesn't use it. The other struggled to get her Hba1c below 8.5 even with the pump and is now pregnant, but by using CGM, it has come down drastically. They basically told me to not even bother. Even with 40 hypos a month (down from 60, so I'm making progress), my hypos are mild & I knwo about them soon enough, they won't consider it. I guess that they also know that I am in full time work & paid a reasonable salary, no kids etc so can probably afford to fund myself to a certain extent.

So I have done my research. The initial set up for the Veo (transmitter plus 4 sensors) costs £687 (£585 if ordered at the same time as the pump). This is their new Enlite sensor which is apparently 69% smaller than their old sensors.

The transmitters are in warranty for a year, but Medtronic's sales rep tells me that (quote) " we have experience of them lasting much longer, i.e. in my last job the transmitters we got three years ago are still in good use".

Additional sensors cost £275 for 5 or £525 for 10. Each can be worn for 6 days, though apparently some people get 7 days out of them.

My plan is to blitz it with the CGM for a month or three & see if I can sort out my hypos while keeping my highs (also a problem) within reason.

Hope this helps.

I've currently got a funding request in. I have used the hospitals own closed CGMS machine for a week and am now experiencing how useful/less the combi is from accu-chek as I currently use only the spirit pump.

It went to the PCT recently and they asked for further information.

My arguement is retinopathy and uncontrolled swings. I think it would provide the missing link so I can see what happens and adjust accordingly.

Remains to be seen whether I am funded - I am certainly a guinea pig in this area. Will update on results being announced.

My issue is there seems to be no middle ground for part funding. Its also taken a year so far to get this far! No wonder the NHS has backlogs is it!!