Test Strip Use whilst on a CGM

Hello @MajorG

Personally I use the Dexcom G7 and would only use test strips on the first day of the new sensor to check accuracy, to check a hypo or if my BG levels are moving a such a pace that the CGM doesn't catch up in time due to the time lag and I need to know where my BG levels are heading.

That said i'd be lucky to use 5 strips a month. I have been using a CGM for over 6-7 years now and I do trust the Dexcom just aware of the nuances of using a sensor that may require a test strip back up. Not surprised your strips have been cut back though as it's a cost issue, in time you will learn the quirks and rely less on the strip tests but like anything when adopting new tech it's about building trust, but try to wean yourself off the strips if you can as you can create more mental pain comparing them when they are 2 completely different tools, trusting your CGM more will allow you to make better decisions as you can see the direction of your glucose levels and plan accordingly.

MajorG said:

Hi folks.

I have a question for the Type 1s using a CGM.

How often do you finger prick test if you're using a CGM?

I've been type 1 since 2011 and have just last week been put on a 3 month Libre 2 trial.
I'm still getting used to the thing and it's accuracy and quirks.

It's defintely a useful extra point of data, but I'm not completely on board with it yet and have still been using test strips as I deem necessary.

Since going on the trial my prescription for test strips has been reduced to 1 pack of strips.

50 strips a month doesn't give you much leeway as it's less then 2 tests a day.

It would be useful and interesting to know others experience with this.

Click to expand...

I’ve not done an actual blood test in about 2 months

Hi @MajorG
Welcome to you....

I put a new sensor on whilst my existing one is on its last 24 hours for it to bed in.

I only activate a new sensor if my levels are stable.....as in i would not if i had loads of food and insulin on board.

I finger test an hour after activation then do so again randomly over the next 24 hours and not do another finger prick test unless i'm feeling at variance with my libre.

I have had tremendous success with my libre and adore it and had very few issues.

This works very well for me.

Good luck

Tony

If drive min twice day I thought was necessary?

I do understand your frustration, I’ve had the same reduction to 50 strips a month since the NHS started covering my Libre (I self funded Libre for some time before).

Most of the time, I only test a couple of times when I have a new sensor on to check it’s reading ok. The problem is, every couple of months I have a duff sensor. Which Abbott replace, but if I have a couple of duff ones together, I may not have one available at all for a few days or just use more test strips in checking the duff ones, and it’s easy to burn through the pack.

I had the watch and loved it, but unfortunately when I moved to Omnipod5 a few months ago I lost that functionality (sensor can only talk to pod, not anything else), so now I am back to having to check the PDM to see where I am - two steps forward, one step back!

I get fifty a month, but don’t order every month as haven’t used them.

At least 2 a day for calibration purposes, if the sensor fails then I will also need to fall back to normal fingerprick testing to bridge the gap (as I'm usually at work or at least not at home where I can apply a new sensor when this happens, so often have the best part of a day of fingerpricking).

When I was first prescribed the libre, test strips were removed from my prescription completely, but I had them readded as soon as I noticed this. I think my allowed quota is 4x50/month (which is what I used to get before CGMs), though I don't use them this fast so only reorder every few months as required.

3 - 4 times on avarage, more with new sensors, less on days my bg is pretty stable.
I partly self fund.

Just been switched to Libre 3+ and very seldom finger prick. Keep my glucometer with me when I go out, in case the CGM stops working.. or falls off, and to do a more accurate glucose reading when driving. Used to finger prick at the swimming pool, but just rely on the CGM reading when I do manage to swim.
sometimes finger prick at the start of a new sensor, but I apply them 24 hours before the previous one expires.
ended up finger pricking for 24 hours when I inadvertently bought a new phone that turned out to be incompatible with the Libre 3 sensors.