Anyone using the Dexcom SEVEN

[BernardF]

I'm hoping to get one to try out shortly.

Has anyone been using one and want to comment on what it's like?

I'm especially interested in the changes in the Dexcom software. For the system itself I already know the following:

Sensor/transmitter combination is now waterproof. So you can shower without problems. But it's not clear how well it works when swimming.
Insertion needle is slightly smaller, with a little less discomfort.
Sensors are now officially good for 7 days, but are also more expensive. It's not clear if people are getting much extended use out of these. I typically get 10-15 days from the current 3-day sensors.
Upgrade cost is around $350, with the first box of four sensors available for $175 at that time. After that they'll be the 'normal' price which (I believe) is still $240 for a box of four.


I'd love to know about the new software. What statistics does it give you? Does it allow you to export the data collected by your Dexcom (http://www.bernardfarrell.com/blog/2007/05/decoding-dexcom-data-format-update.htm)?

If you've used this new device, please do let us know.

[2098R]

I believe John is playing with one. Maybe he'll give us a little feedback even if he's not finished evaluating it. I think I saw the new software which is greatly improved, not hard to do, with graph showing average, normal variance and hi/lo extremes per daily time periods.

Whit

[BernardF]

I got it yesterday (July 23) and started using it this morning.

I've put a video showing some of the Dexcom 3 and Dexcom 7 screens up on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Thl8-x-Y7E#GU5U2spHI_4).

So far I like what I've seen on the hardware side. I would have liked more improvements in the display, but what changes they've made have been good. I'll play with the software some and blog about that later in the week.

Note: I do own some shares in Dexcom. I try to not let that change what I write.

[2098R]

Question, I've found one can reactivate the Dexcom 3 sensor 2 to 2-1/2 times. Do you think one could do this with the 7 or have they place a safety limit in there? The display looks good for us visually challenged people.
Whit
sore from Missouri 5m MB ride

[disheartened]

Sorry to bother yu with details but...
-do I need a perscription to get this monitor?
-is this considered a product still in test mode (thus not paid for by insurance?)
-what government agencies? specific congress people? specific drug companies? are stopping the development of long-term-continuous glucose monitors?

[74tgould]

Hi,
First post but I have been using a DexCom 7 since 9/10/08 & thought some might nbe interested in my experiences.
As of today I don't think any CGM is perfect. We need to take them for what they give us. My CGM BS (blood sugars) will often be 10-60 points different from my FS's (finger sticks). My Endo says that research indicates that the interstitial readings of the CGM might be more accurate but they lag behind 5-10 minutes. That's also OK. The CGM gives us trends which are great. My CGM told me that following my bedtime BS of 100 would climb upwards of 220 between 2-6AM. Short of FS's every 15 minutes there's no way to determine those changes. My highs were fixed by increasing my basal rate.
I have had three defective sensors. They show up after a few hours of operation. Report it to the company and they will send a replacement.
The low alerts are great to retrain the body to the sensations of those lows.
Also once the initial trends are determined, adjustments made one could discontinue use for time periods and restart in times like vacations etc.
It does take another commitment of time and energy like the use of the pump but what is ones health worth? All in all I am pleased with the DexCom.
One more bit of info. I have used the 7-day sensors up to 15 days. You will usually get at least 7 then fool the unit by indicating that you have changed sensors and it will restart another session. You can continue as long as you are getting signals.

[jboughto70]

I'm hoping to get one to try out shortly.



Has anyone been using one and want to comment on what it's like?

I'm especially interested in the changes in the Dexcom software. For the system itself I already know the following:

Sensor/transmitter combination is now waterproof. So you can shower without problems. But it's not clear how well it works when swimming.
Insertion needle is slightly smaller, with a little less discomfort.
Sensors are now officially good for 7 days, but are also more expensive. It's not clear if people are getting much extended use out of these. I typically get 10-15 days from the current 3-day sensors.
Upgrade cost is around $350, with the first box of four sensors available for $175 at that time. After that they'll be the 'normal' price which (I believe) is still $240 for a box of four.


I'd love to know about the new software. What statistics does it give you? Does it allow you to export the data collected by your Dexcom (http://www.bernardfarrell.com/blog/2007/05/decoding-dexcom-data-format-update.htm)?

If you've used this new device, please do let us know.

I have been using the Dexcom 7 since January 2008. I love it and I hate it. You never know when it is accurate and when it is not. Usually the first day or 2 is inaccurate. The rest of the time it is hit and miss. When I see the meter reading the same reading or nearly the same reading for 3 hours, it is probably way off. This has been happening a lot lately and I'm wondering if its because the internal batteries are nearing the end of their warranty period!?! Sometimes this thing recalibrates itself quickly after a finger stick, and sometimes it completely refuses to alter its errors, even after 4 fingersticks within a 90 minute period! It is completely waterproof. I have been in the hot tub for 20 minutes or so with no problem. If the tape starts coming loose, I add my own tape to hold it down while I'm showering. I usually use the same sensor for 2 weeks. The new software upgrade (if its the latest one your talking about) does not add much except it allows you to manually enter a fingerstick value rather than having to hook it to your one touch meter. Using this meter I have found that my nightly blood sugars are fine until about 2AM then they start going up. If I sleep late, they are over 250, so then I spend my time trying to get it down to normal. The software has many many functions and can show you patterns of when your bs is high or low so you can change habbits or basal rates or whatever to fix things. Lots of ways to visualize your bs's with the software. If you export your data, you have to manually manipulate it, and it sends your meter (fingerstick) data to a different file than its sensor data, so you have to combine the 2 in your own excel spreadsheet if you want to see how they compare.

[jboughto70]

I have been using the Dexcom 7 since January 2008. I love it and I hate it. You never know when it is accurate and when it is not. Usually the first day or 2 is inaccurate. The rest of the time it is hit and miss. When I see the meter reading the same reading or nearly the same reading for 3 hours, it is probably way off. This has been happening a lot lately and I'm wondering if its because the internal batteries are nearing the end of their warranty period!?! Sometimes this thing recalibrates itself quickly after a finger stick, and sometimes it completely refuses to alter its errors, even after 4 fingersticks within a 90 minute period! It is completely waterproof. I have been in the hot tub for 20 minutes or so with no problem. If the tape starts coming loose, I add my own tape to hold it down while I'm showering. I usually use the same sensor for 2 weeks. The new software upgrade (if its the latest one your talking about) does not add much except it allows you to manually enter a fingerstick value rather than having to hook it to your one touch meter. Using this meter I have found that my nightly blood sugars are fine until about 2AM then they start going up. If I sleep late, they are over 250, so then I spend my time trying to get it down to normal. The software has many many functions and can show you patterns of when your bs is high or low so you can change habbits or basal rates or whatever to fix things. Lots of ways to visualize your bs's with the software. If you export your data, you have to manually manipulate it, and it sends your meter (fingerstick) data to a different file than its sensor data, so you have to combine the 2 in your own excel spreadsheet if you want to see how they compare.

[Fuhrfull]

I have used the Dexcom since it's release over two years ago. I have also used the Glucowatch and Medtronic's MiniLink. THe Dexcom Seven is the best, it requires on two calibrations and is very dependable. I really can't stand the Real Time system by Medtronic for a few reasons.

1. The injection site always bleeds because the needle is large

2. I find it very undependable and needs constant calibrations

3. The transmitter it large compared to Dexcoms

4. I have had the Dexcom sensor last as long as 23 Days!!!!!

5. The reciever can be put on a nightstand so you can hear the alarms , when I go low I usally cant hear the pumps alarms.

BUY THE DEXCOM

[ffpmdon]

I have had a dexcom 7 for 5 months and love it my sister has a mini med and hates it!
the 7 day sensors have lasted about 20 days my recored is 28 days with a little bit of mastasol adheisive on the edges (the stuff they use to make steri strips stick) when I have done the 2 calibraitons a day its usually within 5-15 of my glucometer.

[imn2jc_50]

Question, I've found one can reactivate the Dexcom 3 sensor 2 to 2-1/2 times. Do you think one could do this with the 7 or have they place a safety limit in there? The display looks good for us visually challenged people.
Whit
sore from Missouri 5m MB ride


how do i reactivate the dexcom 7 or is there a safty limit

[imn2jc_50]

:rolleyes:
Question, I've found one can reactivate the Dexcom 3 sensor 2 to 2-1/2 times. Do you think one could do this with the 7 or have they place a safety limit in there? The display looks good for us visually challenged people.
Whit
sore from Missouri 5m MB ride

:mad:was to frustated with the omnipod and the short canula which continually came out also the never sent the replacements the said they would

[imn2jc_50]

Had one since Jan. and love it a1c 6.1 yesterday after years of 7+

[Riffster]

Hello all!

I have been using the system for one and a half weeks. My last A1C was 11.5, I travel a lot for my job and I am also into power lifting. My problem was that I could just not tell when my sugars were high? I could only really tell when they were REALLY high? I mean over 400 and I could tell, whenever my blood sugar was 100 to 120 I would feel like a black out or seizure was coming! My control has been bad to decent but never great. My best A1C was 7.5 a few years ago, so the system seemed like a great idea for me. It has seemed to help already but I would have to agree with some of the statements already made. My readings have been as many as 100 points difference from my meter and my dexcom unit. This has only happened twice since a got the unit. If I make sure to put in a manual reading every 12 hours that seems to help. The trend arrows are a great help for my especially at the gym. I would usually make sure my sugar was at around 300 before going to the gym in fear of having a low during a max effort workout? had a few workouts since and the device has helped A LOT! two of the best workouts I have had in years and I felt great! Perhaps that is due to my body not trying to pump syrup through my vains? IDK but they were great! The only regular problem I have is keeping them stuck to my body? I have used the skin tac on the applicator this time and two days later it already looks like it is coming off? I took a shower then alcholol swabbed the area, then the skin tac then the dexcom tape and unit but still having problems? Oh well, my rep said the ability for the transmitter to communicate with smart phones is already done and is being tested so the device you have to carry with you could soon be a thing of the past?

Never even knew there were forums like this one until googling "how to insert my dexcom sensor" then found this site! awesome, nice to be able to talk with other people having the same struggles as me!

Thanks

Riff

[Melba86ss]

Hi,
First post but I have been using a DexCom 7 since 9/10/08 & thought some might nbe interested in my experiences.
As of today I don't think any CGM is perfect. We need to take them for what they give us. My CGM BS (blood sugars) will often be 10-60 points different from my FS's (finger sticks). My Endo says that research indicates that the interstitial readings of the CGM might be more accurate but they lag behind 5-10 minutes. That's also OK. The CGM gives us trends which are great. My CGM told me that following my bedtime BS of 100 would climb upwards of 220 between 2-6AM. Short of FS's every 15 minutes there's no way to determine those changes. My highs were fixed by increasing my basal rate.
I have had three defective sensors. They show up after a few hours of operation. Report it to the company and they will send a replacement.
The low alerts are great to retrain the body to the sensations of those lows.
Also once the initial trends are determined, adjustments made one could discontinue use for time periods and restart in times like vacations etc.
It does take another commitment of time and energy like the use of the pump but what is ones health worth? All in all I am pleased with the DexCom.
One more bit of info. I have used the 7-day sensors up to 15 days. You will usually get at least 7 then fool the unit by indicating that you have changed sensors and it will restart another session. You can continue as long as you are getting signals.http://www.cuinsurance.org/sang1.jpg
http://www.cuinsurance.org/sang2.jpg
http://www.cuinsurance.org/sang3.jpg

[Melba86ss]

Still very useful

[Melba86ss]

I have been using the Dexcom 7 since January 2008. I love it and I hate it. You never know when it is accurate and when it is not. Usually the first day or 2 is inaccurate. The rest of the time it is hit and miss. When I see the meter reading the same reading or nearly the same reading for 3 hours, it is probably way off. This has been happening a lot lately and I'm wondering if its because the internal batteries are nearing the end of their warranty period!?! Sometimes this thing recalibrates itself quickly after a finger stick, and sometimes it completely refuses to alter its errors, even after 4 fingersticks within a 90 minute period! It is completely waterproof. I have been in the hot tub for 20 minutes or so with no problem. If the tape starts coming loose, I add my own tape to hold it down while I'm showering. I usually use the same sensor for 2 weeks. The new software upgrade (if its the latest one your talking about) does not add much except it allows you to manually enter a fingerstick value rather than having to hook it to your one touch meter. Using this meter I have found that my nightly blood sugars are fine until about 2AM then they start going up. If I sleep late, they are over 250, so then I spend my time trying to get it down to normal. The software has many many functions and can show you patterns of when your bs is high or low so you can change habbits or basal rates or whatever to fix things. Lots of ways to visualize your bs's with the software. If you export your data, you have to manually manipulate it, and it sends your meter (fingerstick) data to a different file than its sensor data, so you have to combine the 2 in your own excel spreadsheet if you want to see how they compare. thank youhttp://www.cuinsurance.org/sang1.jpg
http://www.cuinsurance.org/sang2.jpg
http://www.cuinsurance.org/sang3.jpg

[Riffster]

So far so good, as mentioned the finger prick readings are not always the same as the Dexcom unit. It has NEVER been right on but more often than not it is within 5 to 15 units. It has been off as many as 80 units before. Found this to be evident early on. I have noticed if I take readings on my forearms (where I always did before with my freestyle lite meter) the readings are MUCH closer to the readings on the Dexcom, within 20 units. So perhaps the readings from my fingers and my forearms have been this different as well? I never checked, once I got a meter that said I didn't have to check by pricking my fingers anymore I just never did. I have always used my forearms since getting a meter that said I could?

I don't know exactly but they claim the Dexcom takes a reading every 5 minutes? I would say the time difference along with some slight variances with the blood glucose readings could account for some of those large differences in the beginning? The manual readings every 12 hours seem to help it stay more in line as well.

I LOVE the trending arrows! They are AWESOME for me when doing intense power lifting. I used to check and if it was 300 or 350 shoot up accordingly but never knew if I was trending up or down. What that would mean is still having a reading of 300 or 350 or crashing after I got home from the gym! This would cause difficulty with my body taking in nutrients after working out, which is the most important time of all for muscle recovery.

Nothing is fool proof but according to the software I have already improved my A1C by 4 percentage points! The device will not get my goal of 6.5% but close enough that I can make some more changes to get things in range? for the first time I am starting to be able to "tell" when my sugars are too high, I have the alarm set for 250 on the high side and I am starting to feel the difference. I will give that another week and I will take it down to 200 for a few weeks and then a little more after that..... I have a large trade show at then end of the month in Las Vegas, usually when I travel west it is hell on my sugars! I am interested in seeing how much the device can help me out west!

Over all I give it a 95 out of 100! With the improvements i have been reading about on the horizon this is only going to get better!

Just my take, but my sugars were OUT OF CONTROL for too long so anything would have probably helped, but I am a fan so far!