Head-to-Head Comparison Of The Two Currently Available Continuous Monitors

[John Walsh, PA, CDE]

The Dexcom STS and the Paradigm RT continuous monitors are currently available in the U.S. with a prescription. In this study, they are compared head to head while being worn by one person with Type 1 diabetes. Over 33 days, 262 simultaneous readings were compared between a One Touch meter and the two continuous monitors. The meter was used to calibrate both monitors and as the standard against which their accuracy was evaluated.

Is one monitor better than the other? How close are the monitor readings to the Ultra fingerstick readings? Find out by viewing the comparison slideshow or downloading the Powerpoint presentation.

[Richard]

well done, great read

[purplejellybeans]

I thought it was great to read, and very objectional info for those of us thinking about getting a CGMS. I was however wondering which was A, and which was B? Dex was profiled first so I am assuming that Dex is A, however I could be wrong. Thanks, Jamie

[glove48]

Originally Posted by purplejellybeans

I thought it was great to read, and very objectional info for those of us thinking about getting a CGMS. I was however wondering which was A, and which was B? Dex was profiled first so I am assuming that Dex is A, however I could be wrong. Thanks, Jamie

I believe you are correct. In the pictures the Dexcom was shown with an 'odd number' in the reading but the Paradigm was only shown with even numbers. All of the "B" readings were even, the "A" readings varied from odd to even.

George

[bspickler]

It is unfortunate that we have to guess which is A and which is B. I also guess that A is Dex but why do we have to guess?

[John Walsh, PA, CDE]

Originally Posted by bspickler

It is unfortunate that we have to guess which is A and which is B. I also guess that A is Dex but why do we have to guess?

The main reason for not identifying A or B is that this study was done in ONE PERSON over 33 DAYS. Lots of variables might play a role in the marked performance differences that are seen between the two sensors other than each sensor's accuracy.

A larger study is needed with several subjects and several clinics overseeing the study before any certainty can be obtained. Unfortunately in this type of study, the companies involved are unlikely to allow their names to be released.

If you know of anyone who has worn one or two sensors AND done lots of fingersticks to verify the readings, this would be a good place to post the results. We can also assist anyone with the tools needed to do an analysis.

John

[2098R]

I place my bet on "A" as the DexCom.
A large study would cost a healthy dollar to run and I wouldn't want my company's good product to end up in second place, the first of the losers.
I've done some lots of fingerstick comparisons to a "blind" DexCom and we all know our meters vary so much testing from the same sample it gets confusing. The constant readings are fantastic in that it shows one the trends and allows one to correct earlier, but you know that, lol

Whit
a mechanic

[disheartened]

I'm a new member so please redirect me if this question has been asked (and I assume it has been asked a hundred times .
I've had Type I for 26 years. It has always seemed to me that the primary solution is a continuious blood glucose monitor but the only ones I've heard of last only 2-3 days maximum. I'll save my rant about a lack of such a monitor due to greed for another day. Question: Are these continuous monitors available now? Any special requirements?

[2098R]

Yes they are available. I own the DexCom 3 unit which is good for 3 days per sensor. DexCom have a new one out, the DexCom 7 with a sensor good for 7 days, which I am looking into.

http://dexcom.com/

Whit
type 1 for 41yrs

[disheartened]

I have ordered the DexCom7, so I'm waiting to see if the Insurance Company will pay for it. I've waited 27 years for this so I REALLY hope it works. I've been having a lot of hypo-attacks in the last 2 years.