To Dexcom or not to Dexcom

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Got an email from a Dexcom employee today, my doctor has trained so they just need a letter of medical necessity.

Obviously it isn’t covered by insurance yet. I don’t suffer from a lot of hypos, BUT my performance at work is affected by blood sugar. Example, I was feeling tired, cranky and out of sorts this afternoon. Tested and was at 252 (but only tested because it was “time”). Cause: my infusion set was bloody, so I assume that was the reason. Don’t know why, blood sugar was fine before lunch, didn’t do anything different. Weird.

I have unexplained highs and lows like any diabetic, just not as high and low as a Type 1.

I’ve got an email out to my doctor.

So do I hold out for the Navigator, which will probably work with the Cozmo — and I wouldn’t mind going with a Cozmo pump, next pump.

Or do I go with the Dexcom which already has a deal with J&J (the meter it pairs with is a Lifescan)?

Or do I wait for insurance.

FYI: I’m predicting a price war.

Comments

18 responses to “To Dexcom or not to Dexcom”

April 20, 2006

Scott K. Johnson

It’s so tempting. I just can’t afford it without some sort of coverage, so it makes the decision easy for me.
I think we will see a lot of activity in this field in the next year or two – so it might not be a completely bad thing to wait either. But, again, it’s SOOOO tempting.

Reply
April 20, 2006

Scott K. Johnson

It’s so tempting. I just can’t afford it without some sort of coverage, so it makes the decision easy for me.
I think we will see a lot of activity in this field in the next year or two – so it might not be a completely bad thing to wait either. But, again, it’s SOOOO tempting.

Reply
April 21, 2006

Mike

I’m trying to return mine due to too many false alarms and reading that vary up to 40 points while I’m close to target bg.

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April 21, 2006

Mike

I’m trying to return mine due to too many false alarms and reading that vary up to 40 points while I’m close to target bg.

Reply
May 5, 2006

Geoffrey Forman

I’m currently in clinical trials with a new 7 day sensor for the Dexcom. It’s really important to remember that the sensor shows trends and cannot be used as a replacement for a regular meter. That being said, I’m finding it a remakable diagnostic tool. Usually I it’s quite accurate. As for fast drops or rises in BG’s, they just happen too fast for the meter to show anything but the trend.

Reply
May 5, 2006

Geoffrey Forman

I’m currently in clinical trials with a new 7 day sensor for the Dexcom. It’s really important to remember that the sensor shows trends and cannot be used as a replacement for a regular meter. That being said, I’m finding it a remakable diagnostic tool. Usually I it’s quite accurate. As for fast drops or rises in BG’s, they just happen too fast for the meter to show anything but the trend.

Reply
May 5, 2006

len lutz

I saw it wednesday night. Though a bit costly, How can it be anything but a help. Here i am, sitting at work. I testted an hour ago, and i was 120. Am i on the way up, or the way down. I will test again in
2 hours. What if im 180. With the CGM, it would (could) catch the rise at say 160, and let me KNOW i should do a check. Same thing should i go low. I can see little reason, if one can afford it, not to do it. I am taking on a second job (only a few hours a week), to buy this. Like the pump, i expect to to simply “imporve my life style”

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May 5, 2006

len lutz

I saw it wednesday night. Though a bit costly, How can it be anything but a help. Here i am, sitting at work. I testted an hour ago, and i was 120. Am i on the way up, or the way down. I will test again in
2 hours. What if im 180. With the CGM, it would (could) catch the rise at say 160, and let me KNOW i should do a check. Same thing should i go low. I can see little reason, if one can afford it, not to do it. I am taking on a second job (only a few hours a week), to buy this. Like the pump, i expect to to simply “imporve my life style”

Reply
May 11, 2006

Sam Gellman

I got the DXCM STS 2 days ago and can honestly say I’m blown away by how much it has changed my life. My sales rep told me that the sensor is in its third iteration since the launch and I think that’s why the accuracy is so much better since just 1 month ago. Honestly, this thing is changing my life, and I would probably even give back my pump before my sts (though tough call). I wouldn’t wait for the Navigator – they just keep stumbling and who knows how long it will be. As a previous comment indicates, sometimes the sts can’t keep up with quickly rising or spiking sugars, but you learn how to read the data for what it is. I even use it (off-label) as a replacement for my one-touch ultra, I have that much faith in the STS after two days of dual testing constantly with the ultra. Further, the fact that the sensors can work (off-label) for 6-7 days makes it only $150-200 per month, which is a lot but not as bad as it was. Email me if you would like to discuss.

Reply
May 11, 2006

Sam Gellman

I got the DXCM STS 2 days ago and can honestly say I’m blown away by how much it has changed my life. My sales rep told me that the sensor is in its third iteration since the launch and I think that’s why the accuracy is so much better since just 1 month ago. Honestly, this thing is changing my life, and I would probably even give back my pump before my sts (though tough call). I wouldn’t wait for the Navigator – they just keep stumbling and who knows how long it will be. As a previous comment indicates, sometimes the sts can’t keep up with quickly rising or spiking sugars, but you learn how to read the data for what it is. I even use it (off-label) as a replacement for my one-touch ultra, I have that much faith in the STS after two days of dual testing constantly with the ultra. Further, the fact that the sensors can work (off-label) for 6-7 days makes it only $150-200 per month, which is a lot but not as bad as it was. Email me if you would like to discuss.

Reply
May 17, 2006

Kim Englert

Hoe do you extend the sensor life of the DexCom?

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May 17, 2006

Kim Englert

Hoe do you extend the sensor life of the DexCom?

Reply
August 28, 2006

Gexo

Well I got Dexcom maybe about 2 months ago and it hasent been working good for me. It has been showing diffrence in probably more then 100-150 points. I’m trying to put the sensor in a diffrent position and so far it seems good, this machine can really change your life and make things much easier for you.

Reply
August 28, 2006

Gexo

Well I got Dexcom maybe about 2 months ago and it hasent been working good for me. It has been showing diffrence in probably more then 100-150 points. I’m trying to put the sensor in a diffrent position and so far it seems good, this machine can really change your life and make things much easier for you.

Reply
September 1, 2006

Elmar Gemmel

Hallo,
I wouldt like to buy a dexcom STS, but its not avaible in germany.
Who can help me?

Reply
September 1, 2006

Elmar Gemmel

Hallo,
I wouldt like to buy a dexcom STS, but its not avaible in germany.
Who can help me?

Reply
November 29, 2006

Chris

I got a new Dexcom and just began wearing it. Already I feel better about sleeping. I have had a lot of bad lows at night.
I found out that there are no billing codes for the dexcom yet so no insurance company will pay for them, even if hey wanted to, It would be tough to get past the no codes because they are essential for billing medicare and all states\\\’ low income insurance policies. Just about all insureres use them too.

Reply
November 29, 2006

Chris

I got a new Dexcom and just began wearing it. Already I feel better about sleeping. I have had a lot of bad lows at night.
I found out that there are no billing codes for the dexcom yet so no insurance company will pay for them, even if hey wanted to, It would be tough to get past the no codes because they are essential for billing medicare and all states\\\’ low income insurance policies. Just about all insureres use them too.

Reply