[Diabetes-Talk] Dexcom and Medicare.

Tue Oct 2 12:28:54 UTC 2018

I don't think anyone here has "admireable control," grin. We all try our
best. Some of us have been at this longer than others, which might help in
some ways, but, we all have our struggles. We all can learn from a group
like this and turn to each other for support.

Being insulin dependent in many ways is better, because, when you eat carbs,
you just bolus, meaning you don't really have restrictions in what you eat.
With anyone though, everything should be done in moderation. We can all
enjoy the things we like as long as we fit it into our unique meal plans.

My problem is probably not eating enough in a day. I have 2 little boys, so,
that doesn't help. I'm always grabbing quick things for on the go, usually a
Glucerna shake. By the end of the day, I'm usually too tired to eat. So,
since I'm on an insulin pump, my basal rates reflect this, being set to very
low amounts. But, when I do indulge, it's usually savory things like chips
and popcorn or frenched fries.

I also grew up with very health-consciouss parents, so, when I was diagnosed
with type one at age 4, it wasn't a big leap for my parents to adjust to a
new lifestyle. It also helped that when I had to change up my diet, my
entire family did. That support helped me a lot, especially since I was so
young. My family was very active, so, it was natural for me to enjoy
exercise. My mom was a dance teacher, so, I grew up dancing, and my dad was
an athlete, so, we did a lot of family activities. Very early on, health and
fitness was engrained in me, so, when I became diabetic, we didn't have to
adjust much.

I was diagnosed with an eating disorder in my teens, and this is what
eventually caused my blindness. It directly compromised my diabetes, and
I've had to learn to recognize a healthy mindset about these things. As an
adult, every day, I have to make healthy choices. But, that's it, it's all
about making choices. Some days, I do better than other days.

But, a group like this is so great to have. We can share stories and
information and provide tips and suggestions. And what works for me, may not
for you, but, we have a resource in each other.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of
Estelnalissi via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, October 2, 2018 2:20 AM
To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Estelnalissi <airadil at dslextreme.com>
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Dexcom and Medicare.

Dear Veronica and Bridget,

Veronica, every word of encouragement is a help. Thank you for your
patience.

Bridget, I appreciate your explanation though I knew protein doesn't lower
glucose. I would eat mostly protein after eating too many carbs in the hope
that if I deleted most carbs for a day it would give insulin enough time to
cope with my carb overdose. I hesitate to write about my poor habits. I'm
sure no one here would mistake my confidences as suggestions for good
control. I may be the only one on the list who struggles with diet
compliance . If so, I hope something will work its way on to the list that
might nudge me in a better direction. If not, then others here who might be
too embarrassed to admit their struggles might learn from the responses I
get for the many of you with such admirable maintenance.

Always with love,

Lissi

-----Original Message-----
From: Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Monday, October 01, 2018 10:40 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Cc: Veronica Elsea
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Dexcom and Medicare.

Lissi, I too struggled with my testing routine because as someone who has
trouble getting enough blood, I was not very successful at testing when I
was away from home. With the G6, I do a test or two on the first day until I
see that it is warmed up and matching my meter. Then, frankly, I don't test
again until 10 days later when I insert the next sensor. After three months
of doing this, now when I actually do a finger stick, I'm pretty amazed at
how easily I get blood. And yes, you can see exactly what is happening with
your glucose levels when you eat and exercise. I was surprised at how many
foods made my readings jump right after eating, but then really drop two
hours later. I've learned a lot about what and when to eat and how to manage
my insulin to match what I'm doing. I sure wish I'd had this 30 years ago,
okay, 25. I might have been a bit overwhelmed at first. <grin> But the
people at Dexcom told me that it could be as soon as November, just no way
to know. I just hope they don't stick something stupid in the contract that
messes up us using it. My plan is just to keep calling. After all, if I
self-pay, nobody can tell me when to order the next batch, right?
Hang in there and here's hoping Medicare gets its act together soon.
Veronica

"Guide Dogs, First Hand", Veronica Elsea's classic album is now available on
iTunes, along with other music from her and from the Guide Dog Glee Club.
To learn more, visit:
http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
                Veronica Elsea, Owner
Laurel Creek Music Designs
Santa Cruz, California
Phone: 831-429-6407

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Estelnalissi via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Monday, October 01, 2018 6:04 PM
To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
Cc: Estelnalissi
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Dexcom and Medicare.

Dear Veronica,

Thank you so much for mentioning the monthly cost for Dexcom sensors. I
realize the cost must vary depending on the insurance plans and their
combinations. Testing my BG isn't easy for me so Dexcom 06 sounds like a
blessed solution. Having a ball park idea of the dexcom's cost helps me
remain realistic as well as helping me to keep up the finger sticks until
the 06 is approved.

My endo's nurse practitioner has designed a system she feels is acceptable
requiring 2 sticks instead of 4 a day: once when I first get up in the
morning and then two hours after breakfast one day, lunch the next day and
supper the third day and then starting the following day after breakfast
again. After many years as a diabetic I hadn't accomplished the four tests a

day protocol. I'm more than grateful to her.

As for the Dexcom, I was thinking that if it tests fairly continually, it
would know when I go for carbs sweet ;or savory. There would be no telling
myself when I ate big carbs that I will make up for it later by eating
proteins heavily.

By the way, I cooked a recipe from a Betty Crocker cookbook of 30 minute
meals for diabetics which my husband is willing to have again. It's a
skillet taco meal with 100 percent whole grain minute rice, ground beef,
corn, tomato paste, salsa, crushed tomatoes water and onions cooked in a
deep skillet. I used a dutch oven because I used more ground beef and onions

than the recipe called for. I'll share the recipe on or off list if anyone
is interested. I like it that there will be leftovers.

I don't post often, but I read almost all of the messages here with
appreciation and best wishes to all of you.

airadil at dslextreme.com

Always with love,

Lissi

-----Original Message-----
From: Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Monday, October 01, 2018 5:33 PM
To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
Cc: Veronica Elsea
Subject: [Diabetes-Talk] Dexcom and Medicare.

Hi everyone!
Well, I am now a very unhappy camper. Today I officially start on Medicare.
Boo hiss! I hereby declaire my supplemental insurance a giant waste of
money. If Medicare covers something, they will pay a little bit more. If
Medicare denies, they will too. You all probably know where this is going.
My next batch of Dexcom sensors will be paid completely out of pocket, which
is over $300 per month. But I'm not going backwards. According to Dexcom,
Medicare has officially approved the G6, but they just don't have a contract
yet. How stupid is that. The contract could be sorted out by the end of the
year. They will then have an upgrade program for Medicare recipients who are
using the G5. But it makes no sense for me to go through all the prior
authorizations and stuff to go backwards for a month or two or three. And I
can't imagine what takes six months to be written up in a contract. Is this
where they bundle it with an inaccessible meter? Is this where we could
potentially have another fight over not being required to use the receiver?
This is where someone with NFB or somewhere should be on the alert and
working with Dexcom and Medicare. But that's not happening either.
Now I get to go find out if everyone was telling me the truth about the
Omnipod. But hey, my supplemental plan would buy me a hearing aid. It's
amazing how private insurance companies have to offer continuity of care
when you change plans. But the government, nope!
Well, time to start buying lottery tickets I guess. <grin> Anyway, thanks
for listening. I'll keep you posted and I'm back to doing some research
again.
Veronica

"Guide Dogs, First Hand", Veronica Elsea's classic album is now available on
iTunes, along with other music from her and from the Guide Dog Glee Club.
To learn more, visit:
http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
                Veronica Elsea, Owner
Laurel Creek Music Designs
Santa Cruz, California
Phone: 831-429-6407

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