[Diabetes-Talk] Must we fingerstick or is their new technology

[Ed Worrell]

Hello,

I might be a little late to the conversation but here is my two cents as it were.

The Dexcom system just like many have said before me is the far better system. I have found that there are times that I have gotten burnt out on how many alerts you can possibly get from the Dexcom system. Granted you can turn off the alerts but that kind of defeats the purpose of the system. The app is beautifully accessible for visually impaired diabetics and is simple to use. I would have to say the only down fall with the Dexcom system and this applies only for the G6 version is getting the four digit code off of the sensor packaging. This can be done with a little patience though. 

The other system on the market is called the Freestyle Libre. This is technically a CGM but it does not work like the Dexcom system. This one does not give you alerts unless you scan the quarter sized disc on the arm with your smart phone. You’ll need an iPhone 7 or newer with the NFC technology active to use this system. The app is useable But there are a ton of strangely labeled buttons and you have to turn on a TTS setting for visually impaired users to hear the trend arrow direction. This really isn’t a deal breaker for me.

The other factor will be what device your insurance will cover and for how much. Both of the CGM systems can be used by the visually impaired diabetic with a little patience..

Ed
 

> On Dec 14, 2019, at 4:39 PM, Bernadette Jacobs via Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Good evening Gary, Debbie and all.
> 
> I too, use the Dexcom as it is far, far superior to the Free Stykle Livre.  Sure, every technology has its quirks. However, I’ve been happy with the Dexcom as one can get their readings every five minutes.  And as you get your reading, the device will let you know whether or not you’re steady, constant, falling slowly or rapidly, either way.  For the most part, I’ve been delighted with it.  Another thing that matters to me is the superior tech support that is available 24-7.  They will email you t racking numbers when replacement sensors or any other equipment is being shipped to you.  I, myself have had very little trouble with Dexcom.  
> 
> I don’t know whether or not the two of you are insulin, however.   But, one of the criteria for either of these devices is that as per the “almighty medicare,” you must be administering at least three injections daily.  If you have any questions, just give me a shout.
> 
> Warmly,
> 
> Bernie
> 
> 410-215-8587.
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Dec 14, 2019, at 2:52 PM, Joy Stigile via Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi Gary and Debby,
>> The Dexcom G6 is far superior of a Continuous Glucose Monitor than any other
>> on the United States market!  If you have Medicare the difference in cost
>> per month it should be only about $10 or less per month for each of you than
>> the Libra Patch.
>> The reason is because it will tell you in addition to your current reding if
>> you are rising, falling or constant every five minutes.
>> It is what I use.
>> Warmly, Joy
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Gary
>> Wunder via Diabetes-Talk
>> Sent: Saturday, December 14, 2019 11:32 AM
>> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Gary Wunder <gwunder at earthlink.net>
>> Subject: [Diabetes-Talk] Must we fingerstick or is their new technology
>> 
>> Debbie and I are thinking about asking our doctors for some kind of blood
>> sugar monitoring device that doesn't rely on sticks. I gather from a brief
>> look at the list that some folks like what is available and some don't. My
>> understanding is that there are two competing devices. One seems to update
>> more frequently and is more costly. The other updates once an hour or
>> perhaps once every two hours but is less costly.
>> 
>> Can someone help with how close these devices are to the finger sticks and
>> if you find them of value. If this has too often been covered on list, feel
>> free to write me at gwunder at earthlink.net.
>> 
>> Thanks.
>> 
>> 
>> 
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>> 
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