[Diabetes-Talk] beginner questions on constant glucose monitoring systems.

Sat May 11 18:37:20 UTC 2019

I have yet to switch to the G6, but my understanding is that the sensor is even easier to insert. I'm still using the G5, because a friend upgraded and gave me several months worth of sensors. Personally, I don't think the G5 sensor is difficult.

The sensor is like a sticker, super thin. You insert this with a lancing device. Then you snap the transmitter on. The transmitter is about the width and thickness of a flash drive, slightly smaller. It's not that noticeable. I often wear fitted clothing, and no one can tell. You can get overlays that keep the sensor in place, and these overlays are especially great for swimmers. I'm also a swimmer. Often, the transmitter doesn't pair with the app while swimming, and it can take a few minutes to get connection again once done swimming, but in my experience, it only takes a few minutes.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Taylor Scott via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Saturday, May 11, 2019 11:07 AM
To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Taylor Scott <taylor9209 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] beginner questions on constant glucose monitoring systems.

Thank you Jamie and Michael for the replies!

I do like the sound of the ability of having alerts for low and high readings.

I can usually tell when I reach certain low or high levels, but we all know it's only a matter of time before you just don't catch it.
That low fog always sucks in the morning when you come out of it. lol

I think it sounds like I'd like the Dexcom system, especially the G6.
How do you guys feel about the sensor?

I have to say that having something stuck to me is one of the main reasons I haven't looked into a monitor system.

How easy do you guys find the installation, and how tuff is it?

I do some swimming in the summer, how do people work around water and their sensors?

On 5/11/19, Michael Barber via Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Another important and crucial advantage of the DexCom G6 unit is that 
> you get to hear what your blood sugar reading is and whether it is 
> steady, ascending or descending.  The only thing I don’t like is that 
> I have a difficult time finding the sensor 4-digit number that has to 
> be entered.  My hands are not steady enough to get a picture of it or 
> to find and read the number.
>
>
> Cordially,
> Michael D. Barber
>
>> On May 11, 2019, at 6:51 AM, Jamie Gurganus via Diabetes-Talk 
>> <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> Good morning!  I am totally blind and use the Dexcom with no issues.  
>> Both the Dexcom and Libre are accessible to us using a mobile phone 
>> app.  Many of us on this list use these systems, so I am sure others 
>> will respond some time today.
>>
>> The main difference between the two is in how often it reads your 
>> glucose level and sending you alerts.
>>
>> I don't feel my low blood sugars any more, so I love the Dexcom.  It 
>> checks your readings every five minutes and alerts you when your 
>> levels are too high or too low.  It also shows you the direction your 
>> blood sugars are going.  For example, I just ate breakfast, so it is 
>> telling me that my blood sugar is high and slowly rising.  I have my 
>> high alert set pretty low, so my blood sugar is just at 180 right 
>> now.  I have trouble getting my level back down if my blood sugar is 
>> above 200, so I have my high alert set at 160.
>> The default high alert is 240, which is way too high for me.    Before I
>> exercise, I check my reading.  If it says I am 80 and falling, then I 
>> know to eat a piece of candy before I begin exercising.
>>
>> I know a few people using the Libre, but those on this list can tell 
>> you more about it.  I know it has a sensor that is inserted on the 
>> arm.  For a blind person to use it, you need to have the app on your 
>> phone.  If I understand correctly, it is only available on the 
>> iPhone, but I may be wrong on that fact.  In order to know what your 
>> reading is, you have to hold the phone over the sensor to hear the 
>> reading.  It has no alerts nor trend arrows like the Dexcom.
>>
>>
>> Although the Libre is a great system, it would not work for me.  
>> Since I don't feel my low blood sugars, I need the alerts to wake me 
>> or warn me when I am below 55.  About six years ago, I passed out 
>> from a low blood sugar and suffered a severe concussion along with a 
>> shoulder, neck and leg injury from falling so hard in the bathroom.  
>> My doctor insisted that I start using the Dexcom, and I love what it 
>> has done for my diabetes control.  So, why you are considering or 
>> need a CGM might help you with your decision.
>>
>>                Jamie
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of 
>> Taylor Scott via Diabetes-Talk
>> Sent: Saturday, May 11, 2019 2:09 AM
>> To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>> Cc: Taylor Scott <taylor9209 at gmail.com>
>> Subject: [Diabetes-Talk] beginner questions on constant glucose 
>> monitoring systems.
>>
>> Hi guys,
>> Long time type 1 who is wondering if a constant glucose monitoring 
>> system will work for me.
>>
>> I know nothing about the options out, or there accessibility.
>>
>> So, just wondering what the communities experiences are with these 
>> devices?
>>
>> While spending a little time with google, it looks like the most 
>> popular devices in the US are the Dexcom systems, and the Libre?
>>
>> Are either one of these all that great if your totally blind, if so, 
>> pros and cons of each?
>>
>> Thanks for the feedback guys!
>>
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