Monday, June 04, 2012

Managing Diabetes with a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System

By Kelsey Bonilla, Health Guide Monday, July 27, 2009
As my second pregnancy draws near, I'm still struggling with the decision whether to use a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS).  These systems have helped countless diabetics manage their blood sugar and they have become more reliable and accurate as the second generation models enter th...
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7/28/09 10:54am

I just started a CGMS and honestly, it's been pretty easy to pick up. My biggest concern are the sensors, which to me take some learning to figure out how to insert properly. But in just a day, you can see trends and see how fast you're rising, even within a hour. It's certainly your decision to not use a CGM, but if your insurance covers it, why wouldn't you? It just gives you more information and while you can certainly test on your own 18 times a day, the CGM will tell you where you are in between the tests.

 

Dexcom let me trial a Seven-Plus for a week because I was in the midst of trying to conceive. I don't know how much they advertise this (and in fact, they may be discontinuing the program), but if your doctor or CDE can get you in touch with your local rep, you can see if using the Dex for a week would be beneficial.

Kelsey Bonilla, Health Guide
8/ 1/09 11:45am

I trust your opinion! I think you're right that if insurance will cover it, why not at least give it a try?  I can always stop using it if I find it's too overwhelming during pregnancy.  So, I've gotten the paperwork for the Dexcom 7 and will see if my insurance will cover it.  We'll see!

7/31/09 11:03pm

I think that making a decision that is right for you is the best thing. 

 

It is a new tool, and with that takes a bit of time to learn, and maybe more importantly in this situation, to learn to trust. 

 

The tools will get better and more accesible.  And maybe you'll even want to try them for your THIRD pregnancy!  :-)

Kelsey Bonilla, Health Guide
8/ 1/09 11:46am

Wink I'm not sure whether there will be a third! 

By Kelsey Bonilla, Health Guide— Last Modified: 10/11/11, First Published: 07/27/09