Is Dexcom only for those on insulin or Type 1?
I think it would be a great learning tool. I'm just trying to get my Ha1C down in the low 6's, or below (even better) - right now, I'm in the low 7's and though I try to eat what's right, knowing the specifics of how each food reacts in my body would be great.
Hi Roberta!
Anyone can use it, but I think your question might be related to insurance? If you want to purchase a dexcom you should call and talk to the sales reps. I actually was connected to a local sales rep who was more knowledgeable than the person I spoke to on the phone from the 800 #! Ask for a referal to a rep from the 800#!
They are many options, they have diagnostic sites that offer you the chance to wear a dexcom for a week or more. There are doctor's offices that offer cgm trials and then there is the option to purchase, which for some insurance companies may mean making a case to warrant coverage by your insurer. I strongly suggest finding a local rep to help you in the process!
It is a world of information and I wish continuous glucose monitors were the first line of defense for teaching people living with diabetes to understand how their body is reacting! It's insight a meter, or pump can not give!
Here's the link to sales support: http://www.dexcom.com/410-dexcom-customer-support.aspx
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Ann --
I was smiling as you related your experience with the Dexcom. I've been using one for about 3 years and I do see it as a wonderful tool (but not a perfect one). I still do about 5-6 blood readings daily -- and for good reason. The CGM was reading 92 and the blood stick 61 right now. (I find it underreads when glucose is high and overreads when glucose is low.) The low cycle is set at 70 and the upper 240. Initially I used 60 but too often I was a mess when it went off. At 80 it went off too often. The CGM sure gives you clues regarding how different foods affect glucose. Sugar is nearly immeidate but dissipates quickly -- so pulling out from a low I use sugar + a carb or perhaps cheese. Beef metabolizes very slowly and a large steak in the evening will likely lead to highs in the middle of the night. Glucose control is easier with fish & poultry.
Good luck with your monitoring.
Hi Geoff,
I find the food thing astonishing! At my office, lifesavers sit on our counter for clients to enjoy and we grab them all the time. So I gave my partners and myself a lifesaver, and said "Watch this!" I showed them my bg reading on the dexcom and 15 minutes it was over 100 points higher! That was from one lifesaver! None are diabetic, but we are all food conscious and they all spit their l-savers in the trash! LOL!
You're right to make the point about ranges, the sensors on all cgms have a long way to go, as they all have a 7 minute lag time. So I wasn't surprised to see your reading of 92 and your meter at 61. I've had the same experience, thus the reason I still test frequently!
CGMs are not a replacement for finger sticks! But they are amazing overviews of how your body handles food and daily activities!
Thanks for your comment!