CGM Users

[sam_gordon]

Got diagnosed as T2 diabetic 5(?) years ago. Have been doing finger pricks ever sense (when I do them). I'm debating asking my doc for a CGM. But I have some concerns and wonder if other folks here are willing to answer them...

1) Flying I have TSA precheck, but what would I need to be concerned about when going through security?
2) Changing them out I am not the best at changing things when I'm supposed to. In fact, I would say I'm terrible at it. I think I read that sensor can alert you when they need changed which would help, but what happens if I don't change?
3) When to make the change I was watching a video about "what not to do" and the woman said "don't change the sensor when your blood sugar is changing... so not around meals. Change it two hours after a meal and two hours before a meal. Also, don't change it immediately before bed as the alarms will keep you up as it adjusts." That really limits when things can be changed. And do snacks count as a meal? My ideal would be to change as I'm getting dressed in the morning, but that's usually within ~30 minutes of eating breakfast.
4) Where to wear one I've seen a lot of people wear them on the back of the arms, but I've also read "Don't wear it where it can get pushed or bumped, including when sleeping." If it's on the back of the arm, and I'm laying in bed watching TV (to say nothing about sleeping), it's going to get pushed. While I'm generally a side sleeper, it's not always the same side, and I can be on my stomach or back. Really narrows down where it can go.
5) Cost It looks like my insurance covers 60% of the cost, but what are we talking about in a month?

Yes, I'm probably overthinking it.

Any other tips/advice/suggestions?

TIA

 

[lanejudy]

My DH and DD both use FreeStyle Libre. DH for several years now and DD just the past 6 months or so. If you aren’t on insulin, or have previously been on insulin, insurance may not cover a CGM - we pay OOP for DD’s but it’s worth it, $75/mo.

The app will inform you as it gets close to time to change the sensor - maybe starting with 3 days left. I have a reminder on my calendar as well. I’ve never worried about time of day though I guess it’s usually evening. DD had trouble with it staying on if we changed it within a couple hours of a sports practice, but I use SkinTac now and we try to watch that timing. DH often changes it right before bed. Both wear it on the back of their upper arm.

We don’t travel by air much so I’ll let someone else answer that question.

 

[TippyThomas]

I wear the Freestyle Libre 3 plus. As already mentioned, the reader will give you warnings for several days leading up to the need for change.

I always wash the back of my arm very well and then use Isopropyl Alcohol with some cotton and wash the area I plan to place the sensor as well. I've only placed them on the back of my arm and I just rotate to the other arm on the next install. I also use some patches I purchased on Amazon to cover the sensor as well and it helps to keep things in place and lowers the chances of them falling off. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post a link to the specific one I use, but I can send it to you in a PM if you'd like the actual ones I recommend. I've had none fall off and they work very well for me.

I pay about $90.00 a month for mine, and I also agree that they're very, very worth it. The constant monitoring gives you a graph you can view to see how different foods, activity levels and meds are working and you can make good choices and decisions based on the info. I used to do the manual sticks and I hope to never go back to those. The CGM's have been a life changer for me.

I have no idea about the air travel either, so someone else will have to answer that one.

 

[Mrs.Milo]

I’ve used a CGM for 2 years now, the Dexcom G7. I’ve flown twice, don’t remember any issues.
The receiver gives me 24 hours notice when the time to change is coming up, and then beeps when that is 2 hours out. I usually change at 9pm, so after my last shot of insulin for the day (the long-acting one). At that point there is still a grace period, but after so many hours it will stop working. Maybe 12 hours, not sure?
I still wear on the back of the arm, but that’s because I have knocked it off twice, going thru a doorway too close and pulling laundry out of the washer. I think I have slept too hard on my side and set off the alarm. It’s worth double checking against a BS meter to make sure it truly is a too-low alarm.
For me, I’m on Medicare, since insulin dependent no charge. I find it’s great not to have to do a finger pick every morning, I would gladly pay for it. This year the 15 day Dexcom will be available to replace the 10 day soon.
My one tip is when changing sensors, if the receiver doesn’t recognize the new sensor at first, press harder when applying the sensor when counting to 10. Don’t remember where I got the tip but it has worked for me!
Good luck!

 

[rndmr2]

Got diagnosed as T2 diabetic 5(?) years ago. Have been doing finger pricks ever sense (when I do them). I'm debating asking my doc for a CGM. But I have some concerns and wonder if other folks here are willing to answer them...

I have the Dexcom G7 and it works really well for me.

1) Flying I have TSA precheck, but what would I need to be concerned about when going through security?

I have flown with it this past December and there were no issues. I even had one in my carry on bag because it was going to be due to be changed while I was on my trip and we went through security and xray machines, etc with no issues.

2) Changing them out I am not the best at changing things when I'm supposed to. In fact, I would say I'm terrible at it. I think I read that sensor can alert you when they need changed which would help, but what happens if I don't change?

Your phone (or the monitor if you choose to use that instead) will tell you it's time to change. Mine gives me notice 24 hours before and then there is a 12 hour grace period after the expiration time. If you don't change it out it will stop working and the phone/monitor will probably beep at you every so often until you do.

3) When to make the change I was watching a video about "what not to do" and the woman said "don't change the sensor when your blood sugar is changing... so not around meals. Change it two hours after a meal and two hours before a meal. Also, don't change it immediately before bed as the alarms will keep you up as it adjusts." That really limits when things can be changed. And do snacks count as a meal? My ideal would be to change as I'm getting dressed in the morning, but that's usually within ~30 minutes of eating breakfast.

I don't have any particulars as to when I change it. It is all different times.

4) Where to wear one I've seen a lot of people wear them on the back of the arms, but I've also read "Don't wear it where it can get pushed or bumped, including when sleeping." If it's on the back of the arm, and I'm laying in bed watching TV (to say nothing about sleeping), it's going to get pushed. While I'm generally a side sleeper, it's not always the same side, and I can be on my stomach or back. Really narrows down where it can go.

I wear mine on my upper arm, on the back or side. The directions say that is the place you have to use it, I don't think it is officially approved to work anywhere else. I have seen people say they use it in other places (thigh/belly) but I guess I'm too much of a rule follower, LOL. (ETA I am a side sleeper, 95% on the side I usually wear it and I have not had issues, there are occasional low alarms in the middle of the night but I'm not sure it is always, if ever, related)

5) Cost It looks like my insurance covers 60% of the cost, but what are we talking about in a month?

I pay pretty much out of pocket until I meet my deductible so for the first few months it's pretty pricy. (I have an order at the pharmacy right now and it says it will be $775) After the deductible is met it is about $75 for 3 of them, which is a month supply - 10 days each.

Yes, I'm probably overthinking it.

Any other tips/advice/suggestions?

TIA

I fought it for a while because I didn't think it was necessary to know my BG every 5 minutes when I might have been checking it once a day if that but since I got it I love it. I think it might be some sort of accountability to see what the sugars are to decide if I am going to eat/drink something not exactly good for me. My A1C has gone from like 11 or 12 before I got it to 5.7 now.