Hello everybody, my daughter has decided to try the CGM. We are getting the G5, of course I am all new to this and I havent clue how to work it and I dont know anything about it, other then research I have done myself. I know I need a iphone. Which I think is ridiculous, so I need to go get one. Im hoping my insurance will help cover some of the cost (its in the process now) either way we are getting it. We are are going to see her Endocrinologist so we can be trained on it properly. If anyone has the new G5… I would really like pro’s and con’s. Can it be painful? Even though she is a MDI user, she is scared of the photos that we have seen of how it is inserted. Can they shower with it? Also, from my understanding the device has to have a wi-fi connection at all times? So if we are at the park I wont be able to track her on my phone but her reviever will… correct? Basically I want to make sure I am understanding all information I have been reading. I am going nuts. It seems all I do is research T1D. Thanks!!!
So our six year old daughter uses the dexcom. Insertion is easy. The trigger, if you will, inserts a needle with a string inside it. Then quickly retracts the needle leaving just the string in the subcutaneous fat layer. Over the string is a sticker that adheres to the skin and on top of that, a small plastic base. After insertion, the actual sensor is clipped in.
We use tegaderm film, cut to fit, over the adhesive pad, but not covering the receiver (it tends to get condensation if totally covered.) The process seems to cause minimal pain and the results are far more accurate than the enlite sensor by medtronic.
They shower, swim, exercise etc with it on. Because it is inserted at an angle we have had very few problems with the string dislodging minus a few times when the whole thing was scrapped, ie tree climbing. The sensor lasts for six months and does not require charging. The string/base is replaced every seven days and the sensor is reset. We do clean up/redo the extra adhesive after most showers just to keep the edges from peeling up.
As for reading the results. The g5 sensor on her body talks to the iPhone through blue tooth. Which means, the iPhone must be within a ten foot range to pick up a reading. We solve this problem by making custom belts. They are wide, made of thin, stretch fabric with long pockets at intervals. She keeps both the pump and the iPhone 'receiver) in her belt. Because of the design, even on her small frame it is very discrete under clothes. It holds the devices quite close and streamlined. Not at all like a holster.
You do not need wifi connectivity to use the share app IF the iPhone is set up with a data plan. If it is set up for data, it can be locked into kid mode so that the internet cannot be browsed etc.
So, the sensor sends info to the iPhone via Bluetooth (no internet connection needed) and from there the iPhone can send the info out to any five phones via the cloud (Which does require either wifi or data plan services).
Dexcom uses digital training but I’m sure your diabetes educator/nurse would be happy to help you. We found it very self explanatory but still tried the first sensor on my husband to get the hang of insertion/guage the pain level etc. he wore it for several days to text accuracy. (Not diabetic).
Let me know if any of that was unclear.
We just got the G5 2 weeks ago. You both will love it. My 11 year old says she can’t even feel it going in. It does look intimidating but I assure you after a couple times you both will get used to it. Yes she can shower with the G5 that is on her body but not the actual pda that it comes with. So the sensor is shower and pool friendly but the pda with the lighted screen is not. You do not have to have wifi. The sensor that is attached to her body speaks via Bluetooth to her phone and sends everything to the cloud via wifi or 3G data which then the follow app on your phone may access via wifi or 3G data. Wifi is faster but 3G data works too. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Also the G5 has a 20 foot range and you can carry only the iPhone or the pda or both. We use skin tac before insertion by making a donut shape and it really helps the adhesive stay longer. You will love the accuracy! It’s incredible!
First off, you don’t need an iPhone. Dexcom offers a receiver for the G5 that will get you up and running. If you want to take advantage of the technology and see her BG on your devises and receive alerts & alarms you will need an apple product. The Share apps are currently only on Apple products. You really have options, but it will take some more homework on your part (research nightscout) if you want to avoid buying Apple.
If you just want a simple set up, you only need a reciever from Dexcom. But I would recommend in investing in some technology. I have two kids with T1D (3 and 6) and they both have their own iPhones. They are hand me downs with no cell service but they still connect to wifi and share their BGs across the web. if you want a wireless data plan, consider an iPad mini, tablets are cheaper for network charges.
As for CGM use & applications, there is a ton of info on the web. Try youtube and the Dexcom site. Sorry, but your research will not end!!! But you are not in it alone, we are here for you!!!
Love the G5. I bought it for my daugher who is 12. It is especially great for transitionalizing into different activity levels at the start of a sports season. The best thing for us is that the 5G allows a parent to watch over the BG of a tween without requesting updates from the tween. (Who wishes to remain as independent as possible.) If you wish to share data, only the initial phone need be an apple product; the apple phone shares well with my android phone. Again I love the G5 but I have seen limitations. It is expensive. The transmitter is warrenty is 6 months. We have had a bad transmitter in warrenty, but DEXCOM was quick to make things right by sending a new one, free of charge. While initial information sharing is quick, I still must be patient while connections are established. Internet and data - 3G, 4G, can be unreliable, We restart the share when that happens. Rarely, we must wait for a better connection and rely on the receiver. The receiver, (NOT water-proof), that comes with the G5 is very reliable. However, as the folks at Dexcom say, it is a trending device. We have had differences in the numbers of over 20 so it is still important to finger stick especially if we are having a “roller coaster” day. Due to the possible range between a fingerstick and the 5G, I I set my alarms lower/higher than her low/high range. It is important to note that the alarms are overridden with you phones volume control. Daughter is not excited to have the sensor inserted every 7 days but definately enjoyes the freedom it affords her including less irritating questions from mom and less fingersticks.
So another question: I finally spoke with a rep from Dexcom. However I am having to jump through so many loops to get help from my insurance!! Any one else have this problem? This is ridiculous?!!