Dexcom G6 sensor issues

Technology & Management
21

Hi Richard, Thanks for your feedback. I just attached the first sensor & transmitter. Luckily my boyfriend was here, because the applicator wouldn’t detach from sensor after insertion. It took several minutes before the hooks in the applicator would disentangle.

Have you or others had this problem ? I called Dexcom to report the problem. Have been holding for 10 minutes and still waiting.

This is going to be a tough adjustment after the ease & comfort of the Freestyle Libre.

22

Had some problems with the applicator when using G5 on occasion. No problems with G6 applicator to date but I’ve only used x 30 days. Have had the problem (along with many others) of hitting a vein causing a bleed under the sensor which will disturb the sensor and require it be replaced.
Normally Dexcom very responsive to all problems. I think they are slow to respond like everyone else is while Covid-19 has decreased everyone’s work force.

I think you will appreciate the continual monitoring of the Dexcom. Beware…may drive you a little crazy. Try not to overreact to what you see on the screen. Best.

Richard

23

I’ve worn my Dexcom G5 on both my abdomen and my arm (and there’s a YouTube video of a young lady who wore it on her lower back!). Depending on how I’m sleeping I may roll over on the sensor or my pump (receiver) and lose connection, so I set my “out of range” alert to the shortest time possible so I know before I lose too much data.

24

Thanks. I actually shut my ‘out of range’ alarm off at night. I have insomnia, and hate waking up if I don’t have to. I just have a small snack before bed to make sure I don’t go low. This works for me because I am pretty stable overnight. If anything I have a tendency to go high around dawn. I don’t like to lose the data but it doesn’t happen that often.

25

Hi again, The Dexcom G6 has only 1 advantage over the Freestyle Libre- alarms.
Freestyle Libre has multiple advantages over Dexcom G6. Some Dexcom advantages are related to lack of transmitter. Here they are for anybody who’s interested (strictly my personal opinion-we’re all entitled to our own opinion):

  1. Much easier application process & far better access to Technical assistance
    After 3 years of use, no technical issues other than a few times Libre sensor came off before 14 days expired. I called Abbott, always got through within 10 minutes & they sent free replacement sensors.
    After 11 days of use, I’ve had two defective sensor applications where applicator stayed attached to sensor after application. I carefully read instructions and watched videos, so new how it’s supposed to work. Both of first two sensor applicators were defective. Same lot number so likely entire batch is defective. The first time after waiting 20 minutes I requested callback from Dexcom. It took 6 DAYS to get call back. This time I waited an hour with no assistance, and finally gave up.
  2. Ease of use
    I easily learned how to pull up prior glucose readings going back up to 90 days, patterns by time of day (e.g. frequent low’s between midnight -6am) and other important trending data on the Libre receiver.
    I’ve found no way to pull these details on the Dexcom receiver.
    If there’s a way (without using a separate computer application) - please let me know !
  3. The Dexcom receiver feels like a noose around me as walking to another room causes it to lose transmission. I know this is because of the way the Dexcom works, but Personally I prefer a receiver that can be moved away from.
  4. Look & is Feel. Libre is very small & thin. I could sleep on the arm it was attached to with no discomfort or lack of readings. The Dexcom is much larger, bulkier & frankly- uglier. Again, due in part to transmitter, but there it is.
    The G7 is supposed to be a big improvement over the G6. Time will tell.
26

In a nutshell…the mere fact that we use the technology (no matter what brand it is) is a major step forward in our attempt to manage a disease process which, at least for my many years, has been a challenge.

I first was diagnosed in 1959 at the age of 4. In those days, we boiled our glass syringes to sterilize them and tested only urine for glucose. We had only 1 type of insulin. 1 single shot a day. Rest was on a whim and a prayer. Had my first glucose meter (about the size of a shoe box) when I was 17. From that time forward, I have witnessed countless shifts in paradigm. Each new insulin, new glucose meter, improved delivery systems, advent of CGM and for some (insulin pump technology) has in some way improved our lives and in many cases prolonged and improved the quality of our lives.

I look forward to each new innovation and hope it will assist my challenges. I never went to a pump just because I seem to do pretty well without it and I also don’t appreciate attaching yet something else to my body.

Long and short, sounds like you’re experimenting and will find what works best for you like we all do. Best.

Richard

1 Like
27

You have an excellent attitude Frank !! I need to work on mine. We have things in common, I was diagnosed at age 8 in the 1970s. Always had disposable syringes, but only the one insulin type and urine glucose testing. Finger prick testing was certainly more accurate, but also painful. Insulin improvements have lessened the challenges. I’m Currently on Levemir &Humalog, with an upcoming switch to Tresiba as recommended by my Endo. Never went on the pump as my A1cs have been mostly good, especially the last 20 years.

The first huge improvement for me was the Freestyle Libre 3ish years ago. Before that I rejected a cgm as not wanting anything attached attached to my body & visible. I was so stupid to wait as long as I did. I loved the Freestyle Libre from the outset.

The switch to Dexcom was forced by the pbm for my employer’s health plan, who decided to stop covering Freestyle Libre & only cover Dexcom. That’s a big part of my frustration-the forced switch. I realize however that I’m very lucky to not be finger pricking 8x a day as I was before.

Hopefully I’ll adapt to Dexcom. If not I can switch back to Libre & pay full cost.

Have a good day :blush:

28

Had no idea that you have been dealing with IDDM that long. Don’t have many acquaintances with T1D. Have a bunch of patients who I often try to motivate by acting as a role model. (I am a podiatrist).
BTW. I think you will find Tresiba a benefit. You and I both use versions of the “poor man’s pump” ie: long acting insulin and multiple injections of short acting. It appears we both do fairly well.

If they come up with a sophisticated close loop
system that behaves like a pancreas I will consider attaching something else to my body.

In the meanwhile…stay in touch.
BTW - my first name is Rich.

29

I used to have trouble with G5 sensors falling off, especially in warmer weather or when I’m more active. I used Mastisol liquid adhesive which helped some but was a pain to use. I also used tegaderm film which worked better. When I started using the G6, I learned that I needed to rub around the sensor at least twice to improve the seal. Now I don’t use the tegaderm but I rub the sensor 3-4 times and have not had any issues with the sensor falling off. Much better!

30

Good luck with your insurance coverage! I have used the T-slim pump and Dexcom G5 for seven years and just moved up to the G6 with Control-IQ. Love it and my A1c has dropped to 6.5

31

Hi Rich, Apologies for the name mix-up. I started on Tresiba 3 days ago, and so far so good. It’s so new that I’m tweaking the dosage & timing of Humalog a bit each day to figure out what works best. So far the Tresiba already seems to be leveling my blood sugars better, when compared with Levemir. Thanks for all of your positivity!

32

I have done a few g6 sensor applications that the applicator stayed attached to the sensor ? , disaster ! Part of the sensor stayed attached to the sensor ! Anyone any easy way to fix this ?

33

There was a lot of activity on this very topic a while ago - here’s a link. I believe people had success whacking it with a hairbrush or something but I’ll let you look for yourself. It seemed to be an issue with certain lot numbers. Be sure they issue replacements!