How accurate are you finding the dexcom?

[Adinsmom]

We are interested in pursuing a cgm for our son. I have read that sometimes the Dexcom is frustratingly off in children. We dont know what to think about the Navigator because it is up in the air as to its release and then the waiting list will be very long. We just aren't sure we want to wait unless we can see some sort of trial results about how much better it really is. Is the Dexcom worthwhile in pursuing?

Thanks

[rickst29]

For some people, they're so good that they can GIVE UP finger sticks entirely... the FDA and User's Guide rules say that I should "always confirm your actual bG with a finger stick meter BEFORE treating a Dexcom reading, but I never do... I can use my Dexcom reading with almost total confidence.

But for other people, the readings are so flakey that they have to simply give up in frustration, send it back and get a refund.

Which group will you be in? There's only one way to know.... TRY IT! :)

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I haven't got any URL links to post off the top of my head, or in my 'bookmarks', but Abbott's far greater accuracy is accepted as an absolute FACT by everyone who has looked carefully. There also might e a difference at low bG between the currently available systems (Dexcom is better), but the sample sizes in the available statistics are too small to say that with any certainty.

Should you wait for the superior Abbott? Well, some people have been waiting since before they "promised" that they'd be selling by August 2006, and in those 5 months, I'd have probably gone through about 4 Glucagons without my Dex.com, and many dozens of sub-50 lows.

But I don't know how many MORE objections the FDA can come up with to keep the (IMO) manifestly superior device off the Market. Abbott backed off on the "total replacement for fingerstick testing" objection a long time ago. I hear that the main issue now is the "Sensor can last for 5 days" usage, and that Abbott is backing off even that and planning to sell in January with only a 3-day Sensor lifetime.

Will there be yet ANOTHER objection? Maybe. The FDA doesn't give hints until they either say "yes" or "no with at least ONE reason for saying no, and "solving" the reason doesn't mean that they won't have another objection after you re-submit. They can and do continue looking further, and might come up with more "issues" which cause your application to be denied.

Although Abbott is PLANNING on a January launch, they don't know that the FDA *will* allow it: Abbott will find out on the same day that I do.

BTW, I use each of my "3-day" Dexcom Sensors for almost 3 WEEKS.

[rickst29]

Most of the children with Dexcom are 3 years and older, you might be testing new ground.

[rmccully2000]

I just wrote in another thread that I have a love/hate relationship with Dex. When it works, I love it so much I want to marry it!! (heehee) When we get a bad sensor or bad insertion, I hate it because I know what I'm missing. The relief of being able to glance down and see a trend before making an insulin/carb decision is something I haven't been able to put into words..


Right now, I'm in a grey area. After a few bad insertions/sensors in a row, we get one working awesomely for 2 days! Trending correctly, anywhere from 0 - 40 points different, depending on the rate of change. Then Mason and his dad were wrestling and they must have ruined the connection because it went off by 150 points and never recovered. I think next time, I will secure it with some Glad press and seal before they start fooling around.


I was tired of waiting for Navigator and took a gamble. I don't regret it at all, even though I've had problems like many others. It was money well spent for me as I know we have prevented many lows and adjusted testing times to match the peaks and valleys. Plus, I got the insurance part out of the way so when Navigator does come out, I already have coverage for CGMS if I want to switch.

I also understand why people want to wait. It's alot of money for systems that still need work.

Good luck!
Becky
Mom to Mason, 6