So.. how is the new MM Transmitter???

[Momto4]

For those of you that have the new smaller Minimed CGMS transmitter - How is it? Curious to know your thoughts about it. Thanks! Jennifer

[bkfkmc]

Well, it works exactly the same as the old one. However, it is so much smaller and covers so much less area on my son's bottom. Not only does it have to be so much more comfortable to wear, but there is less tape involved which means less skin irritation. One piece of Tegaderm covers the entire sensor and transmitter! One the old transmitter, we had tape all over the place. The first thing my son said when we got him started on the new one is "Hey, I can't feel all that tape!" He never really complained with the old one, but I guess once he felt the new one he realized how archaic the old one seemed. Anyway, we are really enjoying the new one. It is so much better for children.

[JoeC]

Kristi,

How do you like the MM CGMS overall? Is the accuracy (or lack there of) worth the hassle? We tried the DexCom, but it just did not work on our six year old. I'm waiting for the navigator, but that may not be available for a while.

[EmmasMom]

We love the new transmitter too! It's so small!!!!!!!!!

Joe,
You can see my posts about our experience on some of the other threads in this section. We love it! I can not imagine ever living w/o it!

[AmyMcCracken]

I was curious if the new MiniLink lets you "reuse" the sensor for more than 3 days? Do these new sensors last as long as the old ones?

[rickst29]

I was curious if the new MiniLink lets you "reuse" the sensor for more than 3 days? Do these new sensors last as long as the old ones?

Yes. This change is only to the physical design of the Transmitter: The Sensors are UNCHANGED, your pump controller (or R/T standalone display) works exactly as it did before. "restarting" with a very short delay on days 3/9/15, and a longer delay on days 6/12/18, remains exactly as before. (Most people do not get 12 or 15 or 18 days, of course. But a few "lucky" and finicky users do get very long wearing periods, into the 20s.)

All the communications and software are IDENTICAL to the old one Transmitter, it's just smaller, nicer to wear, plugs directly into the Sensor, and it's rechargeable. Because it's rechargeable, it will last MUCH longer than the old one did--- especially if you do a short recharge every 2nd or 3rd day, instead of letting it run all the way down before doing a "big" recharge.

[MLH]

I am new to all this computer stuff, so I have a lot to learn. But I will try my best. We are currently on the Cozmore pump. I just ordered the minimed 522 with cgms. I need to petition my insurance company (Aetna) to see if they will cover it. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this, or could offer any advice on the best way to go about it. My pump rep sent me some info, but I need info from those in the trenches with me! Thanks. MLH

[bkfkmc]

Joe,

The CGMS does take some getting used to. It isn't perfect. I have never used a Dexcom, so I cannot compare. I would imagine that the readings would be similar. You have to get used to not always seeing the sensor match a finger stick exactly, although usually is is fairly close. It has been life changing for us. I refuse to go back to finger sticks alone as long as my son is willing to wear it- even if my insurance doesn't cover it. I am a frugal person, so my willingness to shell out the money on our tight budget speaks volumes about how much we like CGMS. As far as accuracy, the trend arrows give me as much or more information than the numbers themselves. While there is room for improvement, I am quite pleased with what we have.

Amy McCracken-

We generally get somewhere between 6-9 days out of each sensor. The only thing that I can add to Rick's post is about charging it up and the shorter delays on certain days. While I am sure that recharging every 2 or 3 days would be better for life expectancy of the transmitter, it would also cause a 2 hour warm-up (no readings) each time that you unplug to do a re-charge. You can still use the same sensor when you plug back in after the charge, but you would have to go through the "warm-up" every time and lose "short delay" days that he described. The sensors are the exact same ones that were used with the old transmitter.

[AmyMcCracken]

Thanks Kristi. I called my insurance yesterday and they gave me the blanket "it's not covered". I explained that the FDA recently approved it for 7and up. My endo is faxing the RX and letter of medical necessity so I can get insurance approval. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

[JoeC]

Thank you Kristi.

[Budapest]

"restarting" with a very short delay on days 3/9/15, and a longer delay on days 6/12/18, remains exactly as before. (Most people do not get 12 or 15 or 18 days, of course. But a few "lucky" and finicky users do get very long wearing periods, into the 20s.)


How does this short/longer delay work? If you could post a link to the details that would be great as well. We hope to get a Guardian RT in a few weeks.

BTW, there have been some improvements over time to the sensor as well, although that is not connected to the release of the new transmitter. Our rep also said new, no-fridge sensors we also be available in a few months.

[bkfkmc]

What type of improvements have been made to the sensors? I haven't heard anything about sensor improvements.

No refrigeration would be nice. The only time it is an issue with us is when we occasionally go out of town and want to take an extra sensor with us. We just have to keep it with a cold pack.

[Budapest]

What type of improvements have been made to the sensors? I haven't heard anything about sensor improvements.

Here it is:

There's a new Guardian with all the "bells and whistles" including low prediction alarms up to 40 minutes before a low. Anyone who doesn't want a pump, or doesn't want a MM pump can use this version.

The actual sensors are the same for the pump or the guardian, but they have been undergoing constant changes since they were released to improve their performance, and they are really pretty good!