Ins only pays for Type 1 to get these, which is a crock,Type 2 should be included.

Nonetheless that's the deal now, there are several out there Dexcom G6/G7, Freestyle Libre 3, and you can buy them OTC but they are more expensive.

Stelo which is made by Dexcom and Lingo, they are OTC and less expensive, update a little slower but do the same basic thing.

Have read that the Stelo/Lingo can be off a bit from the finger stick, but that could be attributed to timing.

If you have one, how does it work out, is it accurate enough to trust over sticking your finger.

Thinking it would be better to have all the intel on food spikes etc. It's also being promoted to help with dieting.

I'm using the Lingo. My A1C was high last July. I made lifestyle changes and when I was retested in December, I was solidly in the healthy range.

I ordered the Lingo in January on my own initiative. I'm simply curious about how food and exercise impact my blood sugar. It's been working great as far as I know. The phone app is pretty straightforward. I haven't had any issues with readings.

What I can't help with is accuracy versus a finger stick. I never got to the point where I had to do the testing via a finger stick.

G6 will be phased out as its replacement the G7 is already released. I believe production of G6 is slated to stop this summer. Stelo is a dumbed down G7. I believe functionality at the ow end is removed. Less of an issue for T2.

CGM measures interstitial fluid not blood so there’s a roughly 15 minute delay on the CGM reading vs a finger stick. The algorithm tries to overcome the delay. For the G6, and others are likely similar, a 20 point difference from finger stick under 80 is considered accurate. Readings over 80 are considered accurate if they’re within 20% of a finger stick.

Is that accurate enough for your needs? Is the ability to see trends and how specific foods act more important than dead nuts accuracy? A less expensive CGM might meet your needs. GoodRx is a good place to compare costs.

I’m T1. I’m playing a different game. I use my CGM data to make insulin dosing decisions multiple times a day. I rely on my G6 and it makes my life easier.

I use the Freestyle 3+ for type II as they just discontinued the 3.

It works well, updates quickly, and when I check it against a finger stick it is pretty spot on.
The app is kind of wonky. I have all notifications turned off but it will still send phantom alerts. The phone alerts but there is nothing there. The app issues do not affect the functionality of the monitoring.

I pay out of pocket as well. The Publix pharmacy runs the prescription through the discount programs and usually gets a coupon for 2 sensors for around $80. I will alternate wearing one and not wearing one every 2 weeks which helps with the cost but that may not be a good idea for everyone.

I have only used the Freestyle brand since I started so I can’t speak to the other brands, i did do a search on Freestyle vs Dexcom when I had to switch from the Freestyle 3 to the 3+ and nothing I read made me want to switch.

Type 1 here, currently using the Freestyle Libre 3+. Can't speak to the Dexcom because I've never used it. Everything Berto said above about CGMs is true, listen to him.

The Libre 3+ sensors are worlds better than sticking your finger 4-5 times a day. They're not perfect. I've ripped them off doing everything from lying in a hammock to fighting a suspect. Abbot is pretty good about replacing them for free when you file a claim. The 3 has been less of a problem than the 2, because it's smaller.

I started out with the standalone reader, and it was pretty quick and convenient. But I broke several of them, and it was annoying to have a separate device to carry around everywhere. I got a new NFC-capable phone when I transitioned to the 3, and now I'm using the android app. It works pretty well, but often loses connection and then when you want to check it it has to reconnect. That takes a minute or two, which can be a bit of an annoyance. You also can't disable the low glucose warning, so it'll start yelling at you if it thinks you're hitting 55 or below. Which can get annoying when it's wrong, or you already know. I don't use the other alarms. I imagine the "signal lost" alarm would be incredibly annoying since it seems to do that like 10-12 times per day.

I've not found them to be perfectly accurate. It depends on the sensor, and sometimes where it's applied on the arm. Some of them read high when you first start them, and then taper down to reading low closer to the end of the two weeks. I'm not talking a 20 point variance with finger stick...more like 50 or so. If one seems way off I'll confirm it against a few finger sticks over the course of the day and kinda get a feel for how it's reading. I will say they're getting better, and the 3+ sensors have been a lot more accurate than the 2s.

After insurance and discount coupons I'm paying like $180 for a 90 day supply. They have their issues, but overall I think they're a game changer over finger sticks for being able to track your glucose data trends continuously and in real time, and quality of life compared to stabbing your finger all the time. I'm a pretty active guy with an unpredictable job, and I also do a lot of outdoorsy stuff and travelling on my own time. Checking sugar for insulin dosing and eating is a fact of life as a type 1, and the CGM makes it so much easier.

I have the lingo and have been using it since december. It works pretty good. I bought the tape that goes over it to help keep it on for the 2 weeks. after a couple came undone beofre they were supposed to!

Numbers seem to run lower than finger sticks but I use it to get an idea of how different foods affect my bs. helped with my anxiety but can also increase it.

I still do finger sticks if it is really high or low. sometimes a 20 pt. variation

I use the Dexcom G7. The sensor has helped me to maintain good A1C levels. I’m type 2 and insurance pays for them. My doctor had to submit a pre authorization. But the insurance approved the use without any questions. The Stelo sensors only read to blood sugar level of 250. That may not be high enough if you have a diabetes issue. In my opinion, a CGM should be mandatory for a diabetic.

As a type 1, I have used both. If you decide to use an insulin path, you must use the Dexcom 6. I hav no intention of doing that and use the Libre 3+ as i like it better. I check my sugar several times a day and as a type 1, these are truly lifesaving. I am not familiar with the lower line cgm but I am thrilled to know I wont go to sleep and not wake now and would tell everyone who needs one to get either one and I think Libre is cheaper.

I am Type 2,but was hospitalized in 2023 for an infection in my toe that became septic, and eventually was amputated (middle toe on my right foot). While in the hospital, they managed my blood sugar with insulin, so I was marked as insulin dependent and thus was able to get a CGM when I got out of the hospital. I started with Libre 3 but after about 6 months my calibrations kept showing the Libre 3 was 30-40 points different than actual finger sticks. I discussed with my doctor, and she moved me over to the Dexcom 6 and then to the 7 when we figured out the 6 was updated. I also use a separate monitor, not the phone app.

The G7 has been more accurate, but its still not perfect. I have not really experienced periods of fogginess or confusion that could be related to blood sugar, but sometimes at night the monitor goes off for low blood sugar but I feel fine. Also, the biggest problem I have had is the G7 pods failing to pair with my monitor when I install a new one. I get 3-month supply, (9 pods) at a time and have had 2 of the 9 fail to pair. Have to get online and go through the chat bot process to give them the serial number and describe to problem but they then quickly ship out replacement pods.

I should say that when I was released from the hospital, I was weaned off of the two insulin types I was being given and now I just am on Mounjaro 10mg weekly injection and it really controls my A1c.

My Brother-in-law is a lifelong Type 1 and he has just switched over to the Dexcom G7 with his insulin pump. It is not really smooth for him. The pods and him pump give him some quick spikes and crashes, so his experience with the G7 is not as smooth and his needs are MUCH more critical than mine are.

I am using the libre 3+ i have no complaints. I have knocked it off a few times in a year. Otherwise no issues.

I did have a few from the bad batch from last year. It would start alarming low sugar in the middle of the night. When i was 85 glucose. Once I just ripped it off and then had to put up with the 'can't find sensor' alarms. I finally just powered my phone off.
They made it right and replaced it. Otherwise I have not had any problems.
Looked into one of the 1 year ones. You have to have it surgically inserted and it was going to be expensive.

I was asked by my doc why it enabled me to do better (still not great though) and I told her, I can't hide from it or play games. It shows me the effect of all my decisions from. Ot working out to what I snack on.

I still need to make some life changes though.

I haven't used the Libre line, but like the Dexcom line. The current Dexcom G7 has a serious flaw that they will not admit, that their units randomly fail to report low blood sugars, which can kill some diabetics. I had one and they replaced it, but the new one is just as bad as the old one. They won't admit it, and the doctors don't care. If you give them the data they don't say anything, they just say the one you already have is NOT in the range of serial numbers they know are bad. They're pretty shameless about it. Sort of like Chevy selling trucks with bad engines, they don't have the cajones to redesign the damn block and get it out there as soon as possible. They're all the same, they don't care.

But when the Dexcom line isn't misbehaving it's pretty slick. It has saved my ass many times. But one of these days it might not based on the company's lack of followup. When you think about it it's sorta creepy that a square piece of electronic plastic is a life sustaining device. I suppose all medical devices are like that, the nature of the beast.

I don't treat it like a lifesaving thing, because I don't rely on it for that. I don't trust it that much. The idea of hooking one of these things up to a pump and letting it automatically dose you with insulin is crazy to me.

Knowing my body and what I can eat, how much energy I can output, and what insulin dosage I need is what keeps me alive. The CGM is primarily a tool to aid in determining trends so I know what certain foods will do to me, and how my body will react to an insulin dose and/or exercise. I do use it for dosing, but I also take into account my confidence in that particular sensor and how I'm feeling, and if those things don't line up I'll take a blood sample before I dose. But that's very rare that I need to do that.

At this point, having worn one for a few years I have a pretty good idea of how my body reacts to different conditions and typically know what I can eat or what I should dose without having to look at it. Its primary function is confirmation, and also a way to quickly check when things start feeling out of whack. But if I was on a trip and my sensor failed or my phone died and I couldn't replace it for a few weeks I wouldn't worry about dying. I do typically bring a spare, and carry lancets and test strips as a backup when I travel.

I was using the libre 3 since it came out. Other than that issue with the recall, it's been working fine for me. I am on my last 6 days because insurance won't cover it anymore since I don't take injections.

quote:

Originally posted by 92fstech:
I don't treat it like a lifesaving thing, because I don't rely on it for that. I don't trust it that much. The idea of hooking one of these things up to a pump and letting it automatically dose you with insulin is crazy to me.

Knowing my body and what I can eat, how much energy I can output, and what insulin dosage I need is what keeps me alive. The CGM is primarily a tool to aid in determining trends so I know what certain foods will do to me, and how my body will react to an insulin dose and/or exercise. I do use it for dosing, but I also take into account my confidence in that particular sensor and how I'm feeling, and if those things don't line up I'll take a blood sample before I dose. But that's very rare that I need to do that.

At this point, having worn one for a few years I have a pretty good idea of how my body reacts to different conditions and typically know what I can eat or what I should dose without having to look at it. Its primary function is confirmation, and also a way to quickly check when things start feeling out of whack. But if I was on a trip and my sensor failed or my phone died and I couldn't replace it for a few weeks I wouldn't worry about dying. I do typically bring a spare, and carry lancets and test strips as a backup when I travel.

That's because your disease isn't that brittle yet. This disease in particular, and its negative effects over time, and progressive and cumulative, without exception. At some point you will not longer feel your body and mind slipping into hypoglycemia, and your device may actually literally save your life. You look at it, and your BS might be 39 and you feel fine. That's one example of the nature of the condition over time. It has a name and you can look it up.

quote:

Originally posted by wrightd:

That's because your disease isn't that brittle yet. This disease in particular, and its negative effects over time, and progressive and cumulative, without exception. At some point you will not longer feel your body and mind slipping into hypoglycemia, and your device may actually literally save your life. You look at it, and your BS might be 39 and you feel fine. That's one example of the nature of the condition over time. It has a name and you can look it up.

Yeah, that's some scary stuff. Things to look forward to, I guess. Hopefully these devices continue to improve to the point where they're able to reliably address those situations .

Or better yet, find a cure, or at least a way to stop it. They're more than happy to sell you stuff to manage it, but they don't seem to give a crap about fixing it. I got diagnosed at 36 after being healthy my whole life. They couldn't tell me how it happened, or do anything to slow or stop its progress. They didn't even try. Just, "here's your insulin and a consult with a dietician...see you in six months for refills."

Lots of good information, since i'm not type 1 they are not covered by insurance, even though that would make sense for better monitoring of food intake, weight loss, bs control and reporting of data so your medical professionals and dieticians if you have one, could help you plan a better path.

But the sale of Metformin, GLP1, and all the other BS related medications fuel big income at big pharma....

quote:

Originally posted by 92fstech:

quote:

Originally posted by wrightd:

That's because your disease isn't that brittle yet. This disease in particular, and its negative effects over time, and progressive and cumulative, without exception. At some point you will not longer feel your body and mind slipping into hypoglycemia, and your device may actually literally save your life. You look at it, and your BS might be 39 and you feel fine. That's one example of the nature of the condition over time. It has a name and you can look it up.

Yeah, that's some scary stuff. Things to look forward to, I guess. Hopefully these devices continue to improve to the point where they're able to reliably address those situations .

Or better yet, find a cure, or at least a way to stop it. They're more than happy to sell you stuff to manage it, but they don't seem to give a crap about fixing it. I got diagnosed at 36 after being healthy my whole life. They couldn't tell me how it happened, or do anything to slow or stop its progress. They didn't even try. Just, "here's your insulin and a consult with a dietician...see you in six months for refills."

The later in life you get it, the better off you will be long run. And if you get it today, the insulins available are order of magnitude better quality, so taken all of that together, the better off you'll be compared to other diabetics who got it a longer time ago when the modern insulins and tools are not good. There's also the luck of the draw like anything else. So depending, you may escape some of the more esoteric problems discussed, along with other unplesantries. If you get it today, for example, and you're not a young person, you'll do MUCH better these days than people who got it 40 years ago etc. When I got it human insulins didn't exist, permanent damage. The only thing that bothers me most about this disease is when babies and little children have it, that tears me up. Like seeing babies and children with cancer, you wonder how that hell that's even possible. Anyway, eat well, keep moving, pay attention to BS control and meds, that's the best game in town.

And go shooting.

quote:

The only thing that bothers me most about this disease is when babies and little children have it, that tears me up. Like seeing babies and children with cancer, you wonder how that hell that's even possible. Anyway, eat well, keep moving, pay

Agreed. When I got this and had to start dealing with it my first though was I'm glad it's me and not my kids. Not just the unfairness of a young person being striken with it, but also just how hard it would be for a kid to keep track and properly manage it. So far they're all healthy, thank God. But like most of the nastier things like this, there's a good chance it's hereditary (even though neither of my parents and none of my grandparents had it), so I'd love it if they found a way to beat it before any of them contracts it.

TYP 2 - Dexcom has worked well - Covered by UHC/Medicare

quote:

Originally posted by HRK:
Lots of good information, since i'm not type 1 they are not covered by insurance, even though that would make sense for better monitoring of food intake, weight loss, bs control and reporting of data so your medical professionals and dieticians if you have one, could help you plan a better path.

But the sale of Metformin, GLP1, and all the other BS related medications fuel big income at big pharma....

The GLP1s are a game changer helping you shed weight and control blood sugar.

Since you're going out of pocket you might consider a CGM as a once in a while thing to monitor progress. Using one 10 days a month or quarterly can give you data to act on. It can confirm what you think you know about the changes you've made or let you know you're totally wrong. You're at a point where maybe you don't need constant monitoring. If you have an endocrinologist they might be able to give you a free sample. That would help figure out how useful it actually might be for you.

Carbs can hit each of us differently. White rice kicks my ass regardless of how much insulin I take or how early. It's just a rocket ship. Others can manage it with our usual tools.