My new super power
I've been wearing a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor for almost three weeks now. And you know what? I've now got this super power.No, it's not X-ray vision.
Even better, it's a power that folks without diabetes don't have.
I can see my blood sugar readings. In fact, I can also predict them some. It's like I'm looking into my bloodstream at the molecular level.
And here's what it looks like as I'm writing this entry.
So what, I hear you say.
Well get this. If I'm about to get in my car and drive, I can simply take this out of my pocket and tell in a split second whether it's safe for me to drive.
If I'm running around with the kids, I can take a quick look and make sure that my numbers aren't dropping too quickly.
And if I've just eaten more than I should, I can keep an eye on this and correct before my numbers get way too high.
It's simply amazing to me. And I'm already seeing a benefit in my numbers. Less horrible highs and tighter control all round.
There are drawbacks. It's another gadget to carry around. And I don't yet know whether my insurance will cover it. But with the announcement from Medicare/Medicaid, I think it's only a matter of time.
In the meantime, I think I'm going to go jump over my house. After all, I do have super powers.
Labels: awareness, Dexcom, diabetes, experience
posted by Bernard @ 6:57 PM
9 Comments:
First let me say that the new picture looks great and those Irish blue eyes just pop!
And what you said about looking into your bloodstream at a molecular level is exactly how I thought of the CGM.
I'm really fascinated by this whole thing.
Cool. Seems like great technology. I do wish the sensors were teeny though. Is it frustrating/awkward to have both a pump site and a sensor site?
Thanks for sharing so much information about your process.!
Very cool, Bernard. I patiently wait for the Navigator.
After Charlie's diagnosis, I remember thinking how amazing it would be to be able to see what his blood sugar is at all times. It's just so exciting to see that the time is now. Thanks so much for sharing your Dexcom experiences. This will one day change our lives.
Bernard, I am so with you! After using the Freestyle Navigator in trial, I was so let down when I had to give it back. Just KNOWING, not worrying, is a tremendous relief. I think a lot of the trouble controlling this desease is the stress of not REALLY being able to control it. The CGM is the best thing since insulin. Better than any invention so far; even better than the pump (and I'm a HUGE pump advocate)!
Now that I've had the Minimed Real-time Minilink for two whole days, I feel so much freedom. I don't have super powers yet, but the ability to see if my afternoon rise in blood sugars is a trend (unassociated with a meal) is huge. There is no way to catch this kind of stuff with 6, 8 or 10 finger tests!
Thanks for sharing!
I've been looking at the DexCom, and hope to get one this summer. I'm so excited to have this super power!
Way cool Bernard. I'm looking forward to the time when all of this is easily accessible and affordable for all that want it.
Great new pic too! I love seeing new views of my OC friends!
And as Molly said, thanks for sharing so much about all of it. I think we are all curios about this new tool, and this type of thing helps a lot (and thanks to Wendy and all the others that are doing the same!).
where would you get these from? I'm in Sydney and couldn't find any direct links. It sounds brilliant as I am a Type I diabetic with a tendancy to go really low really quickly and have done so whilst driving!
:)ppls email your response! Thanks
I've been using a Dexcom since September 2006. HgA1c in October 2006 was 7.1. HgA1c in April 2007 was 6.0. I'm currently on Lantus and Humalog. Planning on going on a pump within the next year.
Post a Comment
Links to this post:
Create a Link
<< Home