Those of you in Red Sox nation will understand my late posting.
I spent three days last week at a technical conference. A reasonably large turnout and a lot of interesting sessions for a geek like me.
In the middle of one session my continuous glucose monitor let me know my blood sugar was going low.
Naturally, I always carry something with me to help me correct it. In this case I used Smarties. These contain a good deal of dextrose which is quickly absorbed by the body. And they taste reasonably good.
If anyone noticed me, they probably thought I was just snacking on some candy. But I was really stopping my blood sugar from going lower and causing more problems.
This is my blood glucose meter and some of the test strips that I've used over the last few days. I don't use that many strips now, thanks to my Dexcom continuous glucose monitor.
The reflection in the background is the first Red Sox World Series Game.
Because even when I'm relaxing at home focused on a game, I have to think about my diabetes and my blood sugar levels. I need to check my levels after eating because I don't want to go to sleep with a high reading.
And while I sleep I have diabetes. It's with me 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. I've had diabetes for more than 35 years so it's been with me for over 13,000 days. And counting.
I'm still wearing and using the Dexcom and for the most part really finding it useful.
This week I'm starting to gather supporting paperwork so can make a submission to my insurance company. I hoping that I'll get coverage and I'll post here to let you know how that goes.
I found this useful post on the JDRF website that outlines what you should do to get coverage for a CGM device. I call it the eight steps to getting a CGM. Because I'm not sure that I'd do the final two suggested steps: tell JDRF about what happens, and become a JDRF advocate.
I'm already working hard on advocacy, and JDRF has enough advocates of its own.
Let me point out a few things that I've noticed about wearing this device (and I'm sure the same is true for any CGM device.
First is that this gives you immediate feedback when your control is not good. So it's not like waiting 20+ years to see if you develop complications. It buzzes at you each time you cross the high threshold. If they'd just add a feature so it would shock you, then I might be motivated to reduce my highs!
Second is along the lines of a good news/bad news observation. The good news is that when my readings are behaving properly, it's nice to get the positive feedback. The bad news is when I have a night like last night where my readings were about 200 mg/dL from about 1 AM to 6:30 AM, I get to see that all displayed out as a high line. Yuk.
Despite its shortcomings, I still like the device. I'll try and post some more photos next time round.
The Diabetes Technology Blog is focused on using technology to life better with diabetes. I review: blood glucose monitors; continuous glucose monitor; blood sugar meters; diabetes software and living with diabetes.
About Me
Name: Bernard Farrell
Location: Massachusetts, United States
I was born in Ireland and now live in the US.
I have had Type 1 diabetes for over 35 years. I struggle with my blood sugar, the same as most people with diabetes.
I wear a Cozmo 1800 insulin pump and a Dexcom SEVEN CGM to track my blood glucose levels. I also take Symlin to help control my post-meal blood sugars.
I'm blessed by God, and every day brings the possibility of a cure.
