My local Dexcom rep kindly arranged to give me a loaner of the new Dexcom Open Choice system. The main difference with this system is how it's calibrated - you can use any meter and enter the blood glucose values by hand.
I carried around both Dexcom receivers, the Dexcom 7 and the Dexcom Open Choice, for over a week. In this test I set them both to read from the same transmitter, so I could directly compare the results. Here's a short video that shows how to calibrate with the new system.
Below I've also got some details comments on the pros and cons of the changes.
I think this small change is a major improvement to the Dexcom system. It gives you the freedom to use your favorite blood glucose meter, so you don't have to worry about getting insurance coverage for two sets of test strips. The WaveSense Keynote meter that I used is extremely accurate, so I hope to benefit with better control and tighter A1Cs.
Dexcom updated their software so that the modal view is available once again. You can now see the reading graphs for up to nine days of readings. I've used this to see problems that happen at specific times each day. It was the only thing I missed from the first version of the Dexcom software.
I have two minor issues with the new features.
First when inputting the glucose value you use the up/down arrows to change the existing value shown by the Dexcom. The scroll speed for those arrows is much too fast. Most of the time the current value is going to be close to the reading from your meter. So you need to change the value only a little. The scrolling is so fast that it's only useful if the difference is over 100 mg/dL. Dexcom please reduce the speed here.
The other issue is even less important, it's to do with the location of the calibration screen. After you've removed and replaced a sensor the first thing you need to do is tell the receiver. You use the sensor insert screen that only appears when the receiver isn't already connected to a transmitter. Dexcom placed this screen after the calibration screen. It should be placed before the calibration screen. Most users will not be calibrating without a sensor in place.
The Dexcom Open Choice is being shipped to all new customers. Existing customers can pay an upgrade (about $200 currently). Dexcom is waiting for FDA approval to provide a download capability for software upgrades. The hope to get this approval by July and will then provide the upgrade for free to existing customers.
Note: I currently own shares in Dexcom, I try not to let this ownership influence what I say about the company or its products.
World Diabetes Day only a few days away. And I think this is the high point of National Diabetes Month for me.
You've possibly seen these links on other blogs, but just in case.
Allison of Lemonade Life has opened the voting for 3rd Annual Diabetes O.C. Awards. So get over there and vote for your favorite diabetes blogs and resources. Read's Allison's blog post for more details.
Manny of TuDiabetes fame has posted the video that was created from the submissions for the word in your hand project. It's a thoughtful video that helps people understand what it's like to live with diabetes, and it's worth watching.
It's produced so that it contains less digestible carbohydrates, so you don't need as much insulin when eating it. Here's what they say on their website.
Dreamfields Pasta has largely the same level of durum semolina as traditional pastas, with a low level of our unique blend of fibers and proteins and no soy fillers. The Dreamfields approach means fewer carbohydrates get digested that will increase blood glucose response. So you get the authentic taste and texture you expect from pasta, but with only 5 grams of digestible carbs. Dreamfields also contains twice the fiber of regular pasta, including a special fiber called Inulin that has been shown scientifically to promote digestive health and support a healthy immune system, while enhancing calcium absorption for strong bones and teeth.
I spotted a box in my local supermarket. First thought, it's expensive - about 4 times as much as box of similar regular pasta. So when we next had pasta at home, I just cooked myself one portion of Dreamfields. It tasted pretty good and definitely gave me a smaller spike. So I'll be using it sparingly in the future in place of regular pasta.
Since Amy posted her review of this meter, I thought you might be interested in seeing it in action.
So here's a short video of the meter being used to take a reading.
More about this meter next week.
Update: The meter is made by a New England company called AgaMatrix. I don't know how many insurance companies are covering it. I really like the styling overall.
At the moment I'm working in a new team. We're investigating how to develop user interfaces on top of web services. I'm using Flex from Adobe to build UIs and experiment with different techniques for doing this quickly and easily.
I'm having a lot of fun, the Flex facilities are very cool. But the learning curve is significant. I've been at this for about a month and I'm finally understanding how to do things the "Flex way".
One resource that I just came across is FlexExtensions.com. They provide training videos for Flash and Flex. The tutorial videos are free and the ones that I looked at are very short and informative.
There are lots and lots of other Flex resources, including the just restyled Flex.org site.
If you get chance to play with Flex, I highly recommend it.
P.S. I also hear that there's a big shortage of Flex developers. So you might land a good job by learning Flex.
Diabetes: technology, devices, software, and other stuff.
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.
