
Continuous Glucose Monitoring – Ever Thought About It?
I’d give up my car before I give up my Dexcom. Maybe that’s too bold, but my continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is that important to me. It’s a safety net, a protective layer of information, an early warning system, and one of the best ways to learn about my blood sugar. A few years ago I mismanaged my supply order and had to live without my CGM for a bit. It was only a matter of hours into the first day without continuous glucose monitoring before it was clear how much I missed it. I was habitually reaching for my Dexcom receiver which wasn’t even there (like forgetting your watch and constantly checking your wrist for the time). I felt so exposed and vulnerable. The experience opened my eyes to how valuable continuous glucose monitoring had become for me! Real life learning with continuous glucose monitoring I remember a handful of key insights I experienced once I started using a continuous glucose monitoring device: Blood sugars don’t move in straight lines. Traditional blood sugar graphs show straight lines, but on a CGM graph, even a flat line is as bumpy as the skin of a teenage toad. (most) Food is fast. Like WAY fast. I never knew how quickly food hit my blood sugar until seeing it on a CGM. Insulin is slow. Yes, even the rapid-acting stuff. These things opened my eyes to how diabetes really works. It was a revolutionary learning period in my life with diabetes! I was missing a lot of action between blood sugar checks, and my CGM filled in the blanks – painting a complete picture. Additionally, I learned how certain foods spiked my blood sugar, and others didn’t. I also felt a sense of freedom because I could keep an eye on things. And even though continuous glucose monitoring didn’t eliminate fingersticks, once I experienced these benefits, weari Continue reading >>

Onetouch Vibe™ Plus Insulin Pump Earns Fda Approval And Health Canada License And Is First Pump Integrated With The Dexcom G5® Mobile Continuous Glucose Monitor
New system to enable exceptional glucose measuring accuracy and precise insulin delivery for even the most insulin-sensitive people with diabetes CHESTERBROOK, Pa., Dec. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Animas Corporation, part of the Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Care Companies (JJDCC), announced today that it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, and Health Canada's authorization for the sale of the OneTouch Vibe™ Plus Insulin Pump and Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System for the treatment of patients age two and older living with diabetes. The OneTouch Vibe™ Plus is the first and only insulin pump integrated with Dexcom G5® Mobile CGM technology, combining accurate and precise insulin dosing technology from Animas with the most accurate CGM sensing technology from Dexcom. This system will enable patients to see their glucose reading at all times either on their pump or using the Dexcom G5® App on their smart phone, and to deliver the precise amounts of insulin they may need from the pump. The Dexcom G5® Transmitter collects blood glucose readings from the Dexcom sensor and wirelessly sends them to the patient's OneTouch Vibe™ Plus Insulin Pump screen and compatible smart device using the Dexcom G5® Mobile System and app. This will enable patients using the pump and their caregivers to access CGM data wherever it is most convenient for them, and to make informed diabetes management decisions. In addition to the primary smart device, glucose data can be shared with up to five people utilizing the Dexcom Follow App. "People living with diabetes will no longer have to pull out their pump to read their glucose readings. By having constant access to glucose readings on their pump and now their smart devices, the OneTouch Vibe™ Plus will give Continue reading >>

Newsflash: Tandem Touchscreen Insulin Pump Is First To Market With Built-in Dexcom G5
The first-ever insulin pump that has Dexcom G5 continuous glucose monitoring data integrated directly onto its display is now available in the USA. On Monday, Tandem Diabetes Care announced that the FDA had approved its G5 integration on Aug. 25, less than six months (!) after submitting it to the regulatory agency. This is the California company's fifth iteration to its unique touchscreen insulin pump since first hitting the US market in August 2012. It's arguably the most important and influential change, as it marks a first on a number of fronts: the first G5-integrated pump available in the States, the first officially OK'd for dosing and treatment decisions, and the first model with the latest features that can be remotely updated from home. This means that if you're already using a Tandem t:slim X2 device, you can update it for Dexcom G5 connectivity immediately -- as in, right now! -- by simply visiting their "Updater site" for customers (with authorization code). If you're not yet using a Tandem device or even the Dexcom CGM, you can order the combo now. Those familiar with typical device launches will recognize that this immediacy is pretty much unheard-of, because historically there's always been a delay in getting new tech shipped out after it's been announced. Note that technically, this isn't the first G5-integrated device the FDA has cleared. That designation goes to the OneTouch (Animas) Vibe Plus, approved in late 2016. But that system has yet to make it to market as a result of JnJ's "strategic evaluation" of its key diabetes device product lines, and the company has not even made a firm commitment that the device will ever ship out... so really, Tandem gets the claim to fame of being first. Welcome to the game, Tandem! Here are more details at-a-glance Continue reading >>

Animas® Vibe® Insulin Pump & Continuous Glucose Monitoring System
*Patients must confirm CGM reading with a fingerstick test before taking action. **CGM readings may not be transmitted from the CGM to the pump while in the water. Important safety information The Animas® Vibe® Insulin Pump and CGM System is intended for the delivery of insulin and for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for the management of insulin-requiring diabetes. The Animas® Vibe® System’s CGM, which includes the Dexcom G4® PLATINUM Sensor and Transmitter, is indicated for detecting trends and tracking patterns in persons age 2 and older. The system is intended for single patient use and requires a prescription. Contraindications: Insulin pump therapy is not recommended for people unwilling or unable to test their blood glucose four to six times per day, unwilling or unable to see their healthcare professional regularly, or whose vision or hearing does not allow recognition of pump alerts, warnings, and alarms. The Animas® Vibe® Insulin Pump must be removed before MRI or CT scan, and the Dexcom G4® PLATINUM Sensor and Transmitter must be removed before MRI, CT scan, or diathermy treatment. Taking acetaminophen-containing medications while wearing the sensor may falsely raise sensor glucose readings. Warnings: Connecting to the pump before receiving the necessary training could result in serious injury or death. Younger children may inadvertently press the pump buttons and deliver insulin, which can lead to hypoglycemic events. Caregivers are responsible for helping to ensure safe and effective delivery of insulin to people in their care, including using the safety features on the Animas Vibe System to help prevent injury. CGM glucose readings are not to be used to make treatment decisions. The sensor and transmitter do not replace a blood glucose meter. Continue reading >>
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Medtrum Introduce A New Tubeless Insulin Pump And Cgm System
Please Note the Medtrum PUmp and CGM system is now available, please find the latest information in our Article on the Medtrum A6 Touchcare System as this particular article is now outdated. Exciting news in the Type 1 Community as a brand new Tubeless Insulin Pump and a new CGM system is set to be launched in the UK by Medtrum. Medtrum are a Chinese company though they have a UK office in Watford. Here is what we know about both systems, so far. MEDTRUM S6 EASYSENSE CGM The first product they are set to launch is their S6 Easysense Disposable CGM System. A company spokesperson informed me this is set to be launched in September 2016. The S6 CGM is set to rival the Dexcom G5 and quite possibly the Freestyle Libre, flash glucose monitoring system. I’m sure many families will be attracted to the product as there are no set up fees. Unlike the Dexcom system where you need to purchase a receiver and the rest of the kit up front. The company describe it as a “pay as you go, monthly format”. As you can see from the image above the S6 sensor and transmitter look very similar to the Dexcom system. This is also a mobile system, so no receiver is required, unlike the Dexcom, where despite the mobile app being widely used, users are still forced to also purchase a costly receiver, which many families find they do not use. Data from the sensor will be viewable on a mobile phone, though there is no information at this stage if that will be for both IOS devices and Android. Just like Dexcom G5 the data can be shared with love ones enabling remote monitoring of your child’s levels. Sensor life is 7 days, though it remains to be seen if the life can be extended on the sensor like you can with other CGM systems. Also highly attractive for users, is the fact that the system offer Continue reading >>
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How Much Do Diabetes Supplies/medications Cost In The U.s.?
While everyone’s diabetes treatment plan, medications, and technology may be different, there is one thing we can all agree on: diabetes is expensive. In two previous posts at The Perfect D, I gave some sense of what the bare minimum of care for a U.S. adult with Type 1 diabetes would be and also financial resources and programs to help with the financial burden of living with diabetes. However, this post is about how much it could cost an adult with Type 1 diabetes if they used the technology and medications that are currently out on the market (and thought of as “the latest and greatest”) and paid out of pocket with no insurance. Research on this topic has shown me that: 1) prices can fluctuate wildly, so it pays to shop around and 2) there is a very big gap (financially, medically, and technologically) between the bare minimum and “surviving” and actually utilizing the tools and latest technology that is out there. So, the hypothetical person for this exercise is a Type 1 adult in the United States who weighs 60kg, just like the other calculation post I did. Ground Rules These prices are accurate on the websites I have referenced for December 1, 2014. They may change, they may add shipping, they may not offer the services, technology, or drugs on their website after this is posted. These prices are not a guarantee. They are to be used as a reference. The listing of prices/websites on this post does not mean that I endorse the company or product or service. I have not listed all the products available on the market for people with Type 1 diabetes. I have listed major ones to give you an idea of major manufacturers’ costs for the products that are available for general public viewing. I did not call any companies and ask for pricing. Why? Because I believe Continue reading >>

Minimed 640g™ System
The MiniMed™ 640G insulin pump system comes with all of the elements that diabetes patients thinking about using an insulin pump may need: The MiniMed™ 640G Insulin Pump A modern, easy to use, easy to learn pump that can be personalised for each and every patient. Packed with safety features and having convenience to fit into your life without adding any extra burden. This insulin pump offers more options for managing your Diabetes than any other. And above all else, is safe, discreet and reliable for children and babies – there are specific things that children need from their insulin pump – from wearing their insulin pumps easily during the day and night, to safety features such as keypad locks. With the MiniMed™ 640G Insulin Pump System parents can pre-set boluses and deliver them remotely which can be really helpful for nursery, school or at parties. The MiniMed™ 640G Insulin Pump System has always been fully licensed for children of all ages, and of course children and babies have things that they need from an insulin pump. From wearing their insulin pumps easily during the day and night for example, to safety features such as keypad locks. Considering your meter’s accuracy is as important when using an insulin pump which is why our system uses the Contour Next Link Meter 2.4 meter from Ascensia. This meter offers you real convenience too, with glucose readings sent over to your pump automatically to save you time. For extra discretion, you can also use it as a remote – to send boluses from this tiny meter to the pump without having to get your pump out. Unlike other wireless devices for other insulin pumps, this meter sends them by secure radio frequency, so you don’t have to worry about whether that bolus was actually delivered. Continuous Gluco Continue reading >>

The Future For Insulin Pump Companies: Who Will Survive?
www.diabeticinvestor.com As problems for Tandem continue, and with Johnson & Johnson abandoning the insulin pump market, it’s beginning to dawn on some people that we soon could live in a world with just two insulin pump companies – Medtronic and Insulet. [Editor’s Note: Johnson & Johnson reached out to us with the following information: “Animas continues to manufacture, deliver and support its products and provide the service our patients expect. We remain committed to our patients, and we intend to honor our warranty and do not anticipate any interruptions to patients’ pump therapy. If patients or potential patients have any concerns, they can contact Animas online or at 1-877-YES-PUMP.”] Ok, to be fair, Roche also has a pump, but their market presence is lacking. Also, to be fair, Bigfoot is working on a system, but it isn’t here yet. Plus, there is growing belief that patients can achieve optimum control using a CGM smart insulin pen system. Given where things stand today, the real possibility exists that when it comes to insulin pumps, patient choice will be very limited. This was a fear expressed by many when Medtronic signed an exclusive deal with UnitedHealthcare. Yet this agreement is not the cause of limited patient choice. Poor strategy is the real reason, as both Tandem and J&J have made mistakes that have put them in their current positions. Now, I will not list these mistakes as it serves no useful purpose; there is no need to go backward. What I will do, however, is offer a path forward for any company that is bold enough to take on Medtronic. Keep in mind that Diabetic Investor has been covering Medtronic since it was known as MiniMed and no one, and I mean no one, has come close to giving them a run for their money – EVER. The insulin pu Continue reading >>
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5. All-in-one Cgm And Insulin Pump From Dexcom And Tandem Diabetes
Earlier this year, DexCom and Tandem Diabetes teamed up to develop a device that hopes to snag a big market share in the diabetes game: a combination continuous glucose monitor and insulin pump. Using Tandem's T:Slim touch-screen insulin pump as a platform, DexCom will bring its CGM knowhow to develop an all-in-one monitor-and-pump combo. And the benefits could be huge. There's just one combination device already on the market (Medtronic's ($MDT) Paradigm), but T:Slim is the world's smallest insulin pump and the only one with touch-screen controls. If DexCom and Tandem can keep the tech small and navigate the 510(k) process, their combination platform could be a hit in the diabetes world. Continue reading >>
- Practical Approach to Using Trend Arrows on the Dexcom G5 CGM System for the Management of Adults With Diabetes | Journal of the Endocrine Society | Oxford Academic
- After 20 Years of Watching Diabetes Tech, Kliff Eyes Smart Insulin Pens, CGM for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
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Freestyle Libre – A Nurse’s Review
My 15 year old daughter and I both started on the Medtronic 670G system in July. With 2 1/2 months of use under our belts, we have had common, yet unique, experiences with the Medtronic 670G tech. As many people report, some magic happens between weeks 3 and 5. There was a turning point in which we both became happier with the results and user interface/ demands. [Our initial experience, one week in, is documented in this piece: A Nurse’s Review: Medtronic 670G Insulin Pump.] Chew on this: I don’t buy juice anymore. This is huge, especially in a household that has two very active people under one roof – that both have T1D. I had the habit, on occasion, of pouring my daughter 3 glasses of juice overnight after a big basketball practice or some crazy family adventure in the mountains. I can thankfully report that this behavior is a thing of the past. Like it or not, midnight picnics are common for those of us living with type 1 diabetes. Our dentists may agree that the 670G may be worth it’s weight in gold with the simple elimination of the sugar bath on our teeth all hours of the day and night. Hands down, the best feature of this pump/ sensor combo is the near elimination of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) – particularly overnight when we are at our most vulnerable. Over the past few months I have put this thing to the test. I trained for and completed a 102 mile bike ride for JDRF Ride to Cure in Loveland, Colorado. I’ve spent a lot of time in the saddle with this sensor and pump over some strenuous miles at higher elevations. My overall impression is quite positive at this point – I have no desire to go back to my previous pump or a pump/continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that don’t speak to one another. Do I have high blood sugars? Yes. Do I get frustrat Continue reading >>

Continuous Glucose Monitoring With The Enhanced Enlite™ Glucose Sensor
With the Enlite™ glucose sensor and MiniLink™ transmitter, CGM allows you to read your glucose levels at any time- keeping you informed around the clock and giving you the jump on information you need to take action sooner. The transmitter wirelessly transmits readings to your MiniMed Veo insulin pump every 5 minutes. The glucose sensor can be worn for up to 6 days. Technology based on evidence Continuous glucose monitoring has been proven to: The MiniMed Veo is engineered with a Low Glucose Suspend (LGS) feature, that has been clinically proven to reduce hypoglycemia events and has been shown to reduce severe hypo events to 0.3,7 The LGS feature automatically suspends insulin delivery for up to two hours when your glucose levels fall to a preset level. Built-in CGM functions that can help you manage your diabetes REAL-Time Glucose Values- see your glucose values every five minutes- It's like having the information of 288 fingerstick readings a day REAL-Time Trend Graphs- your glucose level is displayed on your pump screen in 3, 6, 12 and 24-hour periods REAL-Time Trend Arrows- single and double arrows point up and down to indicate the degree and direction of your glucose trends REAL-Time Predictive Alerts- let's you know when your glucose levels are rapidly changing, trending out of range or are out of range The 2013 Canadian Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend that for people living with type 1 diabetes, continuous glucose monitoring may be used to improve glycemic control and reduce hypoglycemia 8. A CGM Starter Kit is included with every new MiniMed® Veo™ insulin pump With the increase in clinical evidence supporting the benefit of insulin pump technology integrated with CGM and the recent Canadian Diabetes Clinical Practice Guidelines Continue reading >>

Review: Medtronic’s Minimed 630g Insulin Pump
I have used the Minimed 630G Insulin Pump System by Medtronic for the past 30 days. This review is my opinion of the pump, both positive and negative. I have used insulin pumps since I got my first Disetronic H-Tron V-100 in 1994. I got a Minimed 506 pump in 1998 and have been a fan of the Minimed/Medtronic pumps since. Until now. Minimed 630G Insulin Pump System The Minimed 630G Insulin Pump System comes with the pump, the CGM transmitter, and a Contour Next Link 2.4 blood glucose meter. The three devices work well together, once set up right. Medtronic also has an early access program. This lets you buy the Minimed 630G now, and upgrade to the upcoming Minimed 670G in spring of 2017. Receiving the Pump The 630G Pump comes in several boxes. The pump comes in an 8″x10″x2.25″ box that has the pump and several small items like clips, batteries, a manual, and a quick start guide. Another box of the same size has the Contour Next Link 2.4 meter. A second box arrived a few days later with the infusion sets and reservoirs, followed by another box a few days later with the CGM sensors. I got another box a week later with the CGM transmitter. In the past, the local Medtronic trainer would call me to train me on using the pump, with a request not to use it before the training. I normally ignore this request, since I have used Minimed pumps for so long. I do go to these trainings every once in a while, but I was never contact this time. Unusual, considering how new this version of the pump is. Even so, the pump was fairly easy to set up. I also got a pile of 8.5″x11″ manuals. One was a “previous pump users manual” and one was a “pump users manual’. There was a large manual in the box that had everything in it. And another “how to use the CGM” manual. Quite d Continue reading >>

With Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Take your blood sugar control to the next level Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) helps you eliminate the “guessing game” when it comes to making decisions about your blood sugar management. So, whether you’re looking to prevent frequent episodes of hypoglycemia, plan a pregnancy, improve blood sugar control with gastroparesis, or achieve an optimal A1c level, you owe it to yourself to look into the benefits of CGM. More evidence than ever shows both short-and long-term clinical benefits of using CGM when it comes to improving your blood sugar! A CGM system is a device that measures glucose levels throughout the day and night, providing measurements every few minutes and creating trend lines 24/7. The device works by inserting a sensor under the skin (which you can do at home). This constant stream of information gives you vital information to use when making decisions about how to manage your blood sugar. A finger stick gives you a single “snapshot” of your blood sugar at that time, while a CGM can complete the picture by not only capturing your blood sugar, but by also showing you whether it is going up slowly or rapidly; going down slowly or rapidly; or if it is in a steady state. These are critical pieces of the puzzle that would otherwise be missing that can help you make informed decisions to prevent lows episodes, extreme highs and erratic blood sugars. This additional information will also help you better understand how insulin, food, exercise and other variables affect your glucose values. CGMs include a sensor and a reader/receiver, and some systems also require a transmitter. Typically you can wear a sensor 10 to 14 days (depending on manufacturer's FDA approval), and the reader/receiver displays and stores your glucose data so you can download re Continue reading >>

6 Things To Consider Before Starting Pump Therapy
Advice on how to make sure pump therapy is right for you. Four years ago, there was no iPad, or any other brand of tablet computer. Today there are tens of millions of individual devices, produced by a variety of companies. New diabetes technology isn’t on such a fast track, but the pace of innovation is increasing rapidly. Keep this in mind when choosing an insulin pump or CGM. Both kinds of devices usually carry a four-year warranty, and most insurers will refuse to pay for a replacement device any sooner than 48 months. At a retail cost of $5,000 to $7,000, the tab is more than most people can afford to take out of their own pockets. This is the financial reason for doing your homework when buying a pump or CGM. There are at least six other things to consider that are equally important, all of which revolve around your diabetes needs, lifestyle, and how you feel about having a device attached to you most of the day and night. Mara Schwartz, an RN and CDE who leads the “Introduction To Pump Therapy” class at Colorado’s Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, shares the following insights. Schwartz has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 26 years, pumping for most of those years, so her advice is based on both personal experience and her work with thousands of patients. 1. An insulin pump isn’t a “Get Out of Jail Free” card The most common misconception about using a pump or CGM is the belief that having one or both devices will instantly make diabetes management easier. While it’s true that pumps and CGMs enable tighter glucose control, they need to be calibrated frequently, and that requires finger sticks. You also need to bring good diabetes habits to the party. “If you aren’t already diligent about taking insulin with meals and checking your blo Continue reading >>

Insulin Pumps, Sensors And The Future
At the Madison Clinic we encourage families to use the many advanced technologies that are currently available, including all insulin pumps and CGMs. We offer options to help you get started or to learn more about the advanced features of devices you already own. Our Clinical Ambassador specializes in helping to work with the manufacturer and your insurance company to ensure they have the required documents. Below are a few of the many types of pumps available. The choice is up to you. INSULIN PUMPS Class We offer a monthly Pre-pump Class to help families make an informed choice regarding insulin pumps. The class reviews how insulin pumps work, what they can and cannot do, the advantages and disadvantages, and steps in the ordering process. Most importantly, it is meant to help you decide if the technology is right for you or your child, and if so, make an informed choice about which insulin pump to use. Classes are limited to six families to allow time for individual attention and questions. We welcome your circle of support to attend, including extended family members as well as school personnel and babysitters. Classes last about 3 hours and are informal so feel free to bring snacks and something to entertain your children. Representatives from the various insulin pump companies are present for the last hour of class. They present basic information about their specific devices, followed by a hands-on workshop to demonstrate their pumps and answer questions. If you are interested in attending the class, please speak to our front desk staff, e-mail us at [email protected], or call 415-514-6234. When you get your pump: After you receive your insulin pump, please arrange for a "pump start" appointment with one of our CDEs, then arrange to meet with the pump trainer Continue reading >>