Okay I have been doing some reading on Minimed CGMS, and came across some very interesting info. It seems that because the FDA only approved the sensors for 3 day use that thats why MM says 3 days use. Now in my case with my 1/2 way decent insurance I would have to pay almost $200 of the $350 asking price for a new box of 10 sensors. Now certain individuals on forums have said that by using a certain procedure from the pump menu, you can extend the life of these sensors up to a max of 9-12 days with minimal diffrences of accuracy. Now im not calling anyone out, but can this be done? I mean, money is money, and $200 can go a long way. Has anyone else done this, and what was your success with it? If I could even just go 6-7 days on one (I keep clean and do my best to minimize my risk of infection with good success so far) that would help a LOT. Any thoughts on this? I want to ask my Endo on this but he is very "By the book" so I dont want to bring it up unless I do my homework first. Thanks in advance for any help.

James

JDM at June 21, 2010 at 4:51 PM

Okay I have been doing some reading on Minimed CGMS, and came across some very interesting info. It seems that because the FDA only approved the sensors for 3 day use that thats why MM says 3 days use. Now in my case with my 1/2 way decent insurance I would have to pay almost $200 of the $350 asking price for a new box of 10 sensors. Now certain individuals on forums have said that by using a certain procedure from the pump menu, you can extend the life of these sensors up to a max of 9-12 days with minimal diffrences of accuracy. Now im not calling anyone out, but can this be done? I mean, money is money, and $200 can go a long way. Has anyone else done this, and what was your success with it? If I could even just go 6-7 days on one (I keep clean and do my best to minimize my risk of infection with good success so far) that would help a LOT. Any thoughts on this? I want to ask my Endo on this but he is very "By the book" so I dont want to bring it up unless I do my homework first. Thanks in advance for any help.

James

I personally can get 6 to 7 days out of one. what you do is when it says sensor ends you go into the sensor menu and go to start sensor and start it again as if it was a new one. the charge on the transmitter last for 7 days for me at the most if you need to charge it then do just remove the transmitter and then charge it and put it back on the sensor and bam it is like a new sensor. mini med reps are now getting approval for the sensors to be used for 6 days from the FDA I get good readings all the way through so give it a try and see how it works for you. personally I asked my doctor first as he is one of the doctors on the mini med advisory board and helped with the development of the 522/722 and the revel system so I take him at his word but ask yours just to be sure.

That is good news. i will ask mine to see what he says. Other than that, I have no issues wearing it for 6+ days per shot if the placement is right and pain is a minimum. Thanks for the answer! That helps a LOT!

I've done over 14 days with my Dexcom.  But don't tell anyone!  :-)

Naaa.....I promise I will only tell my best friend, but I will make him promise not to tell anyone else!!! Your secret is safe with me (us)!!!! Did it get infected, or a hard lump near the insertion site? Just curious how it went, and how accurate it remained. Thanks 1HD!!

James

JDM I can get 11 to 12 days out of one. What I do is when it says sensor ends I go into the sensor menu and go to start sensor and start it again like it was a new one. When I need to charge the transmitter I just remove it and then charge it and put it back on the sensor and it is like a new sensor. I asked my doctor first and was told that as long as there is no infection then go for it. I find that for me the longer I use one sensor the more accurate it was.

Bill at June 23, 2010 at 8:45 PM

I've done over 14 days with my Dexcom.  But don't tell anyone!  :-)

Well, I take it out when the following happens.

1.  If the numbers are not adding up, and will not calibrate correctly.

2.  If I get ??? more then twice a day.

3.  And finally the one that happens alot, is when my site starts itching.... eh I hate that!