Friday, August 31, 2018

Medtronic Guardian Connect Continuous Glucose Monitor



Medtronic Guardian Connect Continuous Glucose Monitor
 
 
 
https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com
 

I wanted a CGM, continuous glucose monitor.

For me.

Insurance says no coverage because I am type 2, not insulin dependent.

Fine - I will get my own!
Maybe, depending on cost, if you know what I mean.
The search is on!
 
Here is the second one I checked on:

Medtronic Guardian Connect CGM
https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/products/guardian-connect-continuous-glucose-monitoring-system




The Medtronic Guardian Connect basic info:
 
approved for 14-74 years
sharable data
up to 7 day sensor
simple applicator for sensor
alerts
transmits data wirelessly to display device
display device available or iOS compatible device
CareLink program for trends and patterns
 
I like it!  I don't like the price~
One month of sensors $553/Cash price $345.
Transmitter (yearly)  $775/Cash price $620
SO monthly that works out to $617/Cash $397
 
Ouch, just like the Dexcom G6
Both are quite pricey when paying the entire price out of pocket.
 
One more to go.
 
Freestyle Libre CGM
 
 
 
 
 

Friday, August 24, 2018

Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitor

Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitor
 
www.dexcom.com
 
 
I wanted a CGM, continuous glucose monitor.
For me.
Insurance says no coverage because I am type 2, not insulin dependent.
Fine - I will get my own!
Maybe, depending on cost, if you know what I mean.
The search is on!
 
Here is the first one I checked on:

Dexcom G6 CGM
 
The Dexcon G6 basic info:
 
approved for children 2+ years old
sharable data
10 day sensor
simple applicator for sensor
customizable alerts and alarms
transmits data wirelessly to display device
display device available or iOS/Android compatible device 
Clarity program for seeing trends and patterns
 
I like it all!!
EXCEPT the price
 
One month of sensors $350.
Transmitter $237 (lasts 3 months/$80 a month)
So monthly that works out to $428 a month plus tax
using my Samsung phone
 
OUCH

Moving on to investigate more options:

Medtronic Guardian CGM

Freestyle Libre CGM
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Saturday, August 18, 2018

Continous Glucose Monitors and Costs

I want a CGM!
 
Technically I don't need a continuous glucose monitor, according to insurance, since I am considered controlled with diet, exercise and oral medicine.  My diet is fairly tight as far as carbs go.  I exercise daily by walking, jogging, hiking, chasing grandkids, working in the yard and other activities.  I take Januvia and 4-500EX Metformin tablets.  My A1c was 5.8 last blood work check, high but in the pre-diabetic range (I won't rant about that right now).
Still, I want a CGM.  I want to check my number when I get up; before, during and after exercise; when I eat something I don't normally eat; when I feel light headed, sick or tired; at bedtime; or when I just want to know my number! In order to do that I would be testing about 10x a day and sometimes more. I would like to test whenever I want but test strips aren't cheap.  Fingertip real estate is limited.  Oh, and fingertips get sore. Try testing when hiking, biking, or at a party while dancing and drinking. I'm not always on point when testing either: sometimes not enough and I have to repeat like below or too much and blood spots mark everything I touch.
Oops!

 
THE CHOICES


Since insurance says no I wanted to see what it would cost me.  I'm gathering information and will take it to my doctor and see if I can get a prescription to buy one out of pocket. Here are the three I looked into:

Medtronic Guardian: 
http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/products/guardian-connect-continuous-glucose-monitoring-system

Dexcom G6:
https://www.dexcom.com/g6-cgm-system

Freestyle Libre:
https://www.freestylelibre.us/system-overview/about-system-overview.html

More to follow.