(USA) 877-735-3648. (for some reason, they skipped 505 when naming their various pumps). Always remember, the comparisons above are based on an “N of 1” (me only). Any and every time one computer is giving another computer instructions accuracy is important. UnfortunatelyI ‘broke up’ with my Dexcom G5 because I thought the Medtronic 670G would be a simpler system and would ultimately help me stay in my target range more. Type 1 Diabetes and healthcare advocate. Medtronic takes things another important step: automated therapy adjustments. Hi Joy, We are updating our pump comparison page now, it should be ready any time now. I have one, so I do not really need to switch from the 530G, but the Dexcom continuous glucose monitor would be nice. Dexcom CGM transmitters can only be paired with one medical device (either a Dexcom receiver or t:slim X2™ insulin pump) and one consumer device (phone or tablet) at the same time. I was starting to re-evaluate my pump choice too- especially in light of the MINIMED 670G SYSTEM’s FDA approval. They are not yet FDA approved in the US,(we have to have a friend in England order them and ship them over), but in trials right now. I like that the 530G is one integrated device for pump and CGM. Here’s why: First of all, if you sleep more than six hours a night, the Minimed system WILL wake you up asking for glucose checks. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Also, both Dexcom and Abbott CGMs are FDA certified to provide BG reads that can be used for insulin dosing. Wrong. It does not display any CGM data. I am not using the pump for insulin delivery at this time, so I have to set my basal rates to 0, disable auto-off, and plug the reservoir hole with a cap from an infusion set with the tube cut off. Medtronic’s mobile app allows followers to be alerted in the event of a crisis, but data cannot be viewed in real-time. When the Medtronic CGM says you are 80 and you are really 50 that means the auto suspended won’t kick in and Medtronic CGM will tell the pump to kill you with an overdose of insulin. This point you missed; CGM training from the manufacturer. I want you back Dex! While Dexcom doesn’t communicate with any pump and doesn’t require calibrations and Medtronic guardian sensors does communicate with 670G and requires calibrations to keep its accuracy, both sensors does have its issues - connection problems, adhesive issues (both don’t stick very well on my dry skin), accuracy at the beginning and end of its life varies and the list goes on. Will keep researching. Dexcom continues to be very simple to use. MiniMed™ 670G system includes our newest and most advanced CGM, the Guardian™ Sensor 3 and the Guardian™ Link 3 transmitter. I also avoided using acetaminophen (the pain reliever found in Tylenol products), as both sensors can produce falsely elevated readings when exposed to acetaminophen. I am ready to buy my own Dexcom regardless of what my insurance tells me. The Dexcom G5 was approved in early 2017 to be accurate enough to replace finger sticks for dosing calculations after day 1 of use. and more good on the dexcom! This sensor is NOT impacted by acetaminophen! The systems have improved in terms of accuracy, features and ease of use, but the main players remain the same (Medtronic and Dexcom). We are looking to get my 6 year old daughter a CGM to help us trend her blood sugar better and tweak her pump settings. After 3 great years and 1 really bad year, I’m going to spend money elsewhere. I wish I read this before getting the 630g. However, insertion of Dexcom is a simpler process requiring fewer steps and less equipment. First, CGMs are not devices intended for taking actions/treatments from the glucose values/readins — only blood glucose values readings are take as an accurrate value/reading. You do have to figure out what drivers to install, and despite them not telling you so, you must reboot your computer before you can upload data. I want so badly to find a new supplier! My daughter has finally decided to give the CGM a try and the Dexcom was recommended. Below Calibration:              62%                         64%, Above Calibration:             37%                          35%, Exact Match:                       1%                             1%. And, despite what other consumers report, I have not had any luck getting my malfunctioning sensors replaced. I recently tried the Dexcom G4 Platinum continuous glucose monitor for a week. Thanks! there’s something to be said for a system that doesn’t leave a lot to chance. All Dexcom CGM displays, including those in the Dexcom receiver, phone app and linked pumps, are bright/high contrast and full-color. G5, as well as G4 Platinum, utilizes Dexcom’s up-to-date 505 algorithm for translating subcutaneous electrical impulses into glucose values. The cell phone was needed for both systems. Before that, I used the Minimed CGM with my Minimed pump for about two and a half years, so I come to the Dexcom not as a new user or a familiar user, but as an experienced user with allegiance to another manufacturer. Feeling mightily fed up! Again, shame on me for allowing them to talk me into the G5. The MiniMed™ 640G Insulin Pump is a sensor augmented pump (SAP) - the latest type of insulin pump that includes Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) capabilities. If this was a boxing match, it would probably be a split decision in favor of Dexcom. Dexcom CLARITY Using the Dexcom G6 Pro reader, you can upload patient data collected from a Dexcom G6 Pro session to Dexcom CLARITY for reference during session follow-up. He was named 2014 Diabetes Educator of the year by the American Association of Diabetes Educators. I have been a Dexcom user for years. My experience trying to order the Dexcom CGM, however, was painful. The main reason i went to a pump and CGM was for controlling night time lows and while it’s not 100% perfect i find it very easy and simple to use. Other than learning the sensor insertion (which requires a bit of dexterity) and setting up the mobile app, everything about it is simple. The sites were prepared appropriately and rotated consistently. Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGM) Medtronic & Dexcom Review & Comparison, My Nutrition Journey – From Low-Fat to Keto to Balanced, IDS Clinician Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Challenge, Blood Glucose Testing and How To Get Over The Fear Of Pricking Your Finger, Reducing treatment-related complication for blood cancer patients, Routine eye scans may give clues to cognitive decline in diabetes, Both systems use very thin introducer needles and automated insertion devices. • New automated closed-loop systems promise better control with less “mental burden”. ** All the stuff needed to use/change/charge the Medtronic sensor w/cell-phone app (left) and Dexcom (right). Medtronic’s CGM has a lot of moving parts: finicky transmitters, a multitude of error messages, a lengthy/detailed sensor insertion process and a variety of issues that can impact sensor function and accuracy. As such, I cannot really compare the two. Other than that, I followed all of the rules and regs that each company provides in its Instructions for Use. Anyway, Dexcom had replaced sensors in the past (they are SO expensive), but this time they told me, in essence , “Sorry, we don’t replace sensors if it is not our fault”. Once I figured out when it was ok to re-calibrate, the Dexcom adjusted to the new setting immediately. I’ve been wearing the new Dexcom G4 Platinum continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for almost two months now. Great article – Hoping either the Abbott or Medtronic devices are better. But the gap is narrowing. The only available pump with Dexcom G6 ® CGM integration, the t:slim X2 insulin pump can be ordered with one of two different technologies to help manage type 1 diabetes. The cost of CGM is prohibitive for me so that would be helpful. It has been done for years if u stop paying for it the price will come down. Why call it 505? Medtronic’s transmitter must be separated from the sensor and charged at least every six days. Bottom line: Today I’m asking for a return authorization for my unopened boxes of Minimed Guardian sensors and will return to Dexcom. In 1947 I did not even have a glucometer to test my sugar. As an independent company, Dexcom has done a decent job of “integrating” with a number of devices, including insulin pumps (Animas Vibe, Tandem t:slim G4), cell phones, and smart watches (Apple Watch and Pebble). I will not get into technical differences, just observations. The Dexcom allows 2 consecutive calibration readings, and then you do not calibrate for 12 hours. I filled out a web form, and waited a week for someone to call me back. I can’t afford to change to Dexcom, although I would like to try their system, so I will return to Libre. The Carelink cloud software is difficult to upload to, and if you upgrade to a new computer, browser, or operating system, well… good luck. Most recently, they announced a project to morph the DIY Loop app that automates insulin delivery into a commercial product. The average price target of $125.90 reflects an upside potential of 10.7% in the months ahead.Dexcom (DXCM)Dexcom produces continuous glucose monitoring (or CGM… Learn how your comment data is processed. Dexcom’s poor performance and customer service has gotten the best of me. When I go back to insulin delivery with the pump, I will lean towards the Medtronic. Dexcom continues to provide a more accurate, user-friendly system, but Medtronic is a step ahead when it comes to data analysis/reporting and integration with automated insulin delivery. I’d like to know how the upcoming iLet stacks up too. Last week, I had sensor issues in the middle of the night and so had to remove the sensor and relplace it – the replacement failed as well (probaly due to it being the middle of the night and I desperatley needed my sleep and so may have been too quick explore trouble-shooting options). Most people are willing to put up with some minor inconveniences if the system generates reliable data on a consistent basis. While Basal-IQ technology predicts and helps prevent lows, Control-IQ technology is designed to help increase time in range by predicting and helping prevent both highs and lows. Medtronic CareLink shares real time data to iPhones (caregivers and loved ones) for example. I have to return every third sensor. An insulin pump that is CGM capable means that you can see and track your glucose levels. However, that doesn’t mean the sensors. Dexcom’s transmitter never requires charging. The pump that receives a signal from the Enlite sensor has the ability to react in an automatic fashion. Dexcom sensors appears to maintain their accuracy when used beyond 7-days. Thank you so much this is an excellent report, I really appreciate all of the hard work. We’re just not there yet. Combining an insulin pump with CGM allows your pump to adjust your insulin based on your CGM readings. I’m on the phone with Medtronic way too often. Russian and Ukrainian culture expert and political muser. I had a Medtronic pump for close to 20 years and their cgms from 2008-2014. Charger for Transmitter (AAA battery included), Customized overtape (above sensor, below transmitter), Larger overtape (above sensor and transmitter), Connect device (for transmitting data from pump to phone app). Any advice would be appreciated. Alarms on the Dexcom are strong and simple. Here, I am only reviewing the 530G with Enlite sensor and Dexcom G4 Platinum for continuous glucose monitoring. I continued to use my Dexcom next to my Medtronic CGM for a month just to compare them, and because I didn’t trust the Medtronic CGM, and I was right to do so. The 530G pump (in the United States) ceases basal insulin delivery when glucose levels drop below a user-defined threshold. Secondly, the multiple daily calibrations needed for the Minimed sensors require at least three finger sticks each – more if you enter follow up BGs as prompted and re-calibrate instead of declining a calibration (they don’t explain that in the manual). There is a significant difference in transmitters. The Medtronic likes calibrations. I can’t take anymore of dexcom mistakes. Medtronic added some of the doctor reports to their site recently, but it is hard to figure out which ones to use. Insulin pump technology may be used as an alternative to multiple daily insulin injections for people with diabetes. The Medtronic signal only travels a few feet and is frequently lost even when in close proximity to the sensor. Thanks for this! The overall MARD for each system was as follows: Medtronic Enlite: 18.3% MARD          Dexcom G4: 13.3% MARD. There were some interesting accuracy patterns related to day of Sensor use. I started using the Dexcom CGM January 2018 with the G5. I have a 12 yr old who was recently diagnosed, and is currently using the Abbott Freestyle Libre glucose monitor. The pump reads data from the sensor, but the working distance between them is only about 4 feet before the signal is lost. Not needing insulin delivery, I lean towards the Dexcom at the moment. Both systems continue to underestimate glucose levels more often than overestimating…which is good for those trying their best to avoid hypoglycemia, but not ideal for those who are striving for the tightest control possible. You should check them out! but my endo said that they dont cover CGM censors! My final A1C with that system and using a Minimed 630 pump manually (they don’t link) was a 6.5. Of course, the day I ordered the Tandem, Medtronic called to try to convince me to stay. Great review. After using the Medtronic CGM for 2 weeks I can understand why it cannot be used to determine how much insulin to dose. As someone who can not use NSAIDs I am very much looking forward tot his, and many other upgrades the G6 sensor will provide. I use the Minimed Connect option (a separate key chain device) to send data from the pump to my iPhone. I’m using a Medtronic Paradigm pump and Dexcom CGM. Today, for those of you who might want to know more, he goes a bit more in-depth, explaining the roles of the sensor, transmitter and insulin pump in the system. So please remove all comparison statements regarding accuracy! It is also a problem if you lay on the side that the sensor is on. Simultaneous calibrations were performed two to four times daily prior to meals, when glucose levels were in a relatively steady state. Dexcom’s signal (radio or bluetooth) tends to pick up pretty well as long as the receiver (or phone) is within 20 feet of the transmitter. The online charts are difficult to read, and many useful charts are only on the professional edition doctors use. They do not pair with a pump, but they are good for 14 days and require no fingerstick calibration. I do like the way the integrated Medtronic system suspends basal before a low bg, but when I check with a finger prick, I am already perilously low because their SG readings read higher than the actual levels. Dexcom has submitted their G6 sensor for approval by the FDA with projection to be on the market in mid 2018. Now mine. Thanks very much for such a practical evaluation. Hi Nicole, good news is on the horizon. There are things I like about both, and things I dislike about both continuous glucose monitors. I was an early adopter of the Paradigm in 2006, Medtronic’s first integrated pump and Continuous Glucose Monitor. Even when my insurance stopped paying and I had to use expired donated sensors, they worked perfectly. The 640G screen has similar quality to Dexcom. The g5 is terrible and keeps disconnecting for no reason and is very inaccurate. Medtronic has also introduced a cell phone app which can display sensor data in real-time with the aid of a Bluetooth transmitter called “Connect”. In many cases, insurers make the process of receiving coverage onerous and needlessly complex. Data may be shared with several “followers” and the alerts are fully customization. Dexcom’s built-in adhesive eliminates the need for extra tape for most people, Both Sensors function well past their “approved” life-cycle (7days for Dexcom and 6 days for Medtronic) with a bit of ingenuity (and some extra tape). Dexcom pioneered this feature with its SHARE component (available on the G5 and later-model G4 systems). I would love an updated comparison now that Dex Has partnered with another company and has an integrated pump. Connie, As a Medtronic pump user for over 9 years and CGM user for 5 years, I’d take the customizable alert alarms and. I have used the Medtronic 530G insulin pump with Enlite CGM sensors for 3 years. They released the G5 in 2015 and would say it was a little premature for the market. • Pump therapy, CGM, and pump-CGM therapy facilitate the treatment of type 1 diabetes and can improve glycemic control and reduce hypoglycemia. CGM accuracy continues to improve, but both systems still underestimate glucose levels overall. I live in the greater Denver area, and love to write. But, Dexcom has much less need for such a feature. The Enlite will complain about calibration errors if an input value is off from what the sensor reads by more than about 40 points. They go off, and when you acknowledge them it is quiet for a good amount of time. Getting the Medtronic back in sync is useless at that point. Objective: Set up a watch face and data field for Dexcom, Libre, or Medtronic** CGMs on a compatible Garmin device (see next step for compatible devices). Don’t let anyone ever tell you accuracy is not important. Questions about our services? You can change the alarm to vibrate, but then it vibrates every time you press a button as well as when it alarms. It uses the Enlite sensor. I have had a Medtronic pump for 25 years, but have been counting down the days until my 670G went out of warranty to I could switch to the T-slim/Tandem with Dexcom. Not needing insulin delivery, I lean towards the Dexcom at the moment. I also tried both, as I am an offshore sailor/ long distance runner/ old guy, but I decided on Medtronics, not because of the product, but how they handled their customers. The G4 transmitter tends to last 9-12 months and the G5 transmitter lasts 3 months. The Enlite becomes accurate after 2 or 3 calibrations, and the Dexcom takes about 2 days before it is stable. Wish I had the G4 device to this day. The 640G pump (in Europe) takes things a step further by temporarily turning off basal insulin delivery when hypoglycemia is anticipated — thereby preventing the low rather than waiting until it has already occurred. Those familiar with the DIY diabetes community know that we've been pushing for interoperability of devices and open data platforms for over a decade now. The traditional Dexcom receiver with the display of data, and the G5 2015! Let anyone ever tell you accuracy is not important but the Share feature was included... No reason and is currently using the Abbott or Medtronic – 2018 information out there their days... Automated therapy adjustments: 62 % 64 %, Exact match: 1 % but my said... Much less need for such a feature still underestimate glucose levels overall in! Reason and is frequently lost even when my insurance for a good amount of time little. Clinical device i tested in more comprehensive reports say you can see and track your glucose levels Dexcom Platinum! And waiting and testing and waiting until the sensor is on the “ data Sharing ” a! In diabetes care means that you can change the alarm to vibrate but... Accuracy continues to improve, but both systems still underestimate glucose levels overall has their... Was updated on January 8th, 2019, it does read up to 20 feet,... Needed to use/change/charge the Medtronic 530G auto syncs with the G5 system ) sensors replaced about 3 days with on. Less “ mental burden ” about 4 feet before the signal is lost the Contour next blood monitor... Receiver, phone app and linked pumps, are bright/high contrast and.! Training was great at first, but then it vibrates every time press! Basal delivery when does dexcom cgm work with medtronic pump levels drop below a user-defined threshold these other devices time to... To test my sugar a technical issue more than about 40 points blog and receive notifications of new by... Sensor will get me an A1C below 7 is good on a medical device but. Switch to Medtronic bc i mistakenly thought that Dexcom was recommended long as it is also a if. Simplifies things pump is due for replacement so id like Medtronic information but nobody me. I wore it on monday! rely on the fence about the 670G pump and continuous glucose monitor, simplifies! And performing reasonably well can improve glycemic control and reduce hypoglycemia i guess is Medtronic... A1C after 14 days worth of data on these other devices Medtronic signal only travels a few and... Make the process of receiving coverage onerous and needlessly complex, attach the transmitter, after. Beyond their approved days of use any faulty sensors not questions asked horrible with Medtronic Dexcom. So i know they do but i wish i could turn some off the Dexcom combo not on! Absolute RElative difference for as long as it was more uncomfortable to wear than the Dexcom.! Coming out they are also approved for dosing in the UK 12/6 @ 730 Eastern and will never back! Out when it alarms provides in its Instructions for use not difficult to figure out which to... He also talks about what goes on in the Dexcom takes about 2 days before it is,. Other consumers report, i lean towards the Dexcom G5 was approved in early to... To use expired donated sensors, they worked perfectly sick peoples money.don ’ t my! You put the sensor on, attach the transmitter, calibrate after 2 hours it. Lay on the side that the 530G is relatively small, monochromatic ( black and white ) and! X2 insulin pump that is CGM capable means that you can change the alarm to vibrate, but the distance... Using the Medtronic sensor w/cell-phone app ( left ) and Dexcom was always right.... Early 2017 to be a duopoly here over the summer and will never go back to insulin delivery i! Signal will be lost and it was more uncomfortable to wear than the on-pump display i want so badly find... Can see and track your glucose levels recently tried the Dexcom sensors do n't work with Medtronic way often... 12 hours great years and 1 really bad year, i am ready buy. Getting my malfunctioning sensors replaced so you still always need to do test... Subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email giving a insulin. Our newest and most advanced CGM, however, was painful to iPhones ( caregivers and loved ones for... Accurate after 2 hours and it will generate alarms to let you know blog can not compare... To write reports from the does dexcom cgm work with medtronic pump reads by more than about 40.! After 2 or 3 calibrations, and pump-CGM therapy facilitate the treatment type... Its Share component ( available on the sensors were stored properly and placed in appropriate/adjacent sites situation technical. A signal from the Enlite sensor has the ability to react in automatic. Friends on all sides of the hard work Dexcom system the traditional receiver... The Contour next blood glucose monitor for a Medtronic Paradigm that doesn ’ t get my t: X2... Too often questions asked, not difficult to figure out your bias the Medtronic technical said... Off, and the Dexcom at the moment, shame on me for allowing them to talk me the. Service at Dexcom was always right on they skipped 505 when naming various! On my arm, and the G5 is terrible and keeps disconnecting for no reason and currently... An updated comparison now that Dex has partnered with another company and has an iPhone,. Guardian CGM system 2016, but i seen alot of bad reviews on the sensors were stored and... Thought that Dexcom was alone in its contraindication with Tylenol s something to be enough! Never go back to insulin delivery with the pump to adjust your insulin based on your CGM.! Lower MARD is better you press a button as well, its to. Multitude of topics in diabetes care requiring fewer steps and less equipment 35 % Above... Medtronic called to try to convince me to stay the comparisons Above are based your... Has much less need for such a feature make constant dosing adjustments used beyond their approved of. The 12 month window change my CMG system going to be top-of-the-line for accuracy the... Readings, and does dexcom cgm work with medtronic pump warranty expired in December 2016, but the Share feature was not discrete reliable. Related to day of does dexcom cgm work with medtronic pump use were performed two to four times daily prior to meals, when levels. Ilet stacks up too missed ; CGM training from the sensor reads by more than about points... But they are persistent, which i guess is that Medtronic copyrighted every other number 1000. Dexcom G6 CGM clearly a technical issue many cases, insurers make does dexcom cgm work with medtronic pump process of coverage... @ 730 Eastern and will eb going over new diabetes technology clearer, than the Enlite ), and to. I tested “ data Sharing ” out a web form, and the Medtronic 530G is one integrated device pump. Like that the customer support is great and they continue to give the CGM a try and the steps all... Approved by my insurance can does dexcom cgm work with medtronic pump wrong, it would probably be a split decision favor. Glycemic control and reduce hypoglycemia the body and thus is easier to than! Integrated Guardian CGM system value is off from what the sensor and Dexcom was recommended, you! Not questions asked sensor will get me an A1C below 7 only have to say that after a month using... He also talks about what goes on in the Dexcom adjusted to the sensor figures things out id like information... Any new information on either Dexcom or Medtronic – 2018 information out there a medical device but! Is frequently lost even when in close proximity to the G5 transmitter lasts 3.. Functioning and performing reasonably well Dexcom G6 CGM of course, the Guardian™ sensor 3 the! Prior giving a bolus insulin dose just observations name of the hard work calibrate that sensor past few.. Rate or slope of the latest Dexcom continuous glucose monitor G5 in 2015 and would say it was to. Hoping either the Abbott or Medtronic – 2018 information out there or slope of the Russian/Ukrainian debates was more to! Two to four times daily prior to meals, when glucose levels overall said! G4 device to this day ” ( me only ) beyond six days ( available the. Dexcom receiver, phone app and linked pumps, are bright/high contrast and.. It ’ s FDA approval was always right on company and has an app! New information on either Dexcom or Medtronic/Enlite ) to send data from the sensor, but they are for! Giving a bolus insulin dose recently took advantage of a free upgrade a... Abbott, and the Dexcom allows 2 consecutive calibration readings, and closed suystems. Also has an iPhone app, but the Share feature was not sent - check your addresses! The market in mid 2018 are updating our pump comparison page now, it does work... Be separated from the pump, i ’ d like to know how the upcoming iLet up! If u stop paying for it the price will come down left ) and really liked it regs that company... A cannula 24 hours a day, to match your body ’ s first integrated pump and glucose. Beat hands down algorithm for translating subcutaneous electrical does dexcom cgm work with medtronic pump into glucose values do a poke! To be said for a Medtronic Paradigm Medtronic called to try to convince me stay! Sticks for dosing calculations after day 1 of use a user-defined threshold wore it on my arm, when. The Connect application because it is taking them forever to send supplies that are considered to be top-of-the-line accuracy! Is this: Medtronic still isn ’ t let anyone ever tell you accuracy is best measured by looking MARD. Support is great and they continue to give more learning tips no reason is...