Diabetes pump sensor?!
Question: Diabetes pump sensor!?
ok so im a diabetic and all!.!.!.!. so i have a medtronic insulin pump and i was just wondering about the censor!. i know its good and all but its expensive!. i also heard that some of the bg numbers are inaccurate!. so if any 1 has it can you please tell me a little about it (personally i want it)!. i don't think its called a censor!.!.!.!. i think its called a cathodor but what ever its called!.!.!.!.!. i just want to know a little more about it!.!.!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
I assume that you mean continuous glucose monitoring!? Medtronic is the only pump company where the CGMS can sync with the pump!. You will have to test alot still, CGMS will help you see trends and know when your sugar is going up or down so you can do finger stick to verify the number!. CGMS are very useful to tighten your control but you will still be testing regularly and it is expensive!. Here is some more info, if you want to talk to someone on it, join the listserve for insulin pumpers (be able to email other pumpers to ask questions):
http://www!.insulin-pumpers!.org/mailjoin!.!.!.!.
From WebMD:
A continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) is an FDA-approved device that records blood sugar levels throughout the day and night!. There are a number of technologies that are being tested but the only approved device -- Medtronic's MiniMed device -- can provide up to 288 glucose measurements every 24 hours!. The system is used to measure an average blood sugar for up to 3 days, while the person with diabetes continues daily activities at home!.
How Does the Device Work for Diabetes!?
First, a tiny glucose-sensing device called a "sensor" is inserted just under the skin of your abdomen!. The insertion is quick, and is usually not painful!. It's very similar to insertion of an insulin pump catheter!. Tape is used to hold it in place!.
The sensor measures the level of glucose in the tissue every 10 seconds and sends the information via a wire to a pager-sized device called a "monitor" that you attach to a belt or the waistline of your pants!. The system automatically records an average glucose value every 5 minutes for up to 72 hours!.
Results of at least four finger stick blood sugar readings taken with a standard glucose meter and taken at different times each day are entered into the monitor for calibration!. Any insulin taken, exercise engaged in, and meals or snacks consumed are both entered into a paper-based "diary" and recorded into the monitor (by pushing a button to mark the time of the meals, medication, exercise, and other special event you wish to record)!.
After 3 days, the sensor is removed at the doctor's office and the information stored in the CGMS is downloaded into a computer!. You and your doctor or diabetes health care team can then review your blood sugar levels in relation to the other data collected and make any necessary adjustments in your diabetes management plan!. The information will be presented as graphs or charts that can help reveal patterns of glucose fluctuations!.
When Is the Continuous Glucose Monitor Used!?
The continuous glucose monitor is not intended for day-to-day monitoring or long-term self-care and it is not a replacement for standard blood sugar monitoring!. It is only intended for use to discover trends in glucose levels!. This helps your health care team make the most appropriate decisions regarding your treatment plan!.
The main advantage of continuous glucose monitoring is that it can help identify fluctuations and trends that would otherwise go unnoticed with standard HbA1c tests and intermittent finger stick measurements!.
For example, the device can capture dangerously low overnight blood sugar levels which often go undetected, reveal high blood sugar levels between meals, show early morning spikes in blood sugar, evaluate how diet and exercise affect blood sugars, or provide up to a 72-hour complete review of the effects of changes made to your therapy by your health care team!.
Your doctor can prescribe the procedure as often as he or she believes it necessary to properly evaluate your blood sugar patterns!. Continuous monitoring is reimbursed by Medicare and covered by many private insurance plans (check with your individual carrier)!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
http://www!.insulin-pumpers!.org/mailjoin!.!.!.!.
From WebMD:
A continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) is an FDA-approved device that records blood sugar levels throughout the day and night!. There are a number of technologies that are being tested but the only approved device -- Medtronic's MiniMed device -- can provide up to 288 glucose measurements every 24 hours!. The system is used to measure an average blood sugar for up to 3 days, while the person with diabetes continues daily activities at home!.
How Does the Device Work for Diabetes!?
First, a tiny glucose-sensing device called a "sensor" is inserted just under the skin of your abdomen!. The insertion is quick, and is usually not painful!. It's very similar to insertion of an insulin pump catheter!. Tape is used to hold it in place!.
The sensor measures the level of glucose in the tissue every 10 seconds and sends the information via a wire to a pager-sized device called a "monitor" that you attach to a belt or the waistline of your pants!. The system automatically records an average glucose value every 5 minutes for up to 72 hours!.
Results of at least four finger stick blood sugar readings taken with a standard glucose meter and taken at different times each day are entered into the monitor for calibration!. Any insulin taken, exercise engaged in, and meals or snacks consumed are both entered into a paper-based "diary" and recorded into the monitor (by pushing a button to mark the time of the meals, medication, exercise, and other special event you wish to record)!.
After 3 days, the sensor is removed at the doctor's office and the information stored in the CGMS is downloaded into a computer!. You and your doctor or diabetes health care team can then review your blood sugar levels in relation to the other data collected and make any necessary adjustments in your diabetes management plan!. The information will be presented as graphs or charts that can help reveal patterns of glucose fluctuations!.
When Is the Continuous Glucose Monitor Used!?
The continuous glucose monitor is not intended for day-to-day monitoring or long-term self-care and it is not a replacement for standard blood sugar monitoring!. It is only intended for use to discover trends in glucose levels!. This helps your health care team make the most appropriate decisions regarding your treatment plan!.
The main advantage of continuous glucose monitoring is that it can help identify fluctuations and trends that would otherwise go unnoticed with standard HbA1c tests and intermittent finger stick measurements!.
For example, the device can capture dangerously low overnight blood sugar levels which often go undetected, reveal high blood sugar levels between meals, show early morning spikes in blood sugar, evaluate how diet and exercise affect blood sugars, or provide up to a 72-hour complete review of the effects of changes made to your therapy by your health care team!.
Your doctor can prescribe the procedure as often as he or she believes it necessary to properly evaluate your blood sugar patterns!. Continuous monitoring is reimbursed by Medicare and covered by many private insurance plans (check with your individual carrier)!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
I want one of those too!! I have the pump that it goes to but unfortunately the sensor and supplies are not covered 'yet' by my insurance!. You will still have to test your blood with a finger prick to make sure the sensor is working properly!. But, the great thing about it is you set perimeters of where you always want your bs to be!. If your bs goes under or over those the sensor will beep your pump so you can handle the highs and lows as soon as they start!. The only drawback I see to this new device is: it's another thing to have to insert into your body and you have to change it every few days just like your pump inserts!. I am a girl and have trouble finding places to put my pump :} Minimed will send you all the info on this new pump and sensor just call them with the number off the back of your pump!.Www@Answer-Health@Com