Can I try it, before I buy it?

My local diabetes education center provided me the contact information for my local Minimed sales representative. Understanding how expensive, and new the continuous glucose monitoring is, I'm very hesitant buying this thing before I can try it. Just like watching a TV at the store before you buy it, I want to wear the unit before committing to this huge expense. However time is off the essence, since Minimed's trade in offer expires by December 31st.

I called the sales representative she was very helpful with product information. She also is a diabetic and a user of the Paradigm Real Time pump. She loved it, and told me her A1C dropped an entire point in 3 months. During our conversation I expressed my desire to get my hands and actually wear the unit for 3 days. The sales representative needed to check with her boss before allowing this to happen.

Sorry to say, after getting back to me about a week later, Minimed would not allow me to try the unit for 3 days. Minimed felt that I would not be able to get an adequate experience trying this unit for such a short amount of time. They said it sometimes takes 6-7 sensors, to get totally comfortable with the unit and the readings. This I do not understand. I should be able to insert the sensor into my stomach, and obtain reading for 3 days. With them being so hesitant on me trying the unit, I get the feeling it's NOT that easy. I figure there is a huge learning curve. My only option appears that I would have to buy the unit, and try it for the 30 trial period.

Now, my dilemma continues...do I buy it, or wait until the costs come down. $350 a month for sensors is alot of money, but then again, how do you put a cost on better blood sugar control?

First Contact with Minimed

Since I'm an existing Minimed customer, they received my first call. My main goal was to find some basic information regarding this technology. After being transferred about 3 times, I finally landed with the correct department (I'll give you all a hint, when you are calling, as to speak to the "returns and customer service" department).
Here is what I found:

• Until December 31st, existing in warranty customers can upgrade to the kit for $999. This includes a refurbished paradigm real-time pump, 10 glucose sensors and the wireless transmitter.
• The wireless transmitter must be replaced every nine months. It contains a sealed battery for waterproof purposes. After nine months, you must get another one for approximately $900 more dollars.
• Every month, a new 10 pack of refurbished sensors cost $350. WOW, how can anyone afford this, unless they choose to not where it all the time.
• Each sensor only lasts 3 days
• Once you attach the sensor and the transmitter to your body, you can't take it off until you are ready to change to another sensor. You shower with it on.
• It does not control insulin dosages, just shows glucose trends.
• When first connect a new sensor to your body, the unit takes up to 3 hours to calibrate. This may or may not happen successfully. I will offer my own opinion on this after I try it!
  Overall, this package seems very expensive, but seems advantageous to me, since it integrates with the pump to display glucose.

You do not need a separate unit. You are able to return the pump and transmitter within 30 days for a refund. However, you will still be charged $350 for the sensors.

Currently there is a 3 month waiting list to even try this unit. I think I will try to call my local Minimed sales representative to see if I can try out a demo unit. Thats all for now!

As always, this information is what I gathered and you should verify all information with the company.

My journey begins today!
Today, I began my journey looking into the possibly the biggest breakthrough in diabetes in a long while...continuous glucose monitoring.

I've been an insulin pump user for over 7 years, and diagnosed with diabetes almost 14 years ago. Overall, I've been very pleased with my Minimed insulin pumps, but like most pumpers, have the occasional challenge of certain sites not absorbing as well as others. This challenge can bring some crazy high values, without much warning. I would still like to get a better understanding as to why this occurs, since I didn't seem to have that problem with injections.

As many of you may already know, I'm also the owner of www.dia-log.com (Your Free Online Diabetes Logbook).

However, with that said, you must constantly be checking blood sugars. The pump provides a lot of freedom, but this freedom can sometimes get you into trouble. Nothing is more frustrating, than realizing 2 hours after lunch that your sugars are out of range. Usually, I say ...If I only knew about this trend as it was happening, I could have reacted quicker. That is my exact reason for trying this new technology CGMS “Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. How many days have you gone through 10-12 test strips, trying to regain control of your sugars! I have, and boy it gets expensive as you look at your closet of dwindling supplies.

That is why I'm here today; I'm going to blog my experience from the beginning. Enjoy and please share with others.

I am not a doctor, not a nurse, just a diabetic that is looking to share this journey and gain better control of this wonderful disease.