1、Continuous Glucose Monitor ComparisonsDexcom Seven + Medtronic RT Freestyle NavigatorLike insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems all have certain basic properties in common (see below). But each also has unique features that make them better choices for certain individuals (see r
2、everse). Features common to all CGM systems: System includes a receiver/display, transmitter, and subcutaneous sensor. Wireless system; radio signals utilized. Waterproof sensors/transmitters (receiver/display not waterproof). Require periodic calibration with fingerstick blood glucose readings. Cus
3、tomizable alarms for high/low glucose values. Multiple on-screen trend graphs. Arrows indicate rate sensor life varies from person to person. Warmup period at beginning of sensor session. Some lag time between blood glucose (fingerstick) and subcutaneous glucose (sensor) values. Insurance coverage v
4、aries from plan to plan. Minimal skin irritation, even with prolonged sensor life.Dexcom Seven + Medtronic RT Freestyle NavigatorPROS Compact sensor/transmitter with excellent skin adhesion Virtually no skin irritation Lowest system start-up cost ( $800) Lowest per-day sensor cost ( $5/day) Reasonab
5、le accuracy (+/- 15%) Free 1-time replacement of system components (within 1-yr warranty) Avg. sensor life 12-14 days Flexible calibration times Very loud alarm (vibrates prior to alarm) Large, well-lit screen Does not require separate monitor (if using compatible insulin pump) Compact sensor/transm
6、itter FDA-approved for children Re-usable sensor insertion device Data downloadable to online program; detailed analysis shortest data lag time Detailed on-screen analysis w/stats Many trend graphs w/ scroll-back feature Separate target BG and alarm ranges Meter built into display/receiver Highly cu
7、stomizable high/low alerts and predictive alerts Greatest transmitter signal range Nothing to charge; all disposable batteries Fewest calibrations required (4 per 5 days) Avg. sensor life 7-10 days Simplest sensor insertion processCONS Must charge receiver every 3-5 days Limited options for high/low
8、 alarms Data spikes w/acetaminophen On-screen data update every 5 minutes Cannot scroll back in time to specific data points Download to PC is time-consuming; low quality graphics Very loud alarm Sensor insertion requires some practice No data collection when out of transmitter range Poorest overall
9、 accuracy (+/- 19%) Avg. sensor life 4-6 days Sensor/transmitter requires tape covering Alarms may go unnoticed Transmitter requires charging at least every 6 days Stops showing data if calibration missed Relatively small screen Requires sensor change/restart every 3 days On-screen data update every
10、 5 minutes Requires 2-3 calibrations per day Should not use “Link” meter with pump when sensor is in use Effective sensor insertion is highly technique-dependent May only calibrate when BG stable extra tape often needed Perpendicular sensor may cause irritation in lean individuals 10-Hour warm-up pe
11、riod with each sensor startup. Repeated alarms with high & low glucose levels may be a nuisance. On-screen text difficult to read without backlight Must go through several menus to get to trend graphs Highest start-up cost ( $1200) and per-day sensor cost ( $9/day) Calibration times require scheduling Must use Freestyle strips for calibrating May only calibrate when BG stable & within specified range copyright 2009, Gary Scheiner MS, CDE, Integrated Diabetes Services (877) 735-3648
