Dexcom Seven Plus: First Impressions.
So far, so good.
Last night, I installed my first Dexcom Seven Plus sensor. "First" might be a bit of a misnomer, because the sensors that actually go into my body are still the same as the ones I used previous. I have a new transmitter (the little plastic part that clips into the sensor housing) and a new receiver (the external device), which are the pieces that have been upgraded.
Dexcom has a good overview of the new system and its features, including a video that walks you through the upgrades. They can give you all the technical jargony stuff. :)
For me, I've put this new sensor on my left thigh and after the initial pinch, I was good to go. The hardware on the Seven Plus works almost exactly like the old system, with a two hour calibration period, same sensor insertion devices, and the same general gist. What's new is the software inside the receiver.
When I tried out the Minimed system last year, I liked the fact that the MiniLink had rate of change arrows on the CGM. So when I looked at my pump, I could see my blood sugar graph and could also see if I was plummeting or rising quickly. I was sorry that Dexcom didn't have this option before - but now they do. The new Seven Plus has those rate of change arrows, and you can also set an alarm to BEEEEEEEEEP (if you want) when you're rising or falling too quickly.
And regarding BEEEEEEEP!s, there are more beeping options on this thing, too. You can set an alarm for a high, low, rise rate, fall rate, and sensor out of range (i.e. when the cat takes off with it in the middle of the night and you don't realize it until you wake up without it). There are snooze alarms for the high and low levels, so I have mine set to BEEEEEEEP! at a low and then give me 30 minutes to correct and climb, instead of beeping its head off every five minutes for hours. (Nice.)
Another feature that's been added is the ability to add "events," like exercise, food, insulin doses, and health info - much like the One Touch Ultra meters. I've been consistent so far with entering this info (read: it's only been 12 hours with this thing attached, so I'm in a bit of "new device euphoria" and I have no clue if I'll stick with being so tuned in), and if I can keep up, it will make the records from the Dex pretty comprehensive.
The software is pretty good this round, able to download information from past sensors, instead of just the most previous one. I took some screenshots of the software and gave my notes on Flickr, because honestly, I'm not terribly techy and writing on and on and on and on ... zzzzzzz ... and on about software upgrades could make me yawn my face off. Overall, the software is good and tracks what I need it to track and if I was able to make my patient profile avatar into a picture of Siah's head, I would. You know it.
Overall, I like the upgrades. And the upgrade is universally available to all Dexcom users (EDIT: It's available immediately to all new customers. Existing ones can get it in May. I'm not sure why that is, but if anyone from Dexcom is reading and wants to leave a comment, please do!), but I don't know the details of insurance coverage and cost. I am glad that Dexcom is willing to push out new options as they become available, instead of waiting for a full device overhaul. I'm hopeful that the next round of developments will help reduce the size of the sensor and the receiver.
I'll let you know next week how a few days worth of experience with this system feels, but in the meantime, feel free to check out my Flickr photos of the Dexcom Seven Plus. If you have questions, I'll do my best to help. (Keep in mind: I'm slightly clueless.)
Now I'm heading to work in this snow squall (WTF?) - what is that about? I thought today was supposed to be the first day of spring?? More later!
Comments
Thanks for the review, Kerri! I called this morning and they told me the same thing. Luckily, I'll be eligible for the upgrade since it will be within a year, but I'm sort of disappointed that my transmitter died on Monday and instead of offering me the upgrade now, they're sending me the old transmitter and told me wait until May. If you hear from Dexcom about that, (especially for people who are paying out of pocket for the upgrade) let us know! :) Allison
Posted by: Allison | March 20, 2009 12:07 PM
Hi Kerri,
Thanks for all the flicker photos. There are so many things I'm excited about! The new color for the transmitter, yeah! I hate the current one because it's black and so obvious when worn on the arm with short sleeves. (My husband says it looks like a giant cockroach on my arm) So I only wear it on my arm during the long sleeves weather. So many other great features in the new software. The directional arrows. I can't wait to get the upgrade! I hope it happens soon because mine will be out of warranty the end of May.
Thanks for sharing your newest gadget with us :-)
Posted by: Shirley | March 20, 2009 12:42 PM
Thank you so much for sharing the new seven plus with us Kerri .. in such detail too. It sounds like they made some great changes and I am looking forward to getting mine!
Posted by: Stacey | March 20, 2009 01:50 PM
Thanks for the details! Glad you're liking the new Dexcom!
Posted by: Hannah | March 20, 2009 02:35 PM
Thanks for the information Kerri. All I can do now is dream and hope that one day soon my 15 year old will want to wear a Dexcom. His aunt wears one and loves it. But for now he shows no interest! Drat!
Posted by: Tonyia | March 21, 2009 09:36 AM
I just looked at all the pictures in the Flickr set. Looks like some great information was added in that upgrade!
Posted by: Sara | March 22, 2009 03:51 PM
Hi Kerri: the reason the upgrade isn't starting until later this spring is that the new version of our Data Manager software (DM3) is currently being reviewed by the FDA. DM plays a big role in the upgrade process = To upgrade, you will receive an authorization code and new Transmitter in the upgrade kit. The Auth. code will be entered into DM and will upgrade the software on the Receiver. So you will have a new receiver as well - no interruption in CGMing.
Glad you're liking the SEVEN PLUS!
Posted by: Deb | March 24, 2009 07:32 PM
Have you had the opportunity to try the Freestyle Navigator? I have Cozmo pump and understand that Abbott is working with Smith Medical as Dexcom is working with Animas. I am just looking onto getting a CGM and was trying to compare the two. If each is working on creating a closed loop with the pump manufacturer I may be leaning towards the Navigator as my pump is new.
Posted by: Jim Hogan | March 25, 2009 09:29 AM
Thanks for all the great info in the CGMs. I have been using a Dexcom for about six months and find it to be accurate for the most part. I just started using a minimed pump and like the idea of having the "all in one" CGM /pump.
The Dexcom upgrade sounds tempting - I can upgrade for $200 - but for another 400 I can get the Minimed transmitter. Not sure what to do - I read previous cons for minimed (2008) posts -was wondering if anyone has more information. Has it improved?
Keep us posted regarding the new transmitter and software for the Dexcom-- I like the trend arrows. Is the new transmitter more accurate?
Posted by: Andy G | April 5, 2009 01:33 PM
Kerri
I posted a (longish) video of the Dexcom Seven Plus in action. I like the improvements they've made, and I'm trying to get the paperwork completed right now.
Posted by: Bernard Farrell | April 17, 2009 08:30 AM
The fact that they are selling the upgrade for $200 to newer users and forcing those of us who adopted early and have been paying for sensors the whole time $800 to upgrade is totally infuriating.
DexCom, this is VERY poor customer service for people who have been supporting you from the very beginning (I have used the system continuously since June 2006 when it first became available), and some of us are going to look for other options.
Posted by: JimAtLaw | June 2, 2009 04:51 PM
The article is usefull for me. I�ll be coming back to your blog.
Posted by: Kelly Brown | June 12, 2009 04:14 PM
Any updates on how you like the Dexcom? Has it allowed you improved control?
Posted by: Laurie | June 21, 2009 03:57 PM
Can i ask you a question...are you all from the states? I have had type 1 diabetes since I was 2 years old and have never been offered anything you've mentioned above. Kind of sucks, i guess it's because i'm living in the Uk??
Posted by: Katie | August 9, 2009 09:03 PM
Hello Carrie, I am starting the Dex 7 very soon, maybe before Christmas. My insurance is covering everything! YEAH!!!
I appreciate your review and info very much.
Posted by: Richard Vaughn | December 4, 2009 06:34 PM
I have had my DexCom for almost a week. Wondered how often you all get the ??? on your system? I seem to get mine almost every day and don't think this is right.
Posted by: Karen | August 17, 2010 10:05 AM