This Year's ADA Expo! :D

Dewey · #1 (**permalink**) 02-15-2007, 11:11 AM

Wanted to give an update of the cool things I saw at this year's ADA Expo.

Some newer technology is on the horizon for insulin pumps and CGMS systems. Medtronics is coming out with a smaller sensor than their current one. It appears that the newer one will be more slim and less bulky than the one they now have. I'm not knocking the current sensor - it's fine, too...but the newer one will indeed be smaller (which is way cool!).

Smiths Medical folks told me that they are not doing the new colors for the 1800 models (for current users). This is good news if you have a cool Purple or Ice Blue pump that you want to keep. They will be implementing the upgrades soon, and will be providing new pumps to current users, in the same color they currently have.

I discussed the Micro-pump with Animas, but at the moment, they're really focusing on the CGMS system that they & Lifescan are working on. Just to give them a little of a plug....They have one of the most awesome eStores, as users can purchase supplies for almost any pump. It's literally one-stop shopping at the Animas eStore!

In the Kids' Zone, they had discussions on various CGMS systems, including Navigator & Dexcom. One of the nurses showed the sensors and units for each. I was surprised that the Dexcom's handheld unit was a little larger than I expected. She informed me that the next generation of Dexcom will allow for manual BG entry so that any meter (not just the One Touch Ultra) can be used to calibrate. Both the Navigator and Dexcom can be kept in pockets or inserted in a pager-like case.

The Navigator has a built-in Freestyle Flash meter for calibration. The user I spoke with said it has been very helpful for her daughter, as she's going through teen years and has experienced some fluctuations (she said it has helped in catching and preventing some highs/lows, so that's definitely good news).
I spoke with a rep. from Abbott who actually works with the Navigator side of things...The downside is that he/Abbott is still unable to divulge when units will be made available, or any other info....things are held up with the FDA, and we all know how much fun that wait can be.

I spoke with the Lifescan rep., and he explained that there are some exciting new things to come from both them and Animas. He also stated that the newer meters will all likely be shipping with the same lancing device that the Ultra Mini comes with. Definitely looking forward to cool new gadgets from them & everyone!

Stopped and chatted with the Exubera folks (inhaled insulin), and they explained that insurance is now covering their products. They also had an iPod giveaway, for anyone interested in signing up to win...

Which brings me to the last bit on the Expo....Freebies. Yes, there are a great deal of freebies at the Expo., which is wonderful...However, we got pi**ed at some folks, who literally SHOVED their way in to grab pens, gadgets, bags or whatever else was up for grabs....One lady Shoved Carwy out of the way as I was talking to the Apidra rep. just so she could grab a freakin' pen!! :****mate: I usually ASK before I take things, unless reps. come right out and hand me the stuff! Also, I talk to them about their products first, as that's what I'm there to learn about. To me, there's nothing more rude than people shoving others to take things....after all, these companies bring boxes of goodies to give away! Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with family members coming and getting pens and the like...or even freebies for those interested in learning about Diabetes....but SOME people come ONLY to snag all the goodies they can (and are rude to others in the process)! Ok, rant's over....sorry, but that just irked me...

If you can, I encourage you to go! You'll likely enjoy the Expo - speakers, exhibits and all the new info. can be experienced/obtained while there.

Injecto · #2 (**permalink**) 02-15-2007, 11:20 AM

Very cool read, and I'm very excited as to see what will come in the future, in particular on the CGMS systems...

BriOnH · #3 (**permalink**) 02-15-2007, 01:23 PM

Any word on getting a smaller calibration time for the CGMS's Dew? Once it gets to true 'plug and play' (or 5-10 minutes) I will be getting one.

JediSkipdogg · #4 (**permalink**) 02-15-2007, 01:51 PM

SOunds good Dew. Makes me want to get to an Expo even more. Now to just find the money, lol. Stupid Cincinnati doesn't want to have one.

Emm · #5 (**permalink**) 02-15-2007, 04:49 PM

I don't like the way the ADA does their thing, but I do like the sound of this. Wish we had stuff like that around here (maybe we do and I haven't heard about it??).

KritterMom · #6 (**permalink**) 02-15-2007, 05:28 PM

Thanks for taking me to the Expo with you! I feel like I was there!

Dewey · #7 (**permalink**) 02-15-2007, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KritterMom

Thanks for taking me to the Expo with you! I feel like I was there!

Awww shucks! Thanks, Kim! I'll be glad to share anytime I go to the Expo. or symposium(s).

poodlebone · #8 (**permalink**) 02-15-2007, 10:36 PM

I think I will check out the ADA Expo when it comes to NYC again, which I think won't be until the Fall. There will hopefully be even newer things than you've seen by that time!

Funnygrl · #9 (**permalink**) 02-15-2007, 10:39 PM

I'm rather annoyed I don't have the upgrade yet.

Dewey · #10 (**permalink**) 02-15-2007, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funnygrl

I'm rather annoyed I don't have the upgrade yet.

I don't have it yet either, Funny, but they said they should start getting them out to us very quickly (i.e. beginning of March, if memory serves). I know it's taking them a while, but I guess they're trying to get everything situated for users or something...

I totally understand how you feel, as I'm getting impatient with the whole Navigator thing.

Keezheekoni · #11 (**permalink**) 02-16-2007, 01:55 AM

I'm totally impatient and disappointed that the upgrade isn't out to us yet. I mean, seriously, don't you want to make your current customers happy? Ah well... My Cozmo rep is also disappointed...and he sells their product multiple times a day! New users are getting the 1800. What about those of us who don't want the new, ugly colors? He feels the same way. Ugh!

Incidentally, Dew, was your rep at your Expo? Mine knew that I'd be there, and for the people he knew were going to be there he brought us these really nice Cross pens.

While he was giving me mine, PJ's and Troy's, some guy came up and tried to swipe one right out of my rep's hand. He had to tell the guy that it was specifically for someone else and the guy was pissed! (The pens were in really nice boxes too.

)

Dewey · #12 (**permalink**) 02-16-2007, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rikki

I'm totally impatient and disappointed that the upgrade isn't out to us yet. I mean, seriously, don't you want to make your current customers happy? Ah well... My Cozmo rep is also disappointed...and he sells their product multiple times a day! New users are getting the 1800. What about those of us who don't want the new, ugly colors? He feels the same way. Ugh!

Incidentally, Dew, was your rep at your Expo? Mine knew that I'd be there, and for the people he knew were going to be there he brought us these really nice Cross pens.

While he was giving me mine, PJ's and Troy's, some guy came up and tried to swipe one right out of my rep's hand. He had to tell the guy that it was specifically for someone else and the guy was pissed! (The pens were in really nice boxes too.

)

My rep was saying that for current Cozmo users, they won't be getting new colors. Smiths will replace our current pumps with new ones of the same color (with updated software), so that we won't have to change. Also, while I want the newer pump, the thing I'm most 'impatient' about is the Navigator.....I've been hearing about that for some time now & am ready for it to be available to us. I think it has well proven usefulness & accuracy.

I can believe that somebody would try to come up and snag stuff....people can be relentless (more like ridiculous) when it comes to the Freebies.

kgm0612 · #13 (**permalink**) 02-16-2007, 06:26 AM

Dewey..........thanks for the info. It sounds to me that your Expo was/is a lot better than the one held in Boston.

I've attended the Expo three years in a row. The first year I thought it was great.......lots of reps and exhibits and a ton of free things....from meters to carb counting books. The second year, it was just okay. Last year..... awful! All the pump reps were there and a booth set up by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. Not many other vendors. Most freebies were pens. How many pens does one need? LOL

This year I'm skipping Boston's expo and going to the one in Hartford CT.......hoping that one is much better.

Karen

ladytaz · #14 (**permalink**) 02-16-2007, 08:03 AM

It's coming March 10th here, I'm gonna try to go! I'm REALLY interested in the freebies (not having insurance and all!) ... BUT I'm not a shovey rude type person! I'll wait my turn and ASK!

BlueSky · #15 (**permalink**) 02-16-2007, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emm

.... Wish we had stuff like that around here (maybe we do and I haven't heard about it??).

Emm,

The reason we don't have flash expo's and get lots of feebies here is that Pharmac negotiates directly with the drug companies on behalf of the whole country. Pharmac only funds what it considers to be best value products. Which is why there is virtually no drug company marketing activity in New Zealand. So we have to choose between only two BG meters, for example. And we don't get freebies ...