*Exciting new things on the horizon!!* [Archive]

Dewey

10-09-2006, 12:33 PM

Ok, as promised in Cin's (http://www.diabetesforums.com/chit-chat/12878-dewey-da-bombina.html) thread:

I will give some info. that I found at the Diabetes Symposium/Seminar that I attended Saturday. If your clinics & hospitals have them, I definitely encourage you to attend. You will learn a lot & can score a great deal of freebies from vendors. In fact, I got the latest copy of "Pumping Insulin" from the Deltec/Smiths Medical rep.!

So far, here's the scoop:

1. Animas is in the works with Lifescan to make a CGMS that gives output to the One Touch UltraSmart meter. The sensor will be able to be worn on upper or lower arm (or any other location as desired by the patient), and is shorter than other sensors. They are incorporating the micro-needle technology to make these sensors. I'm not exactly sure of a release date, but it won't be too far down the line. They also definitely plan to implement their Micro-Pump in Q4 of 07 (the end of next year). The new Micro Pump will allow users a variety of cartridges, from 200 to 1000 units, dependent upon daily insulin intake.

2. Abbott has been in talks about marketing their Navigator CGMS system. What does this mean to us? It means that it may become available to the public much much sooner than expected! :thumbsup: Don't get those checkbooks ready yet though, folks.....The costs may initially be steep. However, if you're a current Cozmore user, you'll likely get half off the original price! Not a Cozmore user?? Don't lose hope. They're finding ways to get insurance to cover, which may take a while, but we all know who's fault that is (Insurance's!)!

3. MiniMed has come out with cool new "skins" for their Paradigm series of pumps, including bright colors such as "crayola crayon," "Matrix" and neon pink, to name a few. If memory serves, the rep. I spoke with said that they'll likely become available either the end of October or the beginning of November. For right now, other than the cool skins, she said they were really focusing on the CGMS/TGMS Paradigm pumps.

4. Deltec/Smiths Medical will soon be offering upgrades to current pumps. This time, users will send in their original pump, after they receive a new one. The upgrade is free, but if users opt for a new color (i.e. trading in the ole' "Ice Blue" for a more neon "Apple Green," they can do so for a fee of approx. $100).

As I remember more info., I'll definitely pass it along!

spike

10-09-2006, 01:19 PM

Tony

10-09-2006, 01:26 PM

TGMS stands for,

Telemetered Glucose Monitoring System

Mich

10-09-2006, 02:38 PM

Wow! Thanks for the update, Dewey. Sounds really neat. I'm calling my CDE to see if there's a symposium in my area. Mich

Dewey

10-09-2006, 03:23 PM

Hmmm....let's see...which product do I most care about MM bringing to market; a funky & unnecessary "skin" for my already-cool translucent blue pump, OR a better CGMS...hmmm...what to choose?...what to choose?...I think I'll go with the CGMS.

Dewey, what is a TGMS?

Meanwhile, I'm still pinning my hopes on the Navigator...
Well, the thing is, that the MM gal didn't give any other info. aside from the colored skins & the fact that they're focusing on improving their current CGMS system. That was really all she said. Sometimes, I'm more up to date on what's going on than some of the reps. even are, LOL.

Cyborg

10-09-2006, 03:29 PM

Nice to hear what J&J is doing. That's where my money is, literally... :dancing:

spike

10-09-2006, 03:50 PM

Sometimes, I'm more up to date on what's going on than some of the reps. even are, LOL.

I've had the same feeling, from time to time... <g>

Cyborg

10-09-2006, 03:52 PM

The reps are only interesting in pushing their own company's products...

JediSkipdogg

10-09-2006, 04:14 PM

Well, the thing is, that the MM gal didn't give any other info. aside from the colored skins & the fact that they're focusing on improving their current CGMS system. That was really all she said. Sometimes, I'm more up to date on what's going on than some of the reps. even are, LOL.

Personally, I have no hopes in MM doing so. They've had a CGMS device created and usable since 1996. THat is 10 years ago. Three years after that they marketed it to doctors for 3 day use only. Then about 2-3 years after that they created a new sensor that was more accurate than the first, but not by much. Then today, in 2006, they release a product that studies have shown to have the least level of accuracy. Not to mention to make something waterproof they had to completely seal the package. I know about 20 other ways to make an item 100% waterproof without completely enclosing the device to make batteries replaceable. I just think MM needs to show some action or all these other companies are going to rock the market with accuracy and easy of use/replacement.

Nice to hear what J&J is doing. That's where my money is, literally... :dancing:

That's where my money is too. I see great plans in their future.

spike

10-09-2006, 04:55 PM

I know about 20 other ways to make an item 100% waterproof without completely enclosing the device to make batteries replaceable.

I've got a heart rate monitor made by the market leader--the batteries cannot be replaced because they chose to seal the unit at the factory. Thank you very much, Polar. I also have a bathroom scale that has a non-user-replaceable battery design. What are the mfgrs thinking? Don't answer that--I know precisely what they are thinking--they want us to buy new units, rather than keep the product going with a simple battery replacement. Grrrr...

JediSkipdogg

10-09-2006, 05:08 PM

I know precisely what they are thinking--they want us to buy new units, rather than keep the product going with a simple battery replacement. Grrrr...

That is probably 100% true. However, in the case of MM and Dexcom, I don't see why they would think that way. What is the number one reason you don't have a CGMS yet? Ok, number 2, since accuracy is #1. For me, it's the price. And I think that is how insurance companies are thinking too. If it wasn't going ot cost them $5000+ a year, I have a feeling the acceptance level would be alot faster. Add $5000 onto someone using a pump, and one can quite easily have $10000+ in medical expenses and that doesn't include insulin or test strips. I know for me my work pays about $600 a month, so $7200 a year on insurance. Well, if I had a CGMS, I'm a lose lose situation for insurance more than I am now. So I think anything for CGMS makers to lower cost burden on insurance would speed the process up. Ok, done ranting with you, lol.

spike

10-09-2006, 05:18 PM

Ok, done ranting with you, lol.

My reasons for sitting on the sidelines, in order:

1. Accuracy issues
2. Cost
3. More bulky paraphernalia to locate around my already high tech tummy--set, pump on right hip, cell phone on the left. How's a small person gonna handle all that, PLUS a bulky CGMS?? C'mon mfgrs--we need a watch-like device that doesn't irritate the skin like the ill-fated Glucowatch. (I understand there's a new model out, or coming out. Their first unit was so lame, they likely killed their chances for the next model to be taken seriously)

I'll buy one that's affordable if #1 & 3 are addressed to my satisfaction. I won't buy the Navigator if it's priced to high unless it were to be so frickin' accurate that my health would suffer were I too continue to do finger sticks. OTOH, the 10-hr start up time sorta precludes the Navigator being 100% my cup of tea.

Like I said moments ago, we need an accurate watch-like device that works! and covered by insurance. and is certified for therapeutic management. and is comfortable. and the sensors don't need all day to reach calibration nirvana. :)

BriOnH

10-09-2006, 05:29 PM

Great report! Thanks for sharing Dewey. You should work for pumping insulin magazine :).

Dewey

10-09-2006, 05:52 PM

Aww, shucks! Thanks, Brian! :)

Like I said moments ago, we need an accurate watch-like device that works! and covered by insurance. and is certified for therapeutic management. and is comfortable. and the sensors don't need all day to reach calibration nirvana.
The rep. from Animas was telling me that unlike the other sensors, their's would warm up almost instantly. That would be awesome! They're also trying to make the sensors & everything more affordable for end-users. I see some stiff competition in the near future between the Navigator & One Touch's CGMS!:captain:

JediSkipdogg

10-09-2006, 06:02 PM

The rep. from Animas was telling me that unlike the other sensors, their's would warm up almost instantly. That would be awesome! They're also trying to make the sensors & everything more affordable for end-users. I see some stiff competition in the near future between the Navigator & One Touch's CGMS!:captain:

I see stiff competition as well and I hope it's a good battle.

The one thing I don't understand why nobody has done is overlap CGMS sensors. If they need a 2 hour warmup, so be it, but why not allow you to insert the new sensor 2 hours before the old sensor "expires" and then you won't have any gaps in readings? To me that would take a little extra programming in the software.

Dewey

10-09-2006, 06:05 PM

Good point, but if One Touch's CGMS will only take minutes to warm up, then the need for overlapping wouldn't be there (at least, not for them). However, the other companies would still want to consider doing something like that...

On another note, the Abbott rep. also told me to keep an eye on their website...

koblenz

10-09-2006, 09:20 PM

Wow Dew, thanks.

Wait a minute... if you are just funnin us like Cam did with Patti Labelle, I am so gonna make you sit in the corner!

(but I hope your not...)

Dewey

10-09-2006, 09:42 PM

I swear to you, no funnin' here! I told them that there have been many of us waiting on the release of the Navigator, and she's the one who told me it was coming much sooner than we think. Now, if she's putting me on.....:secruity:

kgm0612

10-10-2006, 06:15 AM

Thanks for the information, Dewey. I've never heard of these seminars before....... how does one go about finding out if there's any in their area?

Karen

BriOnH

10-10-2006, 10:03 AM

Aww, shucks! Thanks, Brian! :)

The rep. from Animas was telling me that unlike the other sensors, their's would warm up almost instantly. That would be awesome! They're also trying to make the sensors & everything more affordable for end-users. I see some stiff competition in the near future between the Navigator & One Touch's CGMS!:captain:

This is awesome news. Nothing like good competition to get better products. I was all set to get a Dexcom but the 2 hour (I hear its the best out there right now) warm up time was a deal killer.

spike

10-10-2006, 10:09 AM

I was all set to get a Dexcom but the 2 hour (I hear its the best out there right now) warm up time was a deal killer.

Can I infer that you won't be interested in the Navigator, then?

BriOnH

10-10-2006, 10:14 AM

Can I infer that you won't be interested in the Navigator, then?

Probably not. They have a longer warm up time huh? I really like my freestyle flash (like I haven't said that enough) and was hoping the Navigator would be as top quality as it, but if it has a long warm up time it's a deal killer too.

spike

10-10-2006, 10:15 AM

Probably not. They have a longer warm up time huh? I really like my freestyle flash (like I haven't said that enough) and was hoping the Navigator would be as top quality as it, but if it has a long warm up time it's a deal killer too.

10 looooong hours.

BriOnH

10-10-2006, 11:29 AM

10 looooong hours.

My opinion of Abbot/Freestyle just went down. 10 hours is a pretty rediculous time to wait.

Funnygrl

10-10-2006, 11:38 AM

My opinion of Abbot/Freestyle just went down. 10 hours is a pretty rediculous time to wait.
Not if it results in an accurate CGMS, plus being able to wear the sensor for 5 days.

JediSkipdogg

10-10-2006, 01:27 PM

My opinion of Abbot/Freestyle just went down. 10 hours is a pretty rediculous time to wait.

Not to mention they are going for CGMS use correction. Which means it will be so accurate you can use it and not need a fingerstick to doublecheck before you actually make a correction.

BriOnH

10-10-2006, 01:51 PM

Not if it results in an accurate CGMS, plus being able to wear the sensor for 5 days.

So wouldn't that really be 4.5 days? hehe

Am I the only one who would wear this thing on an as needed basis or would everyone just be attached to it like they are their pumps?

Cyborg

10-10-2006, 01:57 PM

Pretty expensive to wear 24/7/365...

spike

10-10-2006, 01:57 PM

So wouldn't that really be 4.5 days? hehe

Am I the only one who would wear this thing on an as needed basis or would everyone just be attached to it like they are their pumps?

My "as-needed" basis would be 24/7. :)

JediSkipdogg

10-10-2006, 01:58 PM

Am I the only one who would wear this thing on an as needed basis or would everyone just be attached to it like they are their pumps?

Well, depends. I think to start off I'd wear it all the time. Then after about a month, I'd wear it whenever I felt something was off. Personally, I think a CGMS is another crutch for diabetes car. It's so one doesn't have to know anything about their disease. Wow, so you have your healthcare team program a correction factor in the pump, a correction to level, carb ratios. Now all you do is count carbs, no other skill needed. So then when all that fancy stuff fails, one goes to the hospital because they don't know how to give a shot, do basic math for a correction formula. GRRRRRRRRRR, so in the long run, it's just costing the same, except for us old dogs that know the 1970/80 treatment method.

spike

10-10-2006, 02:01 PM

Well, depends. I think to start off I'd wear it all the time. Then after about a month, I'd wear it whenever I felt something was off. Personally, I think a CGMS is another crutch for diabetes car.

Sounds like your bg's aren't as volatile as mine. I'd love a CGMS if affordable, accurate, yada, yada, yada.

JediSkipdogg

10-10-2006, 02:12 PM

Sounds like your bg's aren't as volatile as mine. I'd love a CGMS if affordable, accurate, yada, yada, yada.

They are pretty all over right now, at times. I think my problem is I can't catch everything and when I do a test and test every 30 minutes and do it 3-4 days in a row it gets old fast and sometimes I don't even complete it. It took me about 2 months to get my morning BG in check and even then it still has an enormous peak that only a CGMS could truely map. I just don't see a need in it because numbers change over time and with excercise, but in a standard work week for me, it's always the same. If I go on vacation, I'd wear it, or if I joined a sports team at work, I'd wear it the first few times, but then put it away.

That is one reason I don't like the current models out now. Why pay $800 ($500 if you can get the promotion) and then use it for a month, then in a year pull it out and find out the non-replacable battery is dead. I would buy a Dexcom if not for that reason, that is the #1 thing turning me off from having a first gen product now. What I buy now I want to last 5+ years without rebuying.

Cyborg

10-10-2006, 04:21 PM

I think that a good design for a CGMS would be one where it is combined with a pump and would be able to utilize the cannula to somehow also read your bg. Two seperate items attached was kind of a hassle when I had my Dexcom. Hard to sleep when you have something attached on both sides of your abdomen.

spike

10-10-2006, 04:51 PM

JediSkipdogg

10-10-2006, 05:46 PM

I'd expect the proximity of the insulin to affect the bg reading, wouldn't you?

My understanding is that's why they aren't together. That is also why on some people they have found that it can misread during exercise due to the high amount of sweat one can secrete. It seems anything liquid that is under the skin can interfere with it, just like anything on a finger interferes with a fingerstick. One drawback that really there isn't a way around that I can see.

Cyborg

10-11-2006, 04:02 PM

Never say never ;)

Dewey

10-11-2006, 04:56 PM

Thanks for the information, Dewey. I've never heard of these seminars before....... how does one go about finding out if there's any in their area?

Karen
Karen,

It may be best to check with your health care team or CDE. This is how I found out about this seminar. It's definitely worth going to and interacting (& networking) with the different vendors & health care folks. Very informative & well worth one's while to attend! :thumbsup:

Personally, I think a CGMS is another crutch for diabetes car. It's so one doesn't have to know anything about their disease.
I must say that I for one would not be getting on it with false hopes or expectations. Testing my sugar constantly is such a part of my life now, that if I even could quit, I Wouldn't! I don't view it as a crutch at all. To me, it's a very useful tool in improving management of one's Diabetic care (at least if used properly & with the right attitude). I also Never would allow my health care team to "call all the shots" for me on how much insulin I'm to take, or how to adjust doses if needed. I've been doing this for almost 25 years, and would rather work in conjunction with (on the same level as) my doctor & team than have them do it for me. I share any changes made with my doctor, but for the most part (on a daily basis), I am my own doctor & test & adjust dosages accordingly.

Twister212

10-11-2006, 06:36 PM

I see stiff competition as well and I hope it's a good battle.

The one thing I don't understand why nobody has done is overlap CGMS sensors. If they need a 2 hour warmup, so be it, but why not allow you to insert the new sensor 2 hours before the old sensor "expires" and then you won't have any gaps in readings? To me that would take a little extra programming in the software.
I just posted on this topic. The reason the product isn't better is that its brand new and it is solving a problem that is really really complex. There are like 40 or 50 companies that have tried and failed or are trying to solve this glucose monitoring problem. Dexcom seems to be the first one to offer something that is useful. I have heard that they have an upgrade plan and will come out with new versions of the product, which they will obviously have to do as the competition heats up with Abbott.

But diabetes management with this device is way better than diabetes management without, even with its flaws. For me, I almost never go hypoglycemic anymore, probably two or three times since I got the device. I used to go hypo one or more times per day. And I don't go hyper either, both because I see it happening and because I can now take Symlin (another wonder drug) without going hypoglycemic. What does this mean: without another single improvement in continuous glucose monitoring, I will live longer and better. That doesn't suck.

The Marines are taught, "don't let the great be the enemy of the good." That is applicable to all new products including this one.

JediSkipdogg

10-11-2006, 06:52 PM

But diabetes management with this device is way better than diabetes management without, even with its flaws. For me, I almost never go hypoglycemic anymore, probably two or three times since I got the device. I used to go hypo one or more times per day. And I don't go hyper either, both because I see it happening and because I can now take Symlin (another wonder drug) without going hypoglycemic. What does this mean: without another single improvement in continuous glucose monitoring, I will live longer and better. That doesn't suck.

I agree that for some it's a great lifesaving product. For others, it's a hassle. Someone like me for example, I may go low, two-three times a week, but it's never near a dangerous low and I always feel it coming on. What I don't like, is many times I can run a steady 80 for say 10+ hours and many times do that overnight. What I don't want, is it to give me false alarms at night saying I'm low. That would do more harm than good.

As you mentioned in your other post, it can be accurate and it also cannot. It's just knowing when to trust which ones when you are doing say a 50 mile bike ride. Or excercise. Or a basketball game. Or just lounging around. You said it can be if the sensor got bumped, well, personally, that shouldn't affect it, IMO.

And finally, I do know they are first gen products. Therefore they have many flaws. I'm also not one to jump on a first gen product that is expensive and I have to pay for out of pocket. I'll wait till later on when they are better, have more advanced features, and my insurance covers them or they are cheaper. If that means waiting 3 years, I'll wait.

Jedi out.

BriOnH

10-11-2006, 07:56 PM

For those of you who remember first generation blood glucose monitors, man they were [soooooo] bad compared to today's. Very time consuming too. Useful though. Kind of like what was said above with CGMS today.

Twister212

10-12-2006, 05:57 AM

I agree that for some it's a great lifesaving product. For others, it's a hassle. Someone like me for example, I may go low, two-three times a week, but it's never near a dangerous low and I always feel it coming on. What I don't like, is many times I can run a steady 80 for say 10+ hours and many times do that overnight. What I don't want, is it to give me false alarms at night saying I'm low. That would do more harm than good.

As you mentioned in your other post, it can be accurate and it also cannot. It's just knowing when to trust which ones when you are doing say a 50 mile bike ride. Or excercise. Or a basketball game. Or just lounging around. You said it can be if the sensor got bumped, well, personally, that shouldn't affect it, IMO.

And finally, I do know they are first gen products. Therefore they have many flaws. I'm also not one to jump on a first gen product that is expensive and I have to pay for out of pocket. I'll wait till later on when they are better, have more advanced features, and my insurance covers them or they are cheaper. If that means waiting 3 years, I'll wait.

Jedi out.
I understand what you are saying. Sounds like you don't need it. I haven't been steadily 80bg for 12 hours in 15 years. If you don't need to spend the money, that's great. But if one's blood sugars vary throughout the day, then this tool is a big leap forward. W/r/t your view that bumping the sensor shouldn't matter, I am sure that Dexcom shares your view. But you've got to get from here to there. And one doesn't happen by creating a perfect tool. It happens by creating a useful product. All of the things we use today started with some useful but imperfect product. Again, like finger stick meters, or insulin, or pumps, etc etc. It's like asking, 20 years ago, if you wanted to wait for Levemir or use the pig-derived insulin of the day.

But obviously, this analogy only holds if you need the tool or treatment.

Note: I don't work for Dexcom and I don't own their stock. I just think the product has made my life as a diabetic better (and probably longer).

Dewey

10-12-2006, 06:41 AM

I agree that for some it's a great lifesaving product. For others, it's a hassle. Someone like me for example, I may go low, two-three times a week, but it's never near a dangerous low and I always feel it coming on. What I don't like, is many times I can run a steady 80 for say 10+ hours and many times do that overnight. What I don't want, is it to give me false alarms at night saying I'm low. That would do more harm than good.
Personally, I think you could even possibly benefit from them, Jedi. You'd been complaining about having highs in the mornings, and could track the trends in your sugars to reduce those occurrences. After all, that's what the current CGMS systems are all about - tracking trends & catching things on their way to happening...

I do agree that I'd like to see better accuracy, but in the meantime, would rather even have a "first look" and try, so some personal assessments can be made on the product and its performance. I'd also like to see the prices come down. That is a big issue and the industry is aware of that. That said, heck, I'd love to trial all of them (would be cool to do so)...

For now, while we may not get a "100% accurate" model, we could decide which one worked best for us as individuals....much like pumps.

You said it can be if the sensor got bumped, well, personally, that shouldn't affect it, IMO.
I agree here and would hope that the sensor isn't so sensitive that it would affect or hinder the readings to bump it. That said, sometimes our delivery gets issues if we bump our sets hard enough......(maybe not as often, but it does happen on occasion).

JediSkipdogg

10-12-2006, 07:12 AM

Personally, I think you could even possibly benefit from them, Jedi. You'd been complaining about having highs in the mornings, and could track the trends in your sugars to reduce those occurrences. After all, that's what the current CGMS systems are all about - tracking trends & catching things on their way to happening...

I agree, and I would love one. But I'm not paying $800 ($500 if I can find a doctor that has them and has the discount) and then paying $35 for a 3 day use. Then doing that a few times and putting the item away and grabbing it again 6 months down the road to find out the battery in it is dead from not being charged or being overcharged. That is my current problem with the Dexcom. If the Navigator is cheaper and has 100% replaceable batteries, I'll buy one. But I'm not buying a device because you have to replace the entire thing every year because the batteries aren't replacable. That's like telling me to buy a new car every 2 years because the main car battery is built into the vehicle.

jeggeman31

10-12-2006, 07:18 AM

That's like telling me to buy a new car every 2 years because the main car battery is built into the vehicle.

:topic:
Don't be giving Ford or GM any idea's now !:bebored:

Twister212

10-12-2006, 07:52 AM

I agree, and I would love one. But I'm not paying $800 ($500 if I can find a doctor that has them and has the discount) and then paying $35 for a 3 day use. Then doing that a few times and putting the item away and grabbing it again 6 months down the road to find out the battery in it is dead from not being charged or being overcharged. That is my current problem with the Dexcom. If the Navigator is cheaper and has 100% replaceable batteries, I'll buy one. But I'm not buying a device because you have to replace the entire thing every year because the batteries aren't replacable. That's like telling me to buy a new car every 2 years because the main car battery is built into the vehicle.
No doubt, it is expensive without insurance. Hopefully these things will be picked up by insurance before year end, which will certainly take the sting out of it.

B/t/w, the Dexcom device cost me $400 if I committed to buying three boxes of sensors (15 individual sensors). The diabetes educator, an employee of Dexcom, who met me and sold me the unit told me that the company is giving away new units when they break (I assume this includes dead batteries). This is validated by another post somewhere on this board by someone who went swimming with his and received another one for free. Dexcom, I assume, will make its real money on the sensors.

JediSkipdogg

10-12-2006, 08:08 AM

The diabetes educator, an employee of Dexcom, who met me and sold me the unit told me that the company is giving away new units when they break (I assume this includes dead batteries). This is validated by another post somewhere on this board by someone who went swimming with his and received another one for free. Dexcom, I assume, will make its real money on the sensors.

I have not heard that about that batteries and don't think they'd just give a free new one each year. I have heard about them being nice when it comes to replacing units and/or sensors for malfunctions, but I highly doubt a free one for a non-replaceable battery that they knew about. They would have spent an extra few bucks in research to make it user replaceable for that reason alone. However, if the device fails and you have no luck and want your money back, they won't do that.

Dexcom has been out for a good 6 months now adn still hasn't turned a profit. So they need every cent possible which is why they charge $75 (I think) for the computer software for it. To me, that should be included.

Dewey

10-12-2006, 10:57 AM

Aside from the CGMS systems, skins & upgrading pumps (in the near future), we also listened to a presentation where the doctor showed some other new things. He showed how the inhaled insulin (by Exubera) works, talked about Byetta becoming available in tablet form (if not already available) and something else (which I can't remember at the moment....:stupido2: ).

Again, as I remember more, I'll continue to post on it.

Cyborg

10-12-2006, 08:54 PM

No doubt, it is expensive without insurance. Hopefully these things will be picked up by insurance before year end, which will certainly take the sting out of it.

B/t/w, the Dexcom device cost me $400 if I committed to buying three boxes of sensors (15 individual sensors). The diabetes educator, an employee of Dexcom, who met me and sold me the unit told me that the company is giving away new units when they break (I assume this includes dead batteries). This is validated by another post somewhere on this board by someone who went swimming with his and received another one for free. Dexcom, I assume, will make its real money on the sensors.

Don't believe everything the reps tell you. I had to have my bank get my money back because they would not refund my money, even though the rep had promised I could...

Twister212

10-13-2006, 02:11 PM

I have not heard that about that batteries and don't think they'd just give a free new one each year. I have heard about them being nice when it comes to replacing units and/or sensors for malfunctions, but I highly doubt a free one for a non-replaceable battery that they knew about. They would have spent an extra few bucks in research to make it user replaceable for that reason alone. However, if the device fails and you have no luck and want your money back, they won't do that.

Dexcom has been out for a good 6 months now adn still hasn't turned a profit. So they need every cent possible which is why they charge $75 (I think) for the computer software for it. To me, that should be included.
Turned a profit? According to one report, they haven't even't sold 1000 units yet. Profit is years away. But according to Yahoo Finance, they have $75 million in cash, and they're burning about $50 million or $60 million per year at the moment. So they aren't being d*cks because of cash management. W/r/t replacing only malfunctions, the guy who posted on hear went swimming with his and Dexcom replaced it. My math says that 2 sensors a week times 52 weeks equates to around $1800/year....every year....so I'm sure they'll be giving them away or selling for peanuts.

Twister212

10-13-2006, 02:13 PM

Don't believe everything the reps tell you. I had to have my bank get my money back because they would not refund my money, even though the rep had promised I could...
I have had a couple of mis-hits with customer service, so I'm not surprised. In one case they didn't send me a sensor delivery, and they didn't notify me. I sent a nastygram to customer service and cc'ed the CEO and VP Sales. That seemed to help move things along.

spike

10-13-2006, 04:11 PM

I have had a couple of mis-hits with customer service, so I'm not surprised. In one case they didn't send me a sensor delivery, and they didn't notify me. I sent a nastygram to customer service and cc'ed the CEO and VP Sales. That seemed to help move things along.

You might PM Cyborg with the CEO's contact info, in case he'd like to discuss a few "things" with him. LOL!!!

Cyborg

10-13-2006, 06:17 PM

Don't think I ever want to deal with Dexcom again after they lied to me. That was the final straw. I was willing to continue using the device and provide feedback, but not on my dime...

Twister212

10-13-2006, 06:37 PM

Don't think I ever want to deal with Dexcom again after they lied to me. That was the final straw. I was willing to continue using the device and provide feedback, but not on my dime...
Here is the contact info for Dexcom from Yahoo Finance. It sure made me feel better. And my problem really seemed to move up in their issues queue when I contacted them. In fact, I would say that the customer service, *after* I emailed the CEO, was quite excellent. I also may have, if I remember correctly, suggested that my issue with them seemed like a 60 minutes story in the making.

Email is [first initial][last name}@dexcom.com, e.g. Bob Smith is bsmith@dexcom.com

Mr. Andrew P. Rasdal , 47
Chief Exec. Officer, Pres

Mr. Steven J. Kemper , 50
Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer

Mr. Andrew K. Balo , 58
VP of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs and Quality Systems

Dr. James H. Brauker Ph.D., 55
VP of R&D

Mr. Mark Brister , 44
VP of Advanced Devel. Teams

DexCom, Inc.
5555 Oberlin Drive
San Diego, CA 92121
United States - Map
Phone: 858-200-0200

spike

10-13-2006, 06:40 PM

I think it is irresponsible to place ANYONE'S email on the open forum. Spammers can harvest this stuff, if our forum is picked up by Google Bot.

Harold

10-13-2006, 10:33 PM

If the bots pick it up bsmith is going to get a lot of e-mail. :****mate:

Cyborg

10-13-2006, 10:34 PM

Makes my heart weep :bawling:

JasonJayhawk

10-14-2006, 11:00 AM

Thanks for the great report, Dewey! :call2:

Twister212

10-14-2006, 03:36 PM

I think it is irresponsible to place ANYONE'S email on the open forum. Spammers can harvest this stuff, if our forum is picked up by Google Bot.
All info provided is publically available. That's how I got it.

spike

10-14-2006, 03:40 PM

All info provided is publically available. That's how I got it.

I was thinking that might have been the case...I withdraw my suggestion it was irresponsible. :) IF it was my permanent email that got out, I'd be so ticked!! I've had to ditch a few email addy's for my wife and I because we'd get hundreds of spam per day. One time, I was sitting at her PC when 144 pieces of spam hit her inbox with 5 minutes. that was the last straw, so I told her to email her friends with a new addy so they could find her after we ditched the compromised addy.