Dewey
02-15-2007, 10:11 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! :thumbsup:
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! :D
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. :thumbsup:
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! :thumbsup:
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! :D
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. :thumbsup: