CGMS Sensor Storage Requirements

fgummett · #1 (**permalink**) 11-06-2008, 09:24 AM

Just took delivery of my very first MM CGMS Sensors. I have a nurse educator coming out on the 19th to get me set up. The rep I spoke to mentioned that they have a short shelf life so I was wondering if anyone knows of any special storage requirements?
Many thanks

GretchO · #2 (**permalink**) 11-06-2008, 09:50 AM

yay!! i absolutely love my sensors. i've no idea about shelf life though, sorry! it takes me about 3 months to get through a box of 10 (i keep mine in for 9-12 days with a transmitter recharge at day 6 or 7) and I've never had any accuracy issues, so i'd say they last at least 3 months...this is a very unscientific assessment. i'm also stockpiling mine...get a box every month as i've had a lot of issues with insurance and may be changing insurance again in about six months - my husband asked me this very question this morning, so maybe it's time to actually find out.

GretchO · #3 (**permalink**) 11-06-2008, 09:53 AM

Frank...i just found this (not sure of the reliability of the source, though).

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. - Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics - 8(4):495

fgummett · #4 (**permalink**) 11-06-2008, 10:05 AM

Many thanks Gretchen - yes I am pretty "pumped" (

) to be starting with these. Good article and looks like an authentic research paper. Even better to hear from your experience that they can be used longer than as advertised

The booklet that comes with them says room temperature, out of direct sunlight, and no freezing, but I was looking to see if anyone with experience knew any different.

Cheers!

Gigem99 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-07-2008, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fgummett

The booklet that comes with them says room temperature, out of direct sunlight, and no freezing, but I was looking to see if anyone with experience knew any different.

With the last batch I got (3 boxes), I began storing them in the refrigerator. I was talking to a guy on the help desk yesterday - on a totally different subject - and he told me he had gotten several calls from users that seem to have better accuracy if they are stored cool.

He did, however, caution me to let them warm up before insertion. Problems with condensation, he explained. I have done that anyway - when I insert one, I take one out of the fridge and put it in my supply cabinet.

I do know that I had a box that was expired, and was kept in the supply cabinet the whole time - and at least half of them weren't worth a ****.

Good luck with yours!! It is truly the coolest technology I have ever used - I've had really good luck - I uploaded last night and saw on the "sensor daily overlay" report that over the past week my MAD% (mean average difference - the difference between BG and SG (sensor glucose)) was 7.5!! Yahoo!!

fgummett · #6 (**permalink**) 11-07-2008, 11:49 AM

Thanks Tom... I was wondering about the bottom of the fridge in the vegetable crisper where I keep my extra insulin, in a box wrapped in paper bag.

I'm a real technophile so I can't wait for the next gadget, but I'm seriously excited about this one to see the graphing and trends... especially interested to see what I am doing overnight without losing any sleep over it.

Funnygrl · #7 (**permalink**) 11-07-2008, 02:41 PM

Playing devil's advocate a little here

, but if your blood sugars are well controlled on your low carb diet, why the need for a CGMS?

I hated CGMS, btw. I hope you have better luck.

poodlebone · #8 (**permalink**) 11-07-2008, 07:32 PM

I started the CGMS in June and my apartment gets really hot during the summer so I immediately put them in the fridge. I do take them out and let them warm up before inserting.

At my training, my CDE told to wear each sensor for a week (I wear them until they die or become uncomfortable) and to ignore the expiration dates. She said people have worn sensors two years past the date and they worked fine.

Gordonm · #9 (**permalink**) 11-07-2008, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funnygrl

Playing devil's advocate a little here

, but if your blood sugars are well controlled on your low carb diet, why the need for a CGMS?

I hated CGMS, btw. I hope you have better luck.

That is what I thought. I have had a A1c of 5.6 to 6.4 for the last 10 years and my BS have always been pretty stable. With the CGMS I found some foods that I eat do some strange things within the 2 hours between testing. I also kind of use it as a fuel gauge when I am out on long rides. I keep an eye on my BS to see if it is rising or falling to fast and treat it accordingly.

I agree the CGMS is not perfect but it is another tool to help control. I have found it to be heldful in most situations but have learned you cannot rely on it 100%

I'm going to put the sensors in the fridge now form this info.