Minilink CGMS accuracy

NoelD · #1 (**permalink**) 11-26-2008, 06:28 PM

This is the norm for this latest batch of sensors I have. They seem to keep getting better with each order. I see ~ 5% variance in this box so far.
The pic is not the best, it was taken from my iPhone just a few minutes ago.

Funnygrl · #2 (**permalink**) 11-26-2008, 08:33 PM

It looks like you had to go through the history to get to the 102, though, and you've since gone up.

I've had better luck than normal (aka, any luck at all) with my current (and last) sensor, but the latest activation on it has flatlined.

NoelD · #3 (**permalink**) 11-26-2008, 09:06 PM

I know it looks that way, but it's within the 5 minute update window. You know the BG updates on the MM every 5 minutes. The BG test was done before looking at the CGMS and the result was identical as shown. It took me a few minutes to find my iPhone for the picture is the reason for the time discrepancy. It went to 112 at the next update. this isn't the first time it's been dead-on. It was the first time I snapped a pic of it though.

Funnygrl · #4 (**permalink**) 11-26-2008, 09:17 PM

I've had it be dead on a few times too, especially since my pump was replaced and it reads odd numbers as well now.

Keni · #5 (**permalink**) 11-26-2008, 10:57 PM

Noel,

I find it interesting that you use freestyle rather than the ultra touch that Minimed provides with the PUMP. I used to use freestyle before the pump so now I use both the freestyle monitor that I had before the pump, and the Ultra touch monitor that I got with the pump in order to calibrate the CGMS sensor. I also noticed that the sensors were getting better but I wasn't sure if it was all me finally getting a hang of the CGMS.
I still dont completely trust the sensors with very high or very low reading and usually test before I correct either way.

Thanks for sharing your observation..

Funnygrl · #6 (**permalink**) 11-27-2008, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keni

Noel,

I find it interesting that you use freestyle rather than the ultra touch that Minimed provides with the PUMP. I used to use freestyle before the pump so now I use both the freestyle monitor that I had before the pump, and the Ultra touch monitor that I got with the pump in order to calibrate the CGMS sensor. I also noticed that the sensors were getting better but I wasn't sure if it was all me finally getting a hang of the CGMS.
I still dont completely trust the sensors with very high or very low reading and usually test before I correct either way.

Thanks for sharing your observation..

You're not suppose to use the Ultralink (or Paradigm Link) meters with the CGMS as it treats every reading as a calibration, and over calibrating kills accuracy. I just got a letter from Minimed this week in the mail regarding it. Bug that desperately needs addressing.

ETA: So you're using the freestyle for most readings, and the Ultralink just for calibration?

NoelD · #7 (**permalink**) 11-27-2008, 05:14 AM

I use the Freestyle Lite for normal testing and calibrations. The reason I use Freestyle is that my 90 day avg wasn't in the same ballpark as my A1C. After switching to the Freestyle, they are pretty close. OneTouch meters read lower that the Freestyle meters in my limited testing. YMMV though.

poodlebone · #8 (**permalink**) 11-27-2008, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoelD

I use the Freestyle Lite for normal testing and calibrations. The reason I use Freestyle is that my 90 day avg wasn't in the same ballpark as my A1C. After switching to the Freestyle, they are pretty close. OneTouch meters read lower that the Freestyle meters in my limited testing. YMMV though.

I've also found that Freestyle tests higher than the Ultra meters. Actually, every meter 've tried tested higher than the Lifescan meters. I still use the Ultra meters because I've been using Lifescan for years and I'm used to them.

poodlebone · #9 (**permalink**) 11-27-2008, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keni

Noel,

I find it interesting that you use freestyle rather than the ultra touch that Minimed provides with the PUMP. I used to use freestyle before the pump so now I use both the freestyle monitor that I had before the pump, and the Ultra touch monitor that I got with the pump in order to calibrate the CGMS sensor. I also noticed that the sensors were getting better but I wasn't sure if it was all me finally getting a hang of the CGMS.
I still dont completely trust the sensors with very high or very low reading and usually test before I correct either way.

Thanks for sharing your observation..

They (MM) say that you should just use one meter. Your Freestyle may be giving higher readings than your Ultra. Still, if it's working for you...

I find that I get better results from the sensors in different areas of my body. My right arm is the absolute best spot and every sensor I've had there was so accurate it was amazing. My lower abdomen is usually okay and that's what I use most, since there's more real estate there than my right arm (wish I had at least three of those...). I've used my left arm twice and the first time was good, second wasn't but the sensor was bent that time. I only saw that after I removed it, obviously. Tried a leg once, not good, but I plan on trying again as I've read messages from many people using legs with excellent results.

I think the timing of the calibrations is key, as well as making sure you insert the sensor deep enough (more than the recommended 45 degrees) and let it get good & wet before starting it up.

NoelD · #10 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 03:49 PM

This was this afternoon. CGMS reading was as of 3:25pm, and the BG test was at 3:29pm. The CGMS was due to update at 3:31pm, and when it did update, it read 110 again. Just explaining how it updates.

Gordonm · #11 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 04:05 PM

Just turn the meter off so it does not calibrate the pump every time. I still use the meter it just does not update to the pump anymore. I just manually do it whe nthe pump calls for a calibration.

You also have to factor in that the sensor is about 20 minutes behind your actual blood glucose. If your Bs is rising or falling at the time it could be off 20 to 40 ppoints easily and still be accurate. If you are just "flat lining" as I call it it can be dead on. I find it to be very accurate. The sensor I have in now is actually on its 13th day. I usually get 5 to 7 days. I put this one on the inside of my thigh and it has been working very good.

NoelD · #12 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 04:16 PM

Gordon: On the inside? OUCH. That has to hurt doesn't it? It makes my skin crawl just imagining it... Um, where on the inner thigh do you insert it?

Gordonm · #13 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoelD

Gordon: On the inside? OUCH. That has to hurt doesn't it? It makes my skin crawl just imagining it... Um, where on the inner thigh do you insert it?

I thought so also. I was really ready for a real hurt but I wanted to try it there. It actually hurt less than the "love handle" area. I do not have any extra meat on me also. My legs are pretty much solid from all the riding I do and exercise. I have heard people do it on the outside but I would be bumping it all the time. It is right about midway up from my knee. Looking down at it I would say it is at the 2 o'clock position. Kind of a strange place but it is working well and it did not hurt. I am going to the other side when this one dies. I did have to shave the hair off though.

Funnygrl · #14 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 08:23 PM

I might as well join in the festivities. And this sensor? This is day 16 it's been in. I've NEVER had this good of luck. I've never had a sensor be so accurate or last so long. Holy amazingness. It's my last sensor. I may be reordering after all. Next CGMS result was 91.

It still weirds me out that my new pump shows odd numbers too.

NoelD · #15 (**permalink**) 12-01-2008, 08:32 PM

See now Christine, your pump is so much nicer than mine... mine is all beat up and scratched....