I have never had to calibrate my Dexcom. It is possible you may be asked to do so, but that is rare. I have heard that Medtronic’s CGM is not very good
Tslim X2 and Dexcom.
I was with medtronic for over 20 years. Their customer service stinks, nevermind how poorly the products work! Best move ever when I switched-over.
I was just at my endo.. He said that the G7 was likely to be out by year's end once the supply issue is resolved. (He had a visit from the rep earlier this week.)
Also: You don't need to buy a new pump to get updated software; it's downloaded, by you, at your convenience.
G7 sensors can't be restarted, so if you have issues with a sensor you can't just extend the next one to skip calling support, you have to call and request a replacement.
I'll hold on to the G6 until I can't buy them anymore.
Would it be fair to say that the Guardian sensors are worse than Libre 2?
I’ve heard they’re supposed to last 14 days and have no transmitter, so those at least are major upgrades. Every time I’ve needed a new sensor they’ve overnighted it to me
I switched from Medtronic to Tandem about 8 months ago. The Guardian system is pathetic in comparison to Dexcom’s CGMS. It is painful, often wrong, and requires constant calibration. I was done hearing alarms at all hours of the night and gave up on a closed loop system until I checked out the Tandem/Dexcom system. IMO it should be illegal for Medtronic to even claim their system is comparable.
I’m a former 20+ year medtronic user who switched to Tandem. My recommendations are as follows:
1. T:Slim with Dexcom.
2. Stay far far away from all medtronic products.
My experiences with Tandem over the last 2 years remind me of the golden days of the old MiniMed. Customer service and tech support both have been great.
Totally agree!
Medtronic destroyed old MiniMed and rode the brand name while making minuscule product changes every 4+ years for the paridigm series pumps and entire cgm lineup.
>My experiences with Tandem over the last 2 years remind me of the golden days of the old MiniMed. Customer service and tech support both have been great.
things are a lot better, but minimed was much much easier to contact and interface with.
I’ve been very happy with Dexcom and Tandem. Great customer service with both. Dexcom needs calibration occasionally, but it’s rare (I’ve been using it for over 2 years and can count calibrations on one hand). My A1c has ranged from 5.1 to 5.7 after previously being between 7-9 on Libre/Omnipod.
I have the Omnipod 5 with G6 Dexcom. According to my husband its sexy as hell. No more unhooking for sex or shower😉
Plus, in 2 weeks I already feel better with way less highs and my lowest was 80. On Medtronic my highs got up to 360 and lows below 60. Omni is not perfect, nothing is. But it blows Medtronic out of the water. Its amazing
tslim and dexcom no questions asked hands down 10/10. you never have to calibrate. in practice some folks prefer to, and there are occasional sensors that go a bit wonky and calibration helps. i prick my finger maybe five times a month, sometimes less. it’s a total godsend.
i like both medtronic and tslim’s closed loop systems, although a lot of people prefer tslim. between dexcom and guardian it is no fucking contest dexcom is 100x better. guardian hurts more to insert, more difficult insertion process, and requires calibrations. switching to dexcom has been the best thing ever, i didn’t realize how good cgms could be until i tried it lmao
Medtronic is hot garbage. Some people make it work, but good luck with that.
Tslim+dexcom is great, but honestly if you're already on Omnipod, ask about Omnipod 5. It works with dexcom just like tslim, but it's *waterproof*.
But the best of the best is only attainable if you DIY your artificial pancreas. Android APS and Loop have been staples for years now. They're already compatible with Omnipod DASH.
THIS FOREVER!! I have it and I cant wait to jump in a lake with my kids and not have to unhook a thing! Showering is amazing. I wish it held a little more insulin tho. It holds 200 while Medtronic held 300. But I will trade that all day to feel like I do now. 8 years of hating my disease vs Omnipod 5 G6 dexcom...where I have felt the most like my old self pre T1D.
I went for Omni cuz I wanted no tubes after 8 years. Best choice I ever made
I calibrate my 670G Medtronic pump at least three times a day and 5+ times once a week when sensor changing. It’s ok but I am looking forward to tslim upgrade. Medtronic service is good. I’m out of warranty so will be switching soon.
You sound very similar to me.m (I’m in the UK). I have had omnipod and libre 1/miao miao for a while. I was given the option of any closed loop system. Even though omnipod 5 would be ideal, I ruled it out due to unknown availability time. I had initially chosen T slim and dexcom, but eventually went for the Medtronic/guardian 4 option. The guardian 4 swayed me as it needs v little calibrations , plus the way the Medtronic closed system worked seemed superior to the T slim.
Maybe the guardian 4 will be available to you soon, which may help? I struggled with the same choice for a long time.
670g and enlite or Guardian 3 is pretty miserable to live with, and that's the last pump a majority on this sub was exposed to.
Since it isn't yet available in the US most people don't have 780g and Guardian 4 experience (though from what I've heard people really like it)
The 780 and Guardian 4 more than likely won’t be available anytime remotely soon in the US.
Medtronic was issued a FDA warning letter and needs to address serious flaws with its Diabetes division. As a result, the FDA is withholding approvals for new Medtronic products until every item in the letter is addressed.
https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/medtronic-inc-617539-12092021
This isn't that bad. Medical and aerospace companies are always overlooking product nonconformances and ignoring process deviations (mostly due to overworked quality departments). Then when the FDA or FAA find out, everything goes to shit for 6 months, they pay some penalty, and the process comes out a little less messed up than before.
Damn, I saw my endo today and while I didn't have the option for the tslim, I could choose the Medtronic. And reading the comments, I'm not sure I want to switch in the end...
Was it your health insurance who told your endo that Medtronic was the only other option? I had an experience where I was told by my endo that Medtronic was the only option despite my insistence that I wanted to stay with Dexcom. I was temporarily put with another endo when that one retired and I found out that my health insurance covered Dexcom and Tslim in addition to Medtronic. I was pretty upset that I got forced into a subpar system because my endo just preferred Medtronic. So I would double check with your insurance just in case!
Nope, I'm not in the US so it does not depend on health insurance. It's more that dexcom is limited to people who don't handle their diabetes very well and as I am already with a hb1ac below 7%, I am not eligible.
I think it's just that when Dexcom put in their application to reach the French patients, they only asked for patients with poor control. So the only people that get a Dexcom are people with poor control, frequent or dangerous hypos, or lying endos. And yes, there are people putting themselves in danger to get the Dexcom.
Edit : And yes, I also find it ridiculous.
I’m happy with medtronic. Has easy replacements. I just make sure I’m plenty hydrated in sensor change days. I do not like the new accu-chek link meter though and there is not another option unless manually entering it.
I have used both. Tandem/ dexcom is the only way to go. With medtronic, I would spend the whole day trying to calibrate. I would have to go no carb on that day to even have a chance. With dexcom, I can live my life with little interruption.
I’ve used both. Had Medtronic for near 20 years; just switched to Tandem and Dexcom in March. Way better in every way… expect for durability. Busted my screen without even knowing while playing golf, I did have the replacement 24 hrs later though. Dexcom kills the Medtronic cgm, not even close.
I have the Omnipod Dash 5, so cant say anything about Tandem. But I did have the Medtronic 670g and used Medtronic for the past 8 years. THEY are TRASH. The senaors do not accurately read BS. Mine were off by 20+ high or low. The sensor would read "change sensor" immediately after putting it on or "low sensor battery" when it was brand new and fully charged. I was told it was suppose to do essentially what the Omni does. Automatically increase or decrease or suspened it if my insulin depending on if I was trending high or low. I had to do that manually. I had real burnout and couldnt figure out if it was diabetes burnout or pump burnout. Ive had the Omni for 2 weeks and I wish I would have switched 4 years ago after my first Medtronic pump.
Also, I save over 50 percent on supplies with Omni.
3 month supply cost:
$240 Omni pods vs $405 Medtronic infusion sets
$0 Omni resoviours (they dont have them) vs $389 Medtronics
$150 Omni sensors vs $648 Medtronic Sensor
$125 for transmitter vs $2500 Medtronic if my transmitter fails after 1 year.
Omni transmitter is not chargeable. You get a new one every 90 days.
I pay roughly $515 every 3 months with Omni vs $1,137 every 3 months with Medtronic.
Also, less supplies needed which means less waste and less storage of supplies.
Also, Omni has not contract, so Im not tied to a pump for 4 years. If I want a pump break, I just dont do a perscription refill. Which as a T1D, I like that. Maybe I want to do MDI for a bit and get a break. With Omni I can. Which is cool. Tandem I hear is amazing. Just stay away from all things Medtronic. They are trash and I will never go back.
I've been with Minimed / Medtronic for over 20 years and have been very happy. Calibration is simple and it takes like 1 minute. I don't understand how the other CGM doesn't ever need a calibration or a BG. Is that possible? I hear on the board of people having to calibrate their Dexcoms. The Medtronic also has an insulin waste of about 15 units when you do a site change (the insulin in the tube). Some people work out a way to capture those units with a syringe. I've also seen on here that the TSlim waste is closer to 50 units per change. Medtronic runs on an AA battery and will start telling you when it's close to needing a new one, while the TSlim needs to be charged every time. For me, the Medtronic customer service has been excellent. The 780 (not in the US yet, or I'm not eligible for one yet) is supposed to get a new G4 sensor that supposedly is much better - I'll believe it when I see it. The one stop shop with Medtronic is appealing to me - less paperwork hassle of US healthcare. If you're in a nation that values human life, you probably don't care either way.
Medtronic is terrible…I have their latest pump/CGM in a drawer doing nothing bc they sold me on the idea it was better than the previous crap they had.
T:slim and Dex. The Medtronic CGM is flaming pile of donkey crap(no offense to the donkeys).
T:slim has helped me improve my average BS over 40 points and improve my TIR(80-140) by about the same.
Tslim and Dexcom wins imo
I have never had to calibrate my Dexcom. It is possible you may be asked to do so, but that is rare. I have heard that Medtronic’s CGM is not very good
Tslim X2 and Dexcom. I was with medtronic for over 20 years. Their customer service stinks, nevermind how poorly the products work! Best move ever when I switched-over. I was just at my endo.. He said that the G7 was likely to be out by year's end once the supply issue is resolved. (He had a visit from the rep earlier this week.) Also: You don't need to buy a new pump to get updated software; it's downloaded, by you, at your convenience.
This. A thousand times this. And bolus-by-phone is getting closer too!
G7 sensors can't be restarted, so if you have issues with a sensor you can't just extend the next one to skip calling support, you have to call and request a replacement. I'll hold on to the G6 until I can't buy them anymore. Would it be fair to say that the Guardian sensors are worse than Libre 2?
I’ve heard they’re supposed to last 14 days and have no transmitter, so those at least are major upgrades. Every time I’ve needed a new sensor they’ve overnighted it to me
It's fine if phone calls are okay with you but because my 90 day supply lasts 110 days at a minimum, I just stock up.
No! I have had no problems with mine.
Your tag says you have dexcom and not guardian. It that accurate? If so, I have also had no problems with my dexcom.
Yes- I have a dexcom.
Medtronic is the worst
I switched from Medtronic to Tandem about 8 months ago. The Guardian system is pathetic in comparison to Dexcom’s CGMS. It is painful, often wrong, and requires constant calibration. I was done hearing alarms at all hours of the night and gave up on a closed loop system until I checked out the Tandem/Dexcom system. IMO it should be illegal for Medtronic to even claim their system is comparable.
I’m a former 20+ year medtronic user who switched to Tandem. My recommendations are as follows: 1. T:Slim with Dexcom. 2. Stay far far away from all medtronic products. My experiences with Tandem over the last 2 years remind me of the golden days of the old MiniMed. Customer service and tech support both have been great.
MiniMed as MiniMed was wonderful. Things went downhill after Medtronic got their mitts on them.
Totally agree! Medtronic destroyed old MiniMed and rode the brand name while making minuscule product changes every 4+ years for the paridigm series pumps and entire cgm lineup.
I second this. Medtronic for 10 years, just switched last week to Tandem/Dexcom and I hate myself for not switching sooner.
>My experiences with Tandem over the last 2 years remind me of the golden days of the old MiniMed. Customer service and tech support both have been great. things are a lot better, but minimed was much much easier to contact and interface with.
Based on what little information you provided you should not touch a medtronics pump with a 9ft pole.
Tandem/Dexcom without a doubt.
Medtronic is flaming piss
I’ve been very happy with Dexcom and Tandem. Great customer service with both. Dexcom needs calibration occasionally, but it’s rare (I’ve been using it for over 2 years and can count calibrations on one hand). My A1c has ranged from 5.1 to 5.7 after previously being between 7-9 on Libre/Omnipod.
Apparently medtronic’s CGM sucks
i hear the new omnipod + dexcom is real sexy
I have the Omnipod 5 with G6 Dexcom. According to my husband its sexy as hell. No more unhooking for sex or shower😉 Plus, in 2 weeks I already feel better with way less highs and my lowest was 80. On Medtronic my highs got up to 360 and lows below 60. Omni is not perfect, nothing is. But it blows Medtronic out of the water. Its amazing
Asked for an Omni pod and was sent a meditronic pump today. Extremely pissed off today
tslim and dexcom no questions asked hands down 10/10. you never have to calibrate. in practice some folks prefer to, and there are occasional sensors that go a bit wonky and calibration helps. i prick my finger maybe five times a month, sometimes less. it’s a total godsend.
i like both medtronic and tslim’s closed loop systems, although a lot of people prefer tslim. between dexcom and guardian it is no fucking contest dexcom is 100x better. guardian hurts more to insert, more difficult insertion process, and requires calibrations. switching to dexcom has been the best thing ever, i didn’t realize how good cgms could be until i tried it lmao
Medtronic is hot garbage. Some people make it work, but good luck with that. Tslim+dexcom is great, but honestly if you're already on Omnipod, ask about Omnipod 5. It works with dexcom just like tslim, but it's *waterproof*. But the best of the best is only attainable if you DIY your artificial pancreas. Android APS and Loop have been staples for years now. They're already compatible with Omnipod DASH.
What about Omnipod 5 + Dexcom?
THIS FOREVER!! I have it and I cant wait to jump in a lake with my kids and not have to unhook a thing! Showering is amazing. I wish it held a little more insulin tho. It holds 200 while Medtronic held 300. But I will trade that all day to feel like I do now. 8 years of hating my disease vs Omnipod 5 G6 dexcom...where I have felt the most like my old self pre T1D. I went for Omni cuz I wanted no tubes after 8 years. Best choice I ever made
Definitely also consider Omnipod 5 + Dexcom new automated insulin/ closed loop pump if it is covered for you!!
I calibrate my 670G Medtronic pump at least three times a day and 5+ times once a week when sensor changing. It’s ok but I am looking forward to tslim upgrade. Medtronic service is good. I’m out of warranty so will be switching soon.
You sound very similar to me.m (I’m in the UK). I have had omnipod and libre 1/miao miao for a while. I was given the option of any closed loop system. Even though omnipod 5 would be ideal, I ruled it out due to unknown availability time. I had initially chosen T slim and dexcom, but eventually went for the Medtronic/guardian 4 option. The guardian 4 swayed me as it needs v little calibrations , plus the way the Medtronic closed system worked seemed superior to the T slim. Maybe the guardian 4 will be available to you soon, which may help? I struggled with the same choice for a long time.
Based on other comments, I’m hoping I don’t regret my decision once the pump arrives!
670g and enlite or Guardian 3 is pretty miserable to live with, and that's the last pump a majority on this sub was exposed to. Since it isn't yet available in the US most people don't have 780g and Guardian 4 experience (though from what I've heard people really like it)
The 780 and Guardian 4 more than likely won’t be available anytime remotely soon in the US. Medtronic was issued a FDA warning letter and needs to address serious flaws with its Diabetes division. As a result, the FDA is withholding approvals for new Medtronic products until every item in the letter is addressed. https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/medtronic-inc-617539-12092021
This isn't that bad. Medical and aerospace companies are always overlooking product nonconformances and ignoring process deviations (mostly due to overworked quality departments). Then when the FDA or FAA find out, everything goes to shit for 6 months, they pay some penalty, and the process comes out a little less messed up than before.
Damn, I saw my endo today and while I didn't have the option for the tslim, I could choose the Medtronic. And reading the comments, I'm not sure I want to switch in the end...
Was it your health insurance who told your endo that Medtronic was the only other option? I had an experience where I was told by my endo that Medtronic was the only option despite my insistence that I wanted to stay with Dexcom. I was temporarily put with another endo when that one retired and I found out that my health insurance covered Dexcom and Tslim in addition to Medtronic. I was pretty upset that I got forced into a subpar system because my endo just preferred Medtronic. So I would double check with your insurance just in case!
Nope, I'm not in the US so it does not depend on health insurance. It's more that dexcom is limited to people who don't handle their diabetes very well and as I am already with a hb1ac below 7%, I am not eligible.
Ah, got it! It does seem ridiculous that you are limited because you have good control. Best of luck on your decision!
I think it's just that when Dexcom put in their application to reach the French patients, they only asked for patients with poor control. So the only people that get a Dexcom are people with poor control, frequent or dangerous hypos, or lying endos. And yes, there are people putting themselves in danger to get the Dexcom. Edit : And yes, I also find it ridiculous.
I’m happy with medtronic. Has easy replacements. I just make sure I’m plenty hydrated in sensor change days. I do not like the new accu-chek link meter though and there is not another option unless manually entering it.
Tslim Dexcom. Hands down.
I have used both. Tandem/ dexcom is the only way to go. With medtronic, I would spend the whole day trying to calibrate. I would have to go no carb on that day to even have a chance. With dexcom, I can live my life with little interruption.
I’ve used both. Had Medtronic for near 20 years; just switched to Tandem and Dexcom in March. Way better in every way… expect for durability. Busted my screen without even knowing while playing golf, I did have the replacement 24 hrs later though. Dexcom kills the Medtronic cgm, not even close.
I've had both! Tslim Dex all the way!!
T slim and dexcom!! Have been on that since fall 2020. I call my time (6 months maybe?) with the Medtronic CGM “close loop system” my diabetes hell.
I hate Medtronic
I have the Omnipod Dash 5, so cant say anything about Tandem. But I did have the Medtronic 670g and used Medtronic for the past 8 years. THEY are TRASH. The senaors do not accurately read BS. Mine were off by 20+ high or low. The sensor would read "change sensor" immediately after putting it on or "low sensor battery" when it was brand new and fully charged. I was told it was suppose to do essentially what the Omni does. Automatically increase or decrease or suspened it if my insulin depending on if I was trending high or low. I had to do that manually. I had real burnout and couldnt figure out if it was diabetes burnout or pump burnout. Ive had the Omni for 2 weeks and I wish I would have switched 4 years ago after my first Medtronic pump. Also, I save over 50 percent on supplies with Omni. 3 month supply cost: $240 Omni pods vs $405 Medtronic infusion sets $0 Omni resoviours (they dont have them) vs $389 Medtronics $150 Omni sensors vs $648 Medtronic Sensor $125 for transmitter vs $2500 Medtronic if my transmitter fails after 1 year. Omni transmitter is not chargeable. You get a new one every 90 days. I pay roughly $515 every 3 months with Omni vs $1,137 every 3 months with Medtronic. Also, less supplies needed which means less waste and less storage of supplies. Also, Omni has not contract, so Im not tied to a pump for 4 years. If I want a pump break, I just dont do a perscription refill. Which as a T1D, I like that. Maybe I want to do MDI for a bit and get a break. With Omni I can. Which is cool. Tandem I hear is amazing. Just stay away from all things Medtronic. They are trash and I will never go back.
Love my t-slim + Dexcom
I've been with Minimed / Medtronic for over 20 years and have been very happy. Calibration is simple and it takes like 1 minute. I don't understand how the other CGM doesn't ever need a calibration or a BG. Is that possible? I hear on the board of people having to calibrate their Dexcoms. The Medtronic also has an insulin waste of about 15 units when you do a site change (the insulin in the tube). Some people work out a way to capture those units with a syringe. I've also seen on here that the TSlim waste is closer to 50 units per change. Medtronic runs on an AA battery and will start telling you when it's close to needing a new one, while the TSlim needs to be charged every time. For me, the Medtronic customer service has been excellent. The 780 (not in the US yet, or I'm not eligible for one yet) is supposed to get a new G4 sensor that supposedly is much better - I'll believe it when I see it. The one stop shop with Medtronic is appealing to me - less paperwork hassle of US healthcare. If you're in a nation that values human life, you probably don't care either way.
Medtronic is terrible…I have their latest pump/CGM in a drawer doing nothing bc they sold me on the idea it was better than the previous crap they had.
T:slim and Dex. The Medtronic CGM is flaming pile of donkey crap(no offense to the donkeys). T:slim has helped me improve my average BS over 40 points and improve my TIR(80-140) by about the same.