Type 1 Diabetics Super Mega Thread

Ive never done any research into it. Did just get a nice little bill for $888 from Medtronic though for one of my orders earlier in the year... Total cost was about $1050, my portion is $888 and change. Insurance is a joke

 

Oof.
Ya so basically I got a bunch for free from a friend when I was 25 on my parents' insurance still and I've been making it all last as long as possible. I still probably have a year's worth but eventually I'll have to buy it myself for the first time. Insurance premiums with my company are like 4k+/year + deductibles so with just being me on the plan it doesn't make sense to do it, just pay cash. I get my insulin and other prescriptions generic with GoodRx right now and I'm out of pocket under $1k/yr, which is decent.
Infusion sets aren't complicated pieces, so I was hoping there'd be a knockoff brand somewhere.

 

I fee like medical supplies might not be the greatest place to skimp on QAQC and quality in general haha. That being said I understand the sentiment, my high deductible is basically the same as no insurance (assuming my T1D are my only costs)

 

I mean, I reuse my reservoirs about 10 times, tubing about 3 times, and change my site once a week or longer...so meh lol

 

What is the current/best/best for the $ blood glucose monitor system now, Sept 3 2022?

Probably been asked, but need update.

I had this:

$28 CareSens N Made in Korea Blood Glucose Monitor Kit with 100 Blood Sugar Test Strips, 100 Lancets, 1 Blood Glucose Meter, 1 Lancing Device, 1 Control Solution, Travel Case for Diabetes Testing

https://smile.amazon.com/CareSens-Diabetes-Monitoring-Auto-Coding/dp/B082RSBPT4

Turns out it is a cheap, VERY misleading piece of shit.

Thanks. Less that $150 would be nice too.

 

I use a dexcom, but for sticks I’ve got contour next in both vehicles, the office, and home. Cheap and easy. Will let you add more blood to a strip if you didn’t add enough the first try.

 

Thanks. I will talk to doc about Dexcom.

Is that Contour Next really repeatable within reason?

The shitty Chinese units within 5 minutes or less, or even same drop of blood; readings of 120-140-160 (for example) from the same blood drop make no sense. (say 138-143-141 for the 3 could make sense) Basic precision and accuracy are important obviously of the device could be potentially dangerous.

 

The mandated threshold for accuracy for any glucose meter or CGM is a joke. I think it’s like 70% accurate or something. Which makes a huge difference. I’ve had both be way off, but usually a second test or calibration straightens things up.

 

You need a bottle of Control Solution, made by the same company that makes the strips. Its a premixed glucose solution basically. If you read the fine print on every bottle of strips it gives you a range that the meter should fall between when 'testing' with the control solution.

My Drs have always said the OneTouch Verio and the Contour Next have some of the best accuracy in the industry. I know because I have to switch strips like every year when my fucking shit health insurance decides to stop covering one or the other. I do really like that the Next will allow you to add more blood if the first sample was too small. Saves strips. And the old school Verio had a nice little light on the front, made it wicked easy to test at night (not sure if the newer shitty version still has that or not).

You should talk to your local pharmacy. If I recall correctly its not very expensive to just buy one of these meters over the counter. Even if you have to spend a bit, its way better and way safer than some internet knockoff.

 

Huge plus. I didn’t realize this until like a year after using them haha I was happy to find that out

 

Decided to get the doc to call in some Libre 3 since I had a Dexcom transmitter fail and was out until a replacement showed up. I’m wearing both right now to test it and honestly I don’t think I’ll continue with the Dexcom.

The Libre lasts 14 days- not ten, readings every minute- not five, is insanely smaller (I can sleep on it without false lows) costs $10/month versus $500 to meet my deductible and I can get it at my pharmacy. No separate transmitters to keep up with. No more durable medical company to deal with. Much easier to grab a replacement at a pharmacy when traveling.

If I’m being picky, I wish it had a widget on the iPhone, because it’s nice to scroll over with the phone locked and see readings. Anyways, it’s been refreshing to try something new. The G7 is coming out soon, but on paper the Libre still looks like a winner.

 

Bringing this thread back to life. Anyone ever use a Frio case to keep insulin at proper temps while traveling for extended periods? Planning a CO trip later this summer and Im looking into ways of keeping the vial from cooking off without a fridge or ice packs or anything like that.

 

My wife has one. It eventually got to the point where it got nasty black mildew/mold in it and she stopped using it b/c it just wouldn't get clean. I would say it did its job within the parameters (timeframe at temp) it states it will. Certainly a great option for carrying it on long hikes/bikes and so forth when you don't have access to refrigeration/cooler.

 

I used some small off brand fridge pack thing from Amazon when we flew to Puerto Rico. Held about three pens. Kept things cool enough for a day of traveling. Better than nothing especially in the hot sun or car/plane.

 

This might be something to look at. I plan to get one for my motorcycle(as I keep insulin in the fridge when I'm in the truck)

Medicine Refrigerator and Insulin Cooling Box for Car, Travel, Home - Portable Medication Cooler for Travel with Car Charger

Amazon.com: Medicine Refrigerator and Insulin Cooling Box for Car, Travel, Home - Portable Medication Cooler for Travel with Car Charger : Health & Household

 

Makes sense given its water based. How long did she use it before it started to mildew?

The little portable coolers @gixxerphil linked seem like a decent idea as well Ill have to look into them more

 

I would say it was used for at least 2 years before it got that bad. Honestly, I would imagine if you are diligent about letting it dry out after use, etc. this wouldn't be as much of an issue. My wife, is not the type to take these extra steps.. ha ha ha

 

Been awful quiet around here lately.

The Frio Bag ended up working very well for my Colorado trip. I set a recurring reminder on my phone every 48 hrs to soak the bag and left it in the center console rear cup holder. Could def feel it maintained a cooler temp than the truck. Also didnt notice any issues over the few nights at elevation when the temps dipped down to freezing.

On a different note, my Dr gave me a trial of the G7. Worked pretty well overall. Much better than the Medtronic Guardian III. But of course now I dont have the Suspend before low, which was the only redeeming quality of the Guardian / Medtronic system. Kicker is I went to pick up a 90 day supply last night... the copay was about $970 LMAO. Insurance offered to cover a mere $350. Fucking unbelievable

Anyone else running the G7 yet?

 

I ran the G7 for a month, but switched back to the Libre 3. It’s way better in my opinion. Lasts longer, smaller, doesn’t need an overlay, updates more frequently, less hassle at the pharmacy. Dexcom reigned supreme for a while and their app and alarms are better, but I am happy with the Libre. I don’t need pump integration though, so that may be a factor for some.

 

Interesting. I actually thought the Dexcom app was subpar haha. Especially the alerts overriding phone volume settings, totally annoying

Still somewhat better than the native Medtronic programming though I have to admit