by Kay Reeder

Created on: May 29, 2008

I have lived with type 1 diabetes since 1985 and have used an insulin pump for the last ten years. For the last year I have used a continuous glucose sensor, also known as a CGMS, to better manage my diabetes. This article will show how the transmitter and sensor has helped me to live better with diabetes.

The goal a person with diabetes has is to keep their blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible as this will reduce their risk of complications later in life. The complications that can result from diabetes are kidney disease, blindness, amputation and neuropathy to name several. These are serious complications and complications worth working to avoid.

Using the continuous glucose sensor gives me peace of mind as I do not have to worry about my blood sugar level. As I have hypoglycemic unawareness, the sensor is a needed help. It is so nice to manage my diabetes with this technology.

I had to write three letters to the appeals department of the insurance carrier I use to convince them that coverage of the transmitter and sensor should be covered under my policy. Fortunately, they finally listened and I now have coverage for these supplies.

Without insurance coverage, using a transmitter and sensor is expensive as a transmitter lasts for one year and is $700.00 while a sensor has a life of six days and is $35.00. My insurance plan will now cover the transmitter and sensor at 80%.

I recommend the sensor and transmitter for anyone who wants to manage their diabetes more effectively. The insulin pump reads the blood sugar readings from the sensor and transmitter. I use the same company for my insulin pump, transmitter and sensor.

I do admit that the hardest part about the sensor is inserting it as the needle is long and thick. The nice part is that the needle does not stay in you for long as it is just used to insert the catheter into your body. The sensor and transmitter once on your body take two hours to be ready. You will still need to check your blood sugar level with a meter, but not as often. The sensor and transmitter will send your current blood sugar reading every five minutes to your insulin pump.

Once you are finished wearing the sensor you can upload the results to online and your endocrinologist can observe your readings and make changes to your basal rates or carbohydrate/insulin ratios.

If you have diabetes or know someone who does, refer them to this article so they can learn how the transmitter and sensor may allow them to live better with diabetes.

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