If you've been using a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor for some time, you probably know that you can get more than 7 days out of each sensor.

I blogged about some recent research that shows a Dexcom sensor is still accurate at 10 days. I expect to see more research like this to support an application to the FDA by Dexcom for 10-day use of the sensor. I'll also bet that if this happens the price of the sensors will go up once again.

Are you using a Dexcom CGM? How long are you usually getting out of each sensor?

I currently have at least 4 blog locations.

Here on DiabetesFriends.

One over on TuDiabetes.

My original diabetes technology blog.

My newest blog location is on the DiabetesDaily.com site. I started blogging there within the last two weeks.

I really can't add blog entries to all these different sites. So you expect to see most of my posts at the last two sites.

If you're feeling a little low right now and need a boost, read my latest post about blessings.

Currently there are two approved CGMS (Continuous Glucose Monitoring System), Minimed and Dexcom.

Each of these work in a similar way. You wear a sensor and transmitter. The sensor is 'injected' into you, it's really like a slim piece of wire. In this picture you can see what the Dexcom sensor looks like when it's removed.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bernfarr/446694785/" title="Picture of a Dexcom sensor, transmitter and receiver"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/236/446694785_37ae694504_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Used Dexcom sensor" /></a>

The Minimed sensor officially last for three days, and the Dexcom sensor for seven days. But there are ways to reset the sensor and get extra time out of it.

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The readings from the sensor are transmitted to a receiver. In the Dexcom this is a separate item that you carry around. The Minimed has the receiver inside the insulin pump. I don't have any experience with the Minimed system, but I know several people who love it.

Currently it's hard to get insurance coverage for these systems, but it is possible. And it's expected that insurance coverage will get easier in the next year or two.

Are these worth having? Definitely! I call it my secret super power. Since getting my Dexcom about a year ago my control has improved a lot. And I don't have as many lows as I used to.

Although I really like the technology, there are times when it makes me mad. Like when the alarm wakes me in the middle of the night (sometimes several times) saying I'm low, but actually my blood sugar is 90 mg/dL. Or the fact that right now the Dexcom only works with the OneTouch Ultra blood glucose monitor. But I still wouldn't give it up.

Check my blog to learn more about the Dexcom.

Note: I own some shares in Dexcom, but I try not to let this influence what I say about the device.

There's a lot of information about all types of diabetes on line these days.

Last year, when I was writing for my blog I had a trouble looking up definitions and information about diabetes. Then I learned about Google's custom search engines.

I used this facility to create a diabetes search engine. Right now it looks at over 850 sites and blogs that are all about diabetes.

As I find out about new blogs and sites related to diabetes, I have a look at them to make sure they're not bogus and then I add them to the list of sites to search through.

You'll notice the search engine has advertisements. Since I can't turn them off I decided to put the money raised to good use.

Over the last two years I've raised about $19,000 to support Dr. Denise Faustman's research into a type 1 cure. So I use whatever money I get from Google for the search engine ads to support this research.

Try the diabetes search engine out and let me know what you think. I'm always looking for new sites to add.

You can get some idea of the latest sites added from the Google homepage for this engine.

I've posted a review of the SymlinPen on my blog together with some photos.

Here's what it looks like in comparison to a ballpoint pen. A good deal bigger, but still easier to carry around than a vial and syringe.



More details at my blog post.