[Diabetes] General Chat and Support Thread

OMG . What an ignorant person you had to deal with . Well done for staying calm and not giving her any ammunition

Hey just on this, I have been on the G6 for 12 months 2 weeks ago I went to change the sensor and the app said needed to change the transmitter, anyway checked everywhere couldn't find one, normally Dexcom sent a replacement ever 3 months, so I rang them to say I didn't receive mine and they said the reason I had not was because funding had not been sent through from the clinic I attend. I then spoke with my diabetic nurse who said that they have to approve funding for the transmitter and she would get it sent through, that's when I asked about going on the G7. So I would speak with your diabetic nurse and perhaps they can send through funding to Dexcom for your G6 Transmitter or move you to G7.

@banie01 G7 is part of the LTI approved list according to a message.i got from my clinic.

You can ask for the G7 and mention you heard that the diabetic clinics are starting to send out scripts for them. They should understand you are funding the transmitter and Would prefer the all in one solution of the G7. They will ask if you have a compatible phone so double check that although the app I linked to above has an option for G7, although I'm still waiting for my G7 script so haven't tested it yet.

Best of luck with asking the clinic, you could drop them an email as well and get the consultants approval.

are you diabetic? if so it is covered under the LTI scheme, the same as everything else required to manage that illness.

I stayed off the painkillers for all of today and tried another sensor, it failed like the previous two. The painkillers may not have been the actual issue.

Yeah, I have my doubts given that I have used paracetamol in the past with my G6 and it didn't fail. One of my doctors said she didn't know of any reason it would stop the sensors but couldn't say for sure. Going back to test strips is an absolute pita and I'm not covered at all for hypos and seizures.

Entirely a personal experience, but I haven't seen anything else on the G7, but the G6 was more reliable. Even then, the reliability of CGM sensors is generally bad compared to any other product I can think of.

Wear a jumper with holes in it and walk with a bit of a limp, subtle manipulation. Failing that just remind them that the NHS is giving them to everyone and that can't be allowed to stand uncontested.

Bit of a moan post and feel free everyone to ignore it. I really am just venting.

I had my Endo appt yesterday, went well prepared with a a printout from tidepool and some other bits.

I went looking for 2 things. 1, a transmitter script to go with the sensors they'd prescribed for me last December. 2. Some degree of holistic care or advice regarding a neurological/neuropathic issue that has really destroyed my QOL due to no-one wanting to prescribe high dose NSAID or steroid therapy outside of Hospital without my being on a CGM.

Due to current cocktail of meds I've no confidence in my hypo-awareness. That's before I even broach the opiates that I am on. Everything in my day for the past 3.5yrs has had to be planned around how long I am going to be upright and how much I can do to abate that without topping up meds. I suppose I am lucky insofar as the maintenance meds do take the edge off and that opiates do work when needed. What should be noted at this point? Is that the registrar didn't have my notes available. Yes results up on the system but no clinical notes.

That said, Urologist and Vascular surgeons are happy to let the issue persists until there is risk to function. That's despite me having seen various specialists privately. The one constant in all the opinions is that as 1st line treatment is NSAID and Steroids where appropriate. That they are contra-indicated by diabetes that it's put up with pain unless/until an endo decides otherwise.

I laid all this out yesterday to a registrar who listened, went to talk to the Specialist who sent the sensor script last year, and then came back to say as I was GAD -, I wasn't entitled to a Dexcom. Folks, she prescribed the sensors last year, but not the transmitter 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♀️

My control is still fairly tight, a touch over 7 but I am basically immobile. I've been self funding the G6 transmitter for the past year at @ €220 per quarter. It's not a huge cost but with the price of everything else rising so quickly this year? It's one that has to be put on the back burner for a while.

The registrar,made it fairly clear that if I have a marked decline in control? That a reassessment will be made. Then marked me in for a 12 month review.

I'm rapidly approaching the end of my tether with pain issues and I don't know how to knock heads together out there at this point. I may write a letter to the Endo or I may just roll into a ball neck an Oxy and see what tomorrow brings while I rock myself in pain.

On a cheerier note, Merry Christmas and may the pancreas god be good to ye all this holiday season.

Everyone should automatically be getting a sensor. They should be handing the things out on diagnosis. The long-term benefits are worth it. If the NHS has figured this out so can our lot. If this doesn't happen I suspect a lot more people will be telling their consultant they're losing hypo awareness.

Clinic times have certainly slipped since Covid I should have had my 12 month checkup last September but as of yet haven't been called. Just seems to be the way things are gone in the heath service

I got mine (in Meath) early this time, wouldn't have been due for another few months. Actually had to cancel because it landed the same day as an appointment in Dublin.

thanks for that great info cram , some good info there , she started me on 500mg Metformin twice a day , bloods taken once a month using a HbA1c test  , said no need for BG monitor at the moment but I might get one anyway for peace of mind

You're very lucky to have that. If i make a GP appointment the odds are that the GP will be one I have never met before. It is a big practice with a lot of turnover.

This is another thing that I've honestly never encountered even during the peak of lock down. I'd ring up to ask for an appt, then it would be a call back by one of the GPs for phone triage and an appt next day if needed.

Now my practice has 3 doctors, 2 nurses and 12k patients so it isn't like they're quiet. I know lots of people are still struggling to find a GP let alone get an appt with one. So I know how lucky I am regarding mine but, I do wonder how much of the pressure on GPs is down to GP practices procedures rather than demand pressure?

A couple of months ago I posted on here that the Dexcom G7 was available and prescriptions were being issued.

I couldn't find the GMS number nor could I find it on the LTI core list F as the last update was Feb 22.

Anyway, I managed to find the GMS info for it today and just in case anyone else is after this info 😉 it's Dexcom G7 CGM Sensor STP-GT-002 1 (A) 75.00 and the GMS number is 97631

It's covered for those eligible via HSE Primary Care reimbursement service. The February list is attached.

There are prescribing guidelines for test strips for non-insulin dependent diabetics that limit the number of test strips you can have via the LTI scheme.

If you aren't on insulin, but are on Metformin, Glp1 and other similar meds? The limit is 50 strips per month. More info on the prescription limits for test strips in the link at the end.

You also have the added complications of intestinal issues. That could well have an effect on your glucose absorption and how you approach your control.

It's important for you to have a meter to get a grip on what foods spike your BG and how best to control it.

I don't see why your GP wouldn't at least prescribe the meter. A lot of focus is placed on the Hba1c as the best baseline for monitoring control. It is a very important number, but if you can get a patient engaged in monitoring their own number and motivated in their control? It will lead to better outcomes long term.

If you have any problem getting a meter? Drop me a PM and I'll send you on one of my spares and a fresh tub of strips. I have a one touch verio flex that you can have if stuck.