Dexcom - Like a G4

"Now I'm feelin so fly like a G6, Like a G6, Like a G6, Now I'm feelin so fly Like a G6! Poppin bottles in the ice, like a blizzard, When we drink we do it right gettin slizzard, Sippin sizzurp in my ride, like Three 6!"

So, I got my new Dexcom G4 and I absolutely LOVE IT!  Whenever I talk about it my wife always starts singing the lyrics above, but subs out G6 for G4.  Kinda because she thought that those were the actual lyrics. Hahah. I think it's hilarious!

I was able to get my new Dexcom completely covered by my insurance with a 3-month supply of sensors.  I had to get approval from a medical board at Kaiser, but since I was able to show some existing graphs with reoccurring lows from my Dexcom 7 Plus, it got approved!  My Dexcom 7 was from a prior insurance company, so this was my first request from Kaiser for a CGM, it was pretty painless and didn't take long to get approved.  

I really like the new slim form of the G4, as you see the comparison below, the Dex 7 "The Egg", was chunky and awkward.  Airport security always thought it was a phone from the 90's, now at least I look like I'm carrying something that belongs in 2013.  Also, very happy about the distance at which the G4 can read my sensor.  I would have to have my Dex 7 within five feet and if it was laying flat on a surface it wouldn't read very well.  I would have to prop up the Dex 7 on the table so it could read.  Also, with the G4, if I am sleeping on my stomach at night, it's still able to read the signal, which is something the Dex 7 wouldn't do.  The color screen is pretty cool too but the best  part is definitely the ACCURACY!

This has been the first week of wear with my new sensor and when I check my blood sugar from my tester, the numbers have matched perfectly to the Dexcom.  It has been really incredible!  The only thing I am not as stoked on is the profile of the sensor itself.  The chip is raised more off of my body and I have noticed I hit it on things easier, but not a huge concern.  The pros are well worth the minor con.  Another thing is, I went into a hottub and steam room consecutive nights, along with two days in a row of yoga and it didn't effect my readings.  I noticed with my old sensor, when I went in water for long periods of time it would throw my readings off.  Might still be the case, so I dont recommend it, but I tried it and it seem to be fine.  

Lastly, I highly recommend this to anyone that hasn't tried a continuous blood glucose monitor.  This is probably the best thing that has ever happened to my diabetes management.  You are able to see sooooo much more about what is going on with your sugars than you normally would've ever known!  I have found out highs I was having that I never knew about and I'm able to spot lows before they can happen.  It has been truly revolutionary for me.  

Since I have moved to Canada, not sure how I'm going to get sensors going forward, so if anyone has any insight, please let me know!  Just for full disclosure, I bought shares in Dexcom (NASDAQ:DXCM) a couple months ago.  It is a small amount, but I really believe in the product and thought it would be a good investment.  THIS IS BY NO MEANS A RECOMMENDATION OR FOR ANYONE TO TAKE THIS AS INVESTMENT ADVICE!