Medtronic Enlite Approved in Canada!

Yaaay! The new Medtronic Enlite was approved by Health Canada sometime earlier this month! Unfortunately their customer care team was not able to give us any more info, but hopefully ordering will be available soon. I was really hoping for dexcom approval here but this is definitely the next best thing.

The Enlite sensor is a huge improvement over the previous minilink sensor, especially the inserter:

Source: medtronic-diabetes.ie via Kylie on Pinterest

-6 day wear
-69% smaller sensor
-90 degree insertion angle
-Inserter with button and hidden needle
-26% increased accuracy in the hypo range (this is badly needed!)
(Info from the Medtronic UK site)

I will update with more details as I find them- if anyone has any info on ordering, please let me know!

Experiments

Awhile ago, at one of my endo appointments, I had mentioned that I was having some trouble with post-parandial bgs. I was having to bolus at least 30 minutes before eating to avoid crazy high spikes. And really, who knows exactly what they're going to eat a half an hour before? We talked about trying Apidra but since this was my last pediatrics appointment, they wanted to stick with what worked (well, sort of worked).

Instead, he suggested that I try putting my pump sites on my leg for awhile. I guess the idea is that when you move around after you eat, your muscles and blood move around faster in your leg, spreading the insulin faster.

Months went by and I still hadn't done it. Partially because I had forgotten, but partially, I think, because I was avoiding it. Even after living with diabetes for a long time (11 years in March!), I still don't really like needles. I deal with it, sure, but I hate having to do anything different with those needles than I usually do.

I finally broke down and tried it last week... needless to say, it was not terrible, it was fine! I actually really like wearing them on my leg, it's really comfortable and I think it actually hurts less to insert than into my stomach. I don't think it's done anything for the post-paradials but at least it's another site to rotate through. I've been putting them about 2/3 of the way up my thigh, closer to the back of the skin that sort of "sticks out" when I sit.

Since this experiment was such a success, I decided to try inserting a CGM sensor in my arm. I knew this would be hard because I would only have one of my hands to work with, but I figure it was worth a shot.

I actually got the sensor inserted (easily done with one hand) and got the inserter off by holding the sensor with my index finger and pushing the inserter up with my thumb and middle finger on the "feet" of the inserter. Problems arose when it came time to take out the needle, though- I couldn't get it out from any angle and my arm was starting to bruise (it's a HUGE needle) so I just pulled the sensor.

I'll probably try again because I'd really like to be able to wear the sensors on my arm- has anyone else had any luck with this?

In summary- Diabetes supplies:1, Kylie:1. It's on.

Cal Error

I had a test in one of my classical history courses this afternoon. The test started at noon, so I ate an early light lunch and since I had been running at about 7.0 all morning, I figured that should hold me steady until after the test. The test was only an hour long so I tested before it began, knowing that I would have my CGM on me to check during the test.

I tested and I was 9.6. A little higher than I'd like but okay since I didn't want to go low. I calibrated my CGM and sat down to write the test. Diabetes taken care of, time to focus on the ancient greeks.

Buzz, buzz, buzz.

Or not.

CAL ERROR.

Okay, fine. I entered the BG again.

Buzz, buzz, buzz.

CAL ERROR.

Well, crap. Okay, I'll be fine for the next hour, I'll just retest and calibrate afterwards.

Buzz, buzz, buzz.

BAD SENSOR.

Aren't I lucky? (For those wondering, the test went fine, and my BG did hold steady through the hour).

Except when it doesn't.

I know that I haven't been posting here regularly but my hope for the new year is that I can change that!

Okay, so you know that moment when you realize you can't find something important? Like rummaging through your purse for your keys and not finding them in the front pocket or reaching into your backpack and pulling out your pencil case instead of your meter? I'm a little bit paranoid about forgetting things, so I have these moment a lot. Usually, I'll remember that my keys are in my jacket pocket instead of my purse or that my meter is on the table in front of me. I'll start to breathe again, and the panic will subside.

Except when it doesn't.

I was at home for three weeks for Christmas. I quadruple-checked everything I packed, especially all of my D-supplies. I left back-ups at school in case I forgot anything. I even had an entire box of CGM sensors left since I had taken a CGM break over the holidays.

Fast forward to this week.

I've been off the CGM for too long, so I decide to put it back in. I do a pump infusion site change, all fine. I pull out a new sensor, an alcohol swab, an IV-3000, and... my inserter? Crap. Okay, don't panic, check the supply drawer. Check your d-travel bag. Check your suitcase? Check your desk?

Crap crap crap.

Phone call to my mom. My CGM inserter is in my other diabetes supply drawer 300km from here. And I have no way of getting it until late february.

My life is an interesting adventure.

Dex Tabs on sale?!?

If you live in Canada, I just wanted to let you know about something I discovered just this morning... All Dex4 products are on sale at Shoppers Drug Mart (at least the ones in Ontario) starting tomorrow! I was reading the flyer and definitely did a double-take. I have never, in 11 years, never ever ever seen sugar tabs on sale.

(Image is from the Shoppers flyer. I don't own anything.)

I guess I should say that I'm not associated with Shoppers or Dex4 or anything like that. I just had a moment when I saw the ad! Thought you guys might too.

Dear Medtronic.

I love your pump. I really do. But when it comes to the CGM, you guys have got to get your stuff together...

Because I live in Canada, the only CGM I can get right now is the Medtronic Mini-link. I love the data that it gives me. But seriously, the inserter? That thing is like a harpoon gun. Inserting into yourself requires 4 hands and a protractor. Not to mention that the transmitter only connects to the sensor at the front. So, although Medtronic swears you don't need protective dressing, the sensor flops around everywhere without it (enter IV3000).

All of this means that I'm pretty excited about 2 new CGMs that should be entering the market here sometime soon. The last estimate from both companies was before the new year. First, Dexcom, which seems to be the sensor of choice in the US and which I have heard great things about (and doesn't require adhesive dressing). Secondly, the new Medtronic CGM, the Enlite, with an updated inserter and a slightly better design requiring less adhesive dressing. There are a few things that I'm worried about with both of these, but I'll have to wait until I actually try them to decide. And given what the companies have "estimated" in the past, that might not be for awhile!

On another note, today is the first day of Diabetes awareness month! Only a few weeks until International Diabetes Day.

Have a great weekend!

What's in my diabetes toolkit?

As an introduction to me and this blog, I thought I'd do a post on what tools I've been using lately to help manage my diabetes. I always love reading what tools other people have liked (or hated), so I hope this is helpful to some!

Medtronic Paradigm 722 insulin pump (in purple!)

I've had this particular pump for 2 years now, but the pump that I had for 5 years before that was exactly identical. I can work this thing with my eyes closed (though that's not usually recommended!). It's my most important diabetes management tool and it's great. I'm looking forward to being able to upgrade, though, so that I'll have access to awesome features like predictive alerts.

Mio Sets

I used the QuickSets for a very long time until I discovered these. I love that they are self-contained, I can toss them in a bag, and once you pull the needle out, they're recyclable!

Humalog Insulin

There aren't that many options for fast acting insulin here (humalog, novorapid, or apidra) and this is just the one that works for me. I used Novorapid for awhile, and the results weren't great (funnily enough, my little brother can't use Humalog but does great on Novorapid). I'd like to try Apidra sometime since I've heard great things about it but for now, I'm sticking to what works for me.

Skin-prep Wipes

I also use alcohol swabs for my insulin bottle, obviously, but these clean and make your skin sticky... I hate changing my set early because it's peeling off!

One-Touch Verio IQ Meter

I started using this meter about 4 months ago and I've been loving it so far. I was using a Contour Link previously and while I miss the meter sending directly to my pump, there are so many aspects of the meter I find useful. I love the strip light, the bright, colour screen, the trend alerts, and lots of other things. I will definitely need to do a more in-depth post on this. I also love the clicker and the strips that come with this meter.

Dex-4 Tabs

While I've used lots of different things to treat my lows, these are by far the easiest and most effective. They're also practically indestructible. I love the new Tropical Fruit flavour, but I'll also buy grape, orange, or apple if that's all the pharmacy has. I absolutely refuse to eat watermelon. (If something makes me nauseous when I'm low, there's a problem- I'll eat almost anything when I'm low!)

All of this stuff... It's a good thing there's lots of storage in my residence room!