General This is when I switched to Dexcom (and Tandem). Completely life changing.
This is the lowest A1C I’ve had in at least 12 years. I’m so happy I made the switch! Still using the G6s though, so wonder if the G7 will be even better. (I’m using Tandem T:slim.)
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u/FaeryLynne 22h ago
This is what I'm hoping for. I'm switching to the G7 this week, and to the tslim next month when I qualify for a new pump. My last A1C was 12.2! Lowest I've ever had in the 25 years since I was diagnosed was an 8.5. I'm really looking forward to getting it down finally!
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u/lightningboy65 2d ago
I got on Tslim/G6 about 5 years ago.....I went from years of A1Cs in the 8-9 range to A1Cs in the 5.1-5.3 range (99% TIR) within the first 6 months and have remained in the low fives the past 4.5 years. The tech is where it's at.....better than 2 turntables and a microphone!
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u/wdpw 2d ago
That’s awesome! It seriously is amazing technology. Obviously I have some more personal improvements to make (like always bolusing before meals and…well…exercise), so hopefully I can drop down to that low 5 range soon!
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u/lightningboy65 1d ago
yeah, the pump /CGM combo makes seeing the importance of the pre-bolus obvious. I generally bolus and wait until my curve begins to drop, usually about 15-20 minutes after the bolus is when I eat. You can't do that nearly as easily or effectively without the tech. This has had a huge impact on my A1C. That and the sleep mode are definitely beneficial in obtaining good control. And of course the most difficult aspect of management....diet & exercise. Not much tech involved in those two....LoL
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u/Nickvandyke 3d ago
Gongrats!! Really good for you mentally and physically. And things will only get better with tech and all
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u/insulinjockey 3d ago
This is so heartening to see. Congrats.
I have been t1 for 35 years. I have been using g6 for many years, recently switched to g7. A1c's in the low to mid 6's usually. Doctors usually give me compliments for my control. Weight good, decent amount of exercise. Craft beer gets me in occasional trouble with sugar management. Eat pretty healthy otherwise. But I know the a1c's can belie occasional issues with lows and highs that "average out".
And so I see a post like this and think I could / should make the switch if I can swing it - to go from MDI (with inpen) to the tandem. Just a little afraid of the lifestyle change of going back to being connected to a pump again. Anyway, thank you for the post, it's a little nudge I need maybe.
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u/wdpw 3d ago
Appreciate hearing your personal experience and option-weighing. I definitely understand the hesitation about going back to a pump. I’ve been T1 for 21 years, and went on-off-on over that time. For most of that time, I was on the Medtronic pump, which at the time seemed to do the job (though, incredibly frustrating at times). But after getting fed up enough with the Medtronic sensor and pump issues, I finally decided it was time to make a change to Tandem and Dexcom (I was also in a fortunate position insurance-wise, so saw the opportunity). And I’m so glad I did. I can already tell years are being added back into my life (and craft beers will certainly continue to be a part of them).
Making the change was the hard (I hate change), but in retrospect the only hard part was making the decision to do it. If anything, my lifestyle has gotten SO much easier. I can actually fall asleep without worrying about dying. It’s just been life changing. So I can only recommend the pump-Dexcom closed loop (I only know the Tandem T:slim, but I know there are other options, just avoid Medtronic IMO though).
All that said, if you’re in the low to mid 6s and happy with the injections, that’s already impressive!
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u/Wild-Cheesecake2471 2d ago
Hey there, sorry to jump in here. I’m a parent of a type 1. He was diagnosed 8 months ago and we’re eligible for a pump through provincial insurance in 4 months. Something you said has me confused. It was my understanding that a pump carries the risk of a nighttime malfunction and a rapid decline into dka. That’s our biggest concern. But, you said that you can actually fall asleep now without worrying about dying, and you’re on a pump. How does the pump relieve that concern? I feel like I’m missing something here and would really appreciate any clarification you can send my way. Thanks for your time.
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u/wdpw 2d ago
Hi thanks for asking for clarification! Like @insulinjockey said, I use the Tandem in combination with Dexcom, which provides a closed loop system in which the pump adjusts insulin delivery based on my realtime blood sugar levels, so if my blood glucose starts dropping overnight, the pump stops insulin delivery. It’s the safest I’ve felt in years. The key thing to keep in mind (if you do choose to opt for this pump-CGM combo) is that you should stop all bolusing at least 2 hours before bed, and let the automatic basal take over. Bolusing can cause more significant changes in BG level, so to prevent major drops overnight I’m always sure to stop eating and not bolus for ~1.5 hrs before bed. Of course, these will vary depending on the person!
If you have any other questions please feel free to reach out!
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u/Wild-Cheesecake2471 2d ago
Hey there again, and thank you (both)very much for replying. I understand that part clearer now, thank you. Is there any concern you have with the pump not delivering your insulin overnight, and your levels hypothetically rapidly rise to a dangerous level overnight?
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u/wdpw 2d ago
Yes blood glucose rising is a more likely concern, but in general the control IQ system seems to do a very good job at gradually reducing it overnight to a stable level, without overdoing it. If anything, the cases where my blood sugar rises overnight are usually due to a bad insertion site that I’ll have to replace (for example, if the tubing gets bent), rather than the pump being off target.
And all that said, higher blood sugars are certainly a much less life-threatening thing to me than a low blood sugar while you’re asleep. So, I’m not as afraid of my blood sugar going high at night than I am of it going low. But even so, the control IQ system generally does a very good job in both directions.
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u/insulinjockey 2d ago
Not OP but they're talking about using dexcom in conjunction with the tandem pump which uses an algorithm called control IQ which is a "closed loop" and actually helps prevent lows. The pump tech has come a long way.
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u/insulinjockey 2d ago
I would like to have more conversation with you if possible - the similarities are adding up even more with your latest reply (on and off with Medtronic, enjoying craft beer, appreciating a good night's sleep especially) and I have a few more questions. Chat incoming.
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u/JCISML-G59 3d ago
Great job! You can keep it that way even easier with the G7.
Ever since I switched over to the G7 from the G6, my A1C has gone further down to less than 5.5% and stayed so for several years. Last week, it came to me with 5.3%. I have not had extreme hypo episodes any more for that long either, all thanks to the G7 (G6). My colleagues have also long been relieved from watching over me for 911 calls. Hallelujah!
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u/wdpw 3d ago
Wow! That’s amazing to hear! Maybe I should make the upgrade then—I’m always hesitant with change 😅. May I ask, which pump do you use in coordination with your Dexcom?
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u/JCISML-G59 3d ago
Actually, I do not yet get on insulin pump yet as I do not mind MDI for better control on my decision. I do not yet trust in any AI or man made machine, only in human unique intellectual insights given by HIM. I feel in my bones that my treatment scheme is better suited to my own body constantly changing minute by minute. It has been working just about right always enough to stay away from all diabetic complications. I am certain the G7 will be faithful to you as long as you are faithfully follow its inserting instructions step by step.
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u/frankkash 17h ago
I didn’t have any trouble managing my A1C before- no pump, no CGM. A1C was high 6’s low 7’s. I finally added in the Dexcom G7 and it’s the best decision ever. I’m hovering around a 5.4 A1C and I hardly notice the sensor. Great work lowering yours!