I need a way to prevent low blood sugars. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) will only be useful if it can notify my family when my blood sugar drops. Can the Dexcom G5 continuous glucose monitor prevent low blood sugars?
My name is Curtis McCoy. I’m a Type-1 Insulin-dependent diabetic, diagnosed in 1984. I’ve always worked very hard to manage my diabetes. I eat healthy foods, practice portion control and maintain an active lifestyle. I’ve never tried a cigarette. I walk daily and take vitamins. Most people see me as a very healthy person. I look like the, “picture of health” until I pass out in public or have a seizure due to low blood sugars.
Throughout high-school, I was extremely athletic, playing varsity football, swimming a lot, and running over 6 miles per day most days of the week. I was on the school wrestling team and competed all over Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska & Nevada in wrestling tournaments. I used one of the original Medtronic MiniMed insulin pumps throughout high-school and some of college, (before continuous glucose monitors were available).
I’ve never been one to party all night or risk my health for a good time but no matter how hard I try, I seem to have problems managing my blood sugar levels. I’m what’s called a very brittle diabetic.
Can the Dexcom G5 CGM prevent low blood sugars?
My family is extremely excited for the Dexcom G5 continuous glucose monitor because it will give me the ability to manage my blood sugars better. I’m excited because of the ability for the Dexcom CGM continuous glucose monitor to alert them when my blood sugar gets too low.
My entire life, I’ve struggled to keep from losing jobs, friends and relationships due to diabetes. People seem to get nervous when you have a seizure and if you’ve been dating someone for a few months, low blood sugars can be very tough on a relationship. I’m excited to get the Dexcom G5 continuous glucose monitor in order to connect it to my phone. The ability for it to notify my family when my blood sugar is dropping will be a game changer!
I’m excited to see how much I can reduce my hemoglobin A1c after I start using the Dexcom G5. I know that a lower hemoglobin A1c will prevent diabetes complications and the Dexcom G5 should help me lower my hemoglobin A1c safely.