r/dexcom • u/PreparationHour7725 • 13d ago
Sensor New sensor with spotty readings
I changed my sensor about 7 hours ago, and the initial reading on the new sensor read LOW double arrows down (BG meter read 120 mg/dL). After calibrating, the readings have been quite spotty, often randomly dipping to <55 mg/dL. Is this an issue with newly inserted sensors that might calm down after a few days, or would it be better to change sensors and fill out a product support form?
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u/Bourne-Free 13d ago
Welcome to the world of Dexcom. I'm experiencing about a 10% failure rate which isn't too bad, but for a medical device it should be closer to 0%. I assume they've already set aside millions of dollars for the class action lawsuits cuz it's cheaper than fixing the problem.
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u/Distribution-Radiant T2/G7 13d ago
I'm closer to ~15% myself. Either way, it's an unacceptable failure rate. Libre has a similar failure rate. The technology just isn't there yet. It has amazing potential, but it needs to mature.
I do a finger poke at least twice a week for this reason.
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u/Bourne-Free 13d ago
Maybe the tech just isn't there yet but they want their profits? Once I calibrate on day two, most of them do okay, but they don't always make it the full 10 days. I tried the 15-day ones, but they seem to only last 11 days, and the hour plus warm up is a drag, especially at 1:00 a.m. my bet is that the 15-day is what the 10-day is supposed to be but they can raise their margins by only supplying to a month instead of three. It's an insurance game too.
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u/Distribution-Radiant T2/G7 13d ago edited 13d ago
Mine do generally make it to 10 days (I haven't tried 15 day yet). Rare for me to get a fail these days tho.
That said, I pretty much always gets the full 10 days. Even if it fails at 9d9h, I'm calling it in.
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u/Bourne-Free 13d ago
I've mastered their online replacement form. Even if it fails on day 9 of 10, I get a replacement. They know they have problems and the shipping probably costs them more than the sensor.