Enlite! Oh... wait.

Ever since I heard about Medtronics new CGM Enlite sensor I was excited to get it. It's reportedly tiny, painless, more accurate, with an intended 7 day use. Despite the Dexcom being the favorite choice for long-wear and comfort, I've been waiting for a sensor that has all that, but continues to integrate with my pump. The FDA had been SUPER slow in getting it approved. So, finally a couple weeks ago we got the news that it is approved and immediately available! I called them to get it sent to me, but found out that you have to also have the latest pump with low threshold suspend. So, I have to wait until my warranty period is over (May 2014), before I can get the newest pump and the Enlite sensors. I guess patience is all part of the game. But, I have to say... this timeline is nothing compared to what my sister has experienced in the UK with national healthcare. She was told a couple years ago that she was on a waiting list for a pump, and then hasn't heard a peep since.

In the meantime, I'm using expired sensors because I get much more wear on one than is recommended. I get 7-10 days on a 3 day sensor. They are working just fine. I had to ask M-tronic to stop shipping me sensors (and a bunch of other stuff) till I could get caught up. I probably won't have to get anymore before the Enlites come. The good news is, I'm on a winning streak with the Sofsensors no bleeding or bruising, just moderately painful harpooning. I can live with it till at least May.

I'll take a flashy new pump with a Dexcom on the side.

After hearing that the tSlim pump would soon be available in the US market, I decided to go to their site and see what they had going on. I knew that they had updated their technology to a level that compares with other devices that we use, like iPhones, and the like. After looking over everything they had, I was pretty interested in their pump. The main things that I liked were the full-color screen, the type of info that is displayed on the home screen, and being rechargeable. But, the thing that most caught my attention was that they are working with Dexcom for sensor integration. I hope that they mean that the pump will act as a Dexcom receiver. That would be excellent.

I requested info from Tandem about their pump and also asked how soon the CGMS integration might be available. I received a reply (from a human being, no less...) and they told me that the work was, indeed, underway, and that it would be available as soon as possible. I know in FDA years that's probably still a while.

If Medtronic doesn't update too much during that time, I'll probably be jumping over to a more colorful display, well thought out design, and sensors that last longer and hurt less.

Meanwhile Medtronic is also working on patch pumps, and they already have a new sensor (also longer lasting, and less painful) going through FDA approval. If you like patch pumps, Omnipod is pretty well received and they are also rumored to be working on CGMS integration with Dexcom. I might like patch pumps, but my favorite infusion sites are places (buttocks!) where I can't discreetly wear a pod.

Anyway, I think it will be a pretty interesting year for some developments in the technology and I hope that the transition to new stuff goes smoothly for insurance, etc. You can only hope.