26? That can’t be right. Oh, okay. 35. That’s much better?
The real bummer isn’t that I my blood glucose dropped to 26 mg/dL.
The real bummer isn’t that the immediate follow up test was 35. Prompting the dilemma of uncertainty regarding which number I should use to calibrate my Dexcom.
There is a small window of opportunity above your triceps and below your shoulder that your Dexcom sensor can appropriately reside. If you aim too low, your arm will let you know with a constant “pinch” whenever you move your arm in any direction. It’s not comfortable. You’ll also know that you missed the mark because your receiver will display one of the following graphs over a 12-hour period:
I skipped documenting each step, but I think you get the idea
Previously on A Consequence of Hypoglycemia:
First things first, the transmitter. By Odin’s Beard, this thing is huge.
Now for a dose of context:
G4 on the left. Seven Plus on the right.
When you hear people talk about the size of the G4 (pictured left) transmitter compared to the Seven Plus (pictured right), I think it’s important to put things in proper context and understand what we’re talking about.
2 pennies. That’s what this is about.
Question: At what point does my desire to get another day out of an expiring Dexcom sensor do more harm than good?
Ugly. Ugly Data
When I started on Dexcom’s G4, I lowered my high alarm from 180 mg/dL to 160 mg/dL. While it’s been a small journey trying to adjust to the increased frequency of alarms, I think I’m finally starting to notice a positive trend.
Not perfect, but better.
When I get it right, my time spent above 160 is not significant over a 24-hour period. Of course this statement comes with the huge “IF”, because I have had many adventures into the upper 200s for hours on end, but I’m here to focus on the good side of blood glucose control. So let’s stay positive here.
Color really makes all the difference with this thing
But what happens when you don’t trust your ability to avoid overtreating a low? You tow the line.
A Consequence of Hypoglycemia. 