By Anna, Eversense user living with type 1 diabetes.
I first heard about the Eversense system at the ATTD conference in Paris and was instantly fascinated by the duration of the sensor (90 days in the US and 180 days in Europe), the insertion process as well as being able to monitor the CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) curves on my smartphone.
Although I was super nervous before I had the little surgery, I was even more excited about trying out the new system.
So here are some short facts about the Eversense System:
- Implantable sensor
- Lasts up to 90 days (under the skin) – it’s approved for 180 days in Europe
- Smartphone app with real-time tracking
- On-body vibration alerts (via the transmitter) when your blood sugar is low or high
- Chargeable, removable, water-resistant transmitter
- FDA approved for dosing decisions
You can see how the sensor and transmitter look and their relative size in the image below.
The implantation
The implantation process of the sensor took about 10 minutes. First, I had to decide where I wanted to wear my transmitter so that my doctor could find the right spot to implant the sensor. Afterward, the place was marked and disinfected.
After that, my doctor did a local anesthesia with zigzag incisions. We had to wait a few minutes until it started taking effect so that they could start doing the 5 to 8 mm incision in my upper arm. The sensor was then inserted with a custom inserter. Afterward, Steri-Strips were used to close the incision.
The sensor is usually implanted in the upper arm but you can choose other places if you prefer.
The transmitter
The Transmitter is worn over the sensor and wirelessly powers it to activate the transfer of glucose measurements.
After implanting the sensor, the transmitter starts receiving glucose data from it and calculates the glucose value, which is then sent to the Eversense App via Bluetooth. Even if you do not have your phone nearby, the sensor automatically receives the data every 5 minutes.
What I really like about the transmitter is its sleek and slim design as well as the on-body vibration alerts when your blood sugar is low or high. Those alarms are really helpful because I do not have to look on my phone to see what my blood sugar is doing at the moment.
One of the biggest challenges for me during the first two weeks after the implantation was the correct placement of the transmitter. To place the transmitter correctly over the sensor, you have to use the “Placement Guide” on the App so that you can see if the connection is good enough. However, after using the CGM system for quite a while now, placing the transmitter correctly got very easy.
Accuracy
Before I got the Eversense, I heard about how accurate it is and how it is supposed to be the most accurate system on the CGM market right now. And after testing it myself, I have to agree. I was really surprised at how precise it is.
Of course, there are times when the CGM differs a bit from what my blood glucose meter says but overall, it’s nearly perfect most of the time.
My experience
After wearing the Eversense system for several months now, I have to say, I really like it.
There are a few things that need improvements such as the transmitter’s battery capacity and the sensor duration.
What I enjoy most about the Eversense CGM is that I don’t have to think about changing the sensor weekly or having to carry around tapes, an inserter, disinfectant, and all the plastic packaging. And of course – no more ripping out the sensor (which is one of the biggest advantages for me, since I have a special talent for ripping it out whenever I’m passing a door frame.)
I also didn’t have any problems with my skin compatibility while wearing the tape on which the transmitter gets placed.
All in all, I really enjoyed using the Eversense System. Monitoring my CGM curves on my smartphone really helps me in my daily life with T1D because it makes keeping an eye on my blood sugar so much easier.
You can learn more about the Eversense implantable CGM on the Eversense website.
I have Blue Cross Blue Shield and they cover it, 100%. However, I think I’d have to cover the insertion fee every time.
Hi,
How is the removal process? I’m currently using dexcom g6 but the adhesive is eating up my skin and I’m looking into this system but I’m not crazy about getting cut open every 3 months.
You have to see your doctor every 3 months to have it removed and a new sensor inserted. They make a small cut and pull it out. You then switch between arms every 3 months
I tried eversense because of the phenomenal reviews and let me just say it did not live up to its hype. It was more stressful because of how inaccurate my readings were. I did everything by the book and my readings sometimes were right on the money and other times literally 200 units off. Which is detrimental when you have diabetes. It’s been such a frustrating experience and I can’t find any other people on the internet who have had a similar type experience. So I’m wondering if they are deleting bad reviews or something. Bc that doesn’t happen.
That does not sound like a good experience! I’ve heard some people mention that they disliked the removal process, but nothing in the lines of this extreme blood sugar reading variations. I just looked it up and there’s an “Eversense CGM Users” closed Facebook group where you might be able to find more answers from actual users
Does Insurance cover it in the United States?
It’s covered by some insurance companies at this point. It’s only been FDA approved since June 2018 so there are most likely some insurance companies that do not have it on formulary yet. You can try and contact Eversense directly to get more information
Only Aetna covers this product.
I have cigna and Carecentrix, and they are covering 80% after the deductible is met, however, I don’t have it yet.
Are you having issues with the tape. My friends comes undone on the left side of the sensor(the shorter side of tape within the day. We are caterers and he sweats alot. Do you have any suggestions. It is so new here in the States. Having hard time finding helpful advice.
Tks
Is it the Eversense tape that comes undone? That one your friend should change daily.
If it’s another sensor (such as the Dexcom) I have a whole article on how to make it stick HERE
Welcome to the states 🙂
Would this be beneficial for someone that is a HYPERINSULINEMIC HYPOGLYCEMIC?? I’ve used the Dexcom G5 in the past with OK results. Doesn’t always alert me to my rapid drops until I am well past the low 60 mark.
Hi Colleen, that would be a good question to ask Eversense directly. You can contact them on their website https://www.eversensediabetes.com/. We don’t know enough about how the Eversense handles rapid blood sugar drops to answer such an important question without hearing from the company directly.
Change your low mark to 80.