It has been nearly three months since I had my Eversense CGM insertion.
I first heard about the system at the ATTD conference in Paris and was instantly fascinated by the duration of the sensor (90 days), 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)
- 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
UPDATE: The Eversense CGM was just approved by the FDA in the US. You can contact them through their website to learn more and find out if it’s available in your state/city.
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 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 diva 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 more than 2 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 here.
Suggested next post: Detailed Review of the MiniMed 670G from Medtronic
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Hi Christel,
My BG goes low at night, even with regular bedtime snacks. I’ve bottomed out too often from lows. Would the vibration be strong enough to wake me?
First: Not sure if the vibration would be enough for you. I think for me it would, but you’d have to hold one and make that assessment.
Second: If I were you I would not accept regular nightly lows! It sounds like you have too much basal going if you rarely get through the night, and that’s something you can change. I hope you’ll at least discuss a change or different basal rates depending on your activity with your doctor.
I wear the Dexcom G6 CGM. I like the settings on it and I can choose the volume of the alarms. I have the volume on high for my low alarm and it is really loud. It wakes everyone in the house!
Thanks for all of the information Anna. Glad to hear you like the Senseonics CGM.
For me, I just don’t get the appeal. Please keep in mind when reading this comment I’m a HUGE proponent of new technology to treat my T1 Diabetes (over 20 years since diagnosis). I was the first to use Afrezza in my Endo’s office of thousands of patients. I wear Dexcom CGM and use Omnipod pump.
I get 20+ days out of every Dexcom sensor I use. 90 days and having to get it implanted at a doctor’s office just doesn’t appeal to me. That’s 4x a year you need to go to a doctor to get this implanted. What happens when a sensor fails? Another trip to doctor. What happens when the site gets infected? Another trip to doctor. The transmitter looks huge compared to Dexcom’s transmitter. I already wear my Omnipods on my arms so if I have something implanted on an arm what’s the radius of space you would need to avoid with the implanted sensor?
These are just a few questions/concerns that I have. I recognize that new diabetes tech does not need to be one size fits all. Good luck to those who have it already and those who are going to give it a try. Choices in monitoring and treatment are wonderful to have.
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the note (this is a repost so Anna doesn’t reply). After meeting with the Senseonics team I at ADA I was actually really impressed. BUT my sensors don’t last me 20+ days and my skin starts to get irritated after a week of wearing the adhesive. So I get where you’re coming from given your current use and the possible complications. It has been approved for 6-month use in Europe, so I think that will be the big game changer when they get 6-month approval here in the states.
And I really agree with your final note, a variety of choices is key and none will fit all.
Christel
Thanks Christel!!!
180 is still iffy for me – 365 would be very appealing. Hopefully the tech continues to improve and I will be keeping an eye on user experience as well.
Mike – I don’t know how you get 20+ days from a sensor. I wear the Dexcom G6 and get 10 days of use. On the 10th day, it gives me 6 hours warning before it shuts itself off. I try to change my sensor within a few minutes of the expiration so I can get the full 10 days use from it. There’s no way to make a sensor last longer.
You can restart it to go another week
Can we guess why it is approved for 6 month use in Europe and only 90 days in the US. My guess is the manufacturer was required to in Europe but has no intention for at least several years of applying for 6 month durationin the US.
I appreciate Anna’s update but I am surprised that at the introduction in Paris no one asked about cost whether in the US or Europe.. Many T1D are still fighting their insurance companies for adequate supplies so cost is an issue and many of us are accustomed to paying out of pocket I think we all know it will be substanially more in the US
When I talked to the company they said they had to get the approval in sequences and that the 6-month for the USA is in the pipeline. The FDA does have different requirements than EU. As for the price, I was informed that it’s on par with other CGM systems. For more updated details see my coverage of the American Diabetes Associations 2018 Scientific Sessions (HERE)
Can anyone say what the cost is – without insurance? In any country?
It probably depends a lot on where you are. I would suggest contacting Senseonics directly and asking. They are very keen to get people to try the Eversense right now so they will definitely do what they can to help.
I’m on my first day with it and so far so good. Being able to see glucose levels in real time is going to be so useful in managing diabetes.
The insertion procedure was painless and the set up was fairly easy.
If anyone gets the chance to have one of these go for it.
Having it buzzing on my arm when it’s calibration time was a bit strange but I’ll get used to it. I’m doing this as a medical trial in the UK.
Thanks for letting us know Mick, and please keep us updated
I am concerned about infection risk, scar tissue, an scarring. Not much real property on the arms,,so after a few implants, where to?
That’s a good question and one I don’t know the answer to. I’m sure they’ll have to do a lot of testing to answer those questions before it gets approved for mainstream use
The technology sounds great! I am interested in trying it when it gets to the states. I do have initial questions/concerns. I would think the market will look at a 10 minute surgical procedure as a drawback. How big is the incision? Replacing it every 90 days on the back of your arm do you run out of room because of scar tissue? Do they have to suture the incision closed?
Hi Sean,
I’d agree that some might find the 10-min procedure as a barrier. If the medical professional gets paid for it, I’m sure they don’t mind.
This was a guest post so I don’t have more information than what was in the post
This is great news! So grateful for this technology, the developers and those investing in it!
So, what happens after the 90 days? They go back in and remove it? And, add another one?
My impression is that they will need to replace it
What is the cost of the CGM system
It’s not out in the US yet so we don’t know what the cost will be here. It’s also different from country to country and depends on your insurance.
My son participated in a trial in Canada and he really liked it to. We can’t wait for it to come to Canada.
Oh great, thank you for that addition
My daughter was supposed to be part of that trial too, but we couldnt do it. Didn’t the sensor they tested in Canada last 6 months? THat is what I remember about it. Was removal and re-insertion in the same spot?
Hi Lea,
The sensor is already approved for 6-month wear outside the US. For now, until they get that approval, it’s 3 months in the US. The Senseonics team told me that the insertion switches from arm to arm and it’s up to the physician whether they’ll reuse a spot.