Eversense Implantable CGM Review

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 this 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.

Right now, you can get the Eversense CGM for as little as $99* (plus the cost of the sensor placement by a healthcare provider) by using the Eversense Bridge Program.

The Eversense Bridge Program is a patient access program designed to help patients who want to be on Eversense therapy but are experiencing challenges, such as high out of pocket costs.

To learn more, please visit https://www.eversensediabetes.com/patient-bridge

*Rules and restrictions apply.

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