Dear Diabetes Health, after seeing your Web TV show where Scott King went on the Dexcom device for the first time, I have several questions.

Recently I went low in the middle of the night while sleeping. Luckily my husband realized it and helped me out. If I had had this device, would it have let me know I was starting to go low?

I showed my doctor the Dexcom device in your magazine and he said if I wanted it he would write the prescription. I would like to get the device very much, but I am not sure I can afford it and on-going sensors right now.

How much does the device cost? The Dexcom website lists it for $800. Does insurance cover this?

Leslie Stillman

Dexcom Responds:

At this point, some insurance plans are paying for the Dexcom CGM device.

Individuals will need to speak with their doctors and health plan to determine a process for securing reimbursement for the Dexcom system. In most cases, a claim can be submitted to your insurance after purchase of the device, which will include the original prescription, invoice for the purchase and letter of medical necessity from your doctor outlining the clinical indications for the use of continuous glucose monitoring to help improve glucose control and help better manage your disease. This claim will be reviewed by the individual's insurance company and a coverage decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.

The list price is $800, but the system is currently on promotion, priced at $450. The Dexcom sensors are sold in a four-pack and are priced at $240/box ($60 each sensor) The monthly on-going cost for continual use is $240/month (about $8.50/day). However, many people choose to wear the Dexcom sensor intermittently based on what their budget allows (for example, using two sensors per month would cost $120/month). Studies have shown even intermittent use can lend to improvement in glycemic control and reduction in A1c (Deiss et al, Diabetes Care, December, 2006).

The Dexcom sensors are FDA-approved for up to seven days of continual use. After seven days, you will need to insert a new sensor. The sensors are intended for home use, therefore individual patients insert the sensors themselves by using the sensor applicator that comes with each sensor.

Keri Weindel, MS, RD, CDE
Territory Manager, Northern California
Dexcom Inc.
San Diego, Calif.
www.dexcom.com