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← Return to CGM vs Finger Stick
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Hi @cehunt57! Sure thing. I sometimes find that my sensor is off by a good bit at start up or when it seems off from the way I feel. So, sometimes when you try to make too much of a change, the sensor can error. To avoid this, I make smaller changes. For example, if my sensor says I am 80 but a finger stick says 120, I will calibrate at 100:
120-80=40
40/2=20
80+20=100
I'll check again in a few hours and adjust as needed. Sometimes the small adjustment dials it and both are really close now. It's helped me a bunch. It seems the G7 takes a calibration "under advisement" until it registers and you can sneak up on it by making smaller changes.
Replies to "Hi @cehunt57! Sure thing. I sometimes find that my sensor is off by a good bit..."
@matt2024 thank you! I am using a Dexcom G6. I wonder if your calibrating technique will work with the G6? ( Off the record I will try nearly anything once! I did NOT just say that!)
My frustration comes from the 24 - 72 hours after a sensor change and the G6 seems prone to alarm low but a finger stick is ok (sometimes more than a 100 point difference) like 37 vs 147!
Does the G7 actually show “under advisement”? WOW!
My other BIG frustration is that I’m also using an Omnipod 5 insulin pump. The Dexcom and Omnipod are supposed to be in communication. If the Dexcom is inaccurate it screws up the insulin delivery of the Omnipod pump!
Whatever, I am left with pressing on to the best of my ability. Thank you for sharing what is working for you!
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I also use the G7 connected to my Tandem t:slim pump. The one thing I’ve learned, in regard to calibration, is to calibrate when the sensor has a steady horizontal arrow for 15 minutes or so. In theory the blood and interstitial fluid will be at the same value by then. I calibrate when the G7 is outside 20% of the finger stick. Ex: If finger stick is 100, the G7 is considered in calibration if it is between 80-120. I’ll calibrate if G7 reads 79 or lower or when 121 or higher. Seems like a lot, I know but that’s the way it is. That percentage is from Dexcom and not made up my me.
Doing calibrations on rising or falling arrows is an induced confusion factor for the sensor. Giving a new sensor time to acclimate to its new home and not forcing it to “fly right” out of the box, I’ve found to get accurate readings thereafter. But again, when in doubt, do a finger stick. IMHO