Dexcom

[Munrojs]

Hello,

We are walking the Camino Frances west from Pamplona to Sahagun, then traveling to Sarria to complete the last 100k to Santiago

I’m a Type 1 Diabetic on an insulin pump and using DEXCOM continuous glucose monitoring device to manage glucose in conjunction with the pump. Despite scrupulous planning ( I brought 5 extra CGM devices, in addition to the one I was wearing when we started- FYI each device should last 10 days) I suffered 3 sensor failures in Nájera, leaving me with one back up and praying that it, too, won’t fail.

I have back up finger stick glucose device.

Any other T1Ds out there who could loan me a G6 or 7 DEXCOM sensor?

Currently in Tardajos headed to Castrojeriz.

Thanks so much and Buen Camino!

 

[Antnix1]

Asking out of curiousity, does the pump administer automatically from the monitor's readings?

Can you administer manually if you measure manually using the finger prick method?

 

[MinaKamina]

DEXCOM G7 sensor is available on line in Spain.
First place to ask would be a farmacia.

 

[Munrojs]

Thanks. Was advised a prescription was needed for this in Spain. Now see that it is available on line with delivery in 2 weeks. Sort of a logistical problem since I’m walking. I do not see that device is available at a brick and mortar pharmacy.

Yes, pump adjusts insulin flow based on blood glucose levels. Pump supplies both basal insulin rate- small, hourly infusion, and dosage for carbohydrates consumed. Higher glucose, pump adjusts up. Low glucose, pump diminishes basal rate.

Thanks,

Jim

 

[Tincatinker]

Spanish farmacias are versatile and authoritative. It’ll be worth your while to approach one in one of the larger towns and pose your question. If what you need is available on-line in Spain it is certainly available via a farmacia even if you have to wait a day or two that’s got to be better than waiting a fortnight

Buena suerte

 

[J Willhaus]

Thanks. Was advised a prescription was needed for this in Spain. Now see that it is available on line with delivery in 2 weeks. Sort of a logistical problem since I’m walking. I do not see that device is available at a brick and mortar pharmacy.

Yes, pump adjusts insulin flow based on blood glucose levels. Pump supplies both basal insulin rate- small, hourly infusion, and dosage for carbohydrates consumed. Higher glucose, pump adjusts up. Low glucose, pump diminishes basal rate.

Thanks,

Jim

Do you have travel insurance? If so you may be able to call and see if they can help you locate a provider and/or supplies. I think you do have to have a prescription from a Spanish doctor, but they may be able to identify who you could see.

 

[MinaKamina]

Thanks. Was advised a prescription was needed for this in Spain. Now see that it is available on line with delivery in 2 weeks. Sort of a logistical problem since I’m walking. I do not see that device is available at a brick and mortar pharmacy.

I don't know where you get your information. Delivery can be done within 24 / 48 hrs.
If you are still able to continue walking once your last patch runs out, what exactly is your problem?

 

[Munrojs]

Well, device has had a 50% failure rate and I have one 10 day device left to last 20 days before I return home. It gives me concern

 

[MinaKamina]

Well, device has had a 50% failure rate and I have one 10 day device left to last 20 days before I return home. It gives me concern

of course it gives you concern. if you could walk 2 weeks without medication, what would the problem be? but you probably can't. so what is your plan B, what are you going to do if the last device fails as well?

you can order one here:

https://diabetika.es/es/sensores/2926-play-keto-mini-panecillos--8009991490.html

I would do the following if it was up to me: go to a farmacia that is part of a chain. explain the problem, use google translate if you have to. let them arrange that the order will be delivered to a partner farmacia a few walking days down the road. or else, arrange for whatever you used to do before this device was available and have your doctor back home mail you an international prescription.

good luck and good health to you!

 

[Antnix1]

of course it gives you concern. if you could walk 2 weeks without medication, what would the problem be? but you probably can't. so what is your plan B, what are you going to do if the last device fails as well?

Op said they "have back up finger stick glucose device"

 

[Munrojs]

Finally in Leon. My last DEXCOM G7 failed a few minutes ago.

FYI for anyone with similar problems in future:

- Pharmacists in towns along the way were of no help and referred me to medico

- Medico of no help as this is specialty care and often coordinated through hospitals in urban centers for insured Europeans.

- DEXCOM España phone number for technical support, +34 900 42 32 92 , is not accessible with my US phone. Hotel desk tells me it is a special number??

-DEXCOM España email supprot promised technical support would call 7 days ago (with weekend and holiday thrown in). Technical support never called.

-Hotel in Leon was able to give me a phone to use. 45 minutes later I had secured G7 to be shipped ahead to Casa Ivar.

Plan is to do finger sticks, avoid carbs (bread, hard to do since it comes with every meal) and continue Camino from Sarria.

Thanks for all your help

 

[J Willhaus]

Glad you are at least able to get something shipped to Ivar. Thanks for sharing your process. I am sure it will help someone else in the future. I know we are always stressing about our various injectable medications and CPAP stuff, especially for long trip.