Yesterday was a busy diabetes day. In addition to just having diabetes (and believe me, that’s enough!), I attended an advocacy training program sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and there was a vote by an FDA Advisory Committee regarding the Dexcom G5.
Number #1: My Diabetes: Nothing momentous to say about my diabetes except that yep, I’ve still got it. I had a big unexpected BG spike after a restaurant salad lunch. Maybe there was hidden sugar in the salad dressing. Maybe my glass of wine decided to be a problem. Maybe it was the mid-morning peanut snack dosed with an extended bolus. Maybe it was because it was 90+ degrees outside with off-the-chart humidity even though I was comfortable inside with air conditioning. Maybe it was because it was Thursday. This is the sort of stuff that makes it a miracle that those of us dealing with Type 1 even have a modicum of sanity left in our lives.
Number #2: ADA Advocacy Training: I attended a late afternoon Advocacy Training seminar sponsored by the American Diabetes Association. I found it to be very empowering and in a moment of bravado, I signed up to be available for in-person office visits to my congressional representatives. I am a confident advocate when writing, but speaking and putting myself “out there” border on terrifying.
The ADA has a good app for advocacy and I suggest that you check it out. It provides information on national and state advocacy priorities and links to easily become involved in ADA advocacy. Search for “Diabetes Advocacy” in the app store.
Because Scott Johnson was the reason that I knew about this seminar, I can’t say that it was a surprise to run into him by the Diet Coke cooler. But it’s always a pleasure to see Scott.
Number #3: FDA and Dexcom G5: I was pleased to receive an email from Bennet Dunlap of DPAC sharing news from yesterday’s FDA Advisory Committee meeting on Dexcom G5 labeling. The panel voted 8-2 to recommend approval of a G5 labeling change to allow insulin dosing without a confirmatory BG meter test. The FDA will have to make the final approval, but it is likely that the advisory committee’s recommendation will be accepted. This change should help justify Medicare coverage for CGM’s as well as expand the use of CGM to more patient populations.
That’s it for today. Have a good weekend!
Test Guess and Go 
I’m so glad you came, Laddie! It’s always a treat to see you in person. And to have a giant Diet Coke cooler there with us was an added bonus!
I’m happy to hear that it sounds like the FDA might approve using Dexcom for dosing insulin if it will lead to Medicare coverage. In my case however much as I love the Dexcom and feel naked without it, I always check my blood sugar before dosing because sometimes there is a significant discrepancy between the two readings.
Laddie! Good news all around, other than your diabetes being a jerk. I’m glad that you’ve stepped out and are advocating for all of us. It makes me feel a bit better that I’ve stepped back a bit. Hugs to you!
Any up to date info on the freestyle lebre?
Lloyd, the only thing that I have heard is that Abbott has filed for approval of the professional version of the Libre, but not the patient model. On an unrelated topic, you told me when I last saw you that you couldn’t use Dexcom because of taking Tylenol. I recently heard an interview with a top Dexcom executive and it was mentioned that the G6 will have no contraindications for Tylenol.
Laddie: Sheryl and I attended a similar advocacy effort in Indianapolis about one month ago. It was so interesting. unfortunatley when I called my congresswoman for an appointment they were nice and put me off. A few days later, I found out why. She resigned. She was one of the late sponsors of Medicare -CGM legislation. So we lost one but have a new opportunity. Go figure.
I referred your blog to the TUDiabetes.org blog page for the week of July 18, 2016.
Rick, you probably heard the same presentation that I did because Indiana has the same ADA Advocacy Director as Minnesota. Always sorry to hear about the loss of a CGM supporter.
The Diet Coke cooler would certainly be the first place I’d look for Scott. If he wasn’t there, I’d check the ketchup dispenser next . . .
But seriously, I understand your nerves about in-office meetings because I had them myself. But you will be GREAT!!!! You are the expert about your life with diabetes and have so much important information to share. You got this!!