My Diabetes May Vary

Variations are inevitable and frustrating. 

Following treatment for cancer, I started medications as part of recovery including an emotional health medication. They seem to help. But the emotional health drug has a side effect - it bumps up my glucose levels. This feeds a feeling of fasting glucose frustration.

My go-to response is to try "to eat better." But when I don't see immediate results, the myth that I can control the rat bastard with diet, makes me feel a temptation to just eat less, to produce less glucose. The risk (and some days the reality) then becomes to eat less AND worse.

I aggravate everything doing that. It is a losing proposition.

So type 2 diabetes becomes more front of mind. I am checking glucose more. (Boy, I would love a sensor that filled in the gaps in my glucose profile. Come on Libre)

I think on balance the numbers are OK-ish. But they show that type 2 diabetes doesn't play well with others health issues, including emotional health.

As it changes, it demands additional adjustments. I know that is the deal. Knowing it doesn't make it less frustrating.


Type 2 is inevitably frustrating.


MDMV

CMS Ruling on CGM

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has concluded that Continuous Glucose Monitor Systems can be covered as durable medical equipment.* Specifically, those with an FDA label for the purpose of adjusting the treatment diabetes.

In practical terms currently, means the Dexcom G5. The CMS finding also established criteria for coverage that is an innovation target for other devices to achieve. Codes and coverage still need to be worked out. Still, this is great news. As one piece on the ruling observed. "Nearly 25% of patients with type I diabetes fall under Medicare."

A lot of effort, by many, contributed to this success. The industry has maintained a rapid pace of innovation. FDA has responded with timely reviews of CGM applications, most recently with a non-adjunctive label for the G5. A majority of both houses of Congress supported legislation in the last Congress supporting coverage. Courts ruled in individual cases for coverage. We, the people with diabetes, advocated in every avenue open to us to ask for coverage.

Positive diabetes health news is great. Savor this.


*You read the CMS Ruling at https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Rulings/Downloads/CMS1682R.pdf