You NEED a CGM! (Who needs a Continuous Glucose Monitor)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ส.ค. 2022
- A CGM (continuous glucose monitor) can quickly tell you which foods spike your glucose levels and which foods don't. It's worth down-grading your cable-package to get one!
--Conditions that benefit from a CGM--
Diabetes (all)
Prediabetes
Hypoglycemia
Metabolic Syndrome
Gestational Diabetes
Hypertension
High Triglycerides
Overweight/Obese/Severely Obese
PCOS
others
--What to say if your doctor refuses to order it for you--
"Doctor, I hear what you saying. Will you document in my Permanent Medical Record that I have risk factors for diabetes and heart disease and I am trying to improve my diet, and I think a CGM will help me do that. And, that you refused this request to help me improve my health. And, I'd like to get a copy of my record when you have finished this documentation. Thank you."
This should work wonders...
Great Glucose Monitoring info in this Book: bit.ly/TheLabBook
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Daily Minerals: bit.ly/MineralFix (discount)
Get a CGM with prescription/order
freestyle.abbott/us-en/myfreestyle.html
Get a CGM without prescription/order
nutrisense.io
levelshealth.com
signos.com
How to Apply: • How to Apply FreeStyle...
--Research--
diabetesjournals.org/care/art...
PHD/BBB&E Tshirts/Tanks/Hoodies: ShopPHD.com
Eat REAL SALT: shop.redmond.life/?afmc=DRBERRY (discount)
---- Join me and let's optimize your health! ----
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My Website: drberry.com
Ken D Berry, MD, is a Family Physician and has been practicing Family Medicine in Tennessee for over 20 years, having seen over 25,000 patients in his career so far.
Consult your doctor. Don't use this video as medical advice.
For Collaborations please email me: support@drberry.com
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![All the Labs You Need Checked [Does Your Doctor Know?] 2024](/img/n.gif)
I asked my Doc to run an A1C and he asked me why would I want to know that. I told him I was interested in my metabolic health even if he wasn't.
Perhaps it’s time to fire him.
Wow doc, my body, my business. Give me the dang information. SMH
Should of dumped that doc, fast!
Yes. Dump the doc. Hard to believe
That's the majority of doctors. Smh
Dr. Berry, I went keto mid June after getting a pre-diabetes diagnoses from my doc. I took another blood test and visited the doctor again and she said I was no longer prediabetic! :)
that's amazing! Good for you!! :)
Stay low carb and you’ll stay out of danger. 💪🏻👍🏻🥩🍤🥓🍳🥗
If you dont mind me asking
What test did the Dr give you to determine that you were prediabetic?
@@alhavana9426 depending on your risk factors like high fasting blood glucose numbers, family history, etc your doctor will run an A1c,. Request a Homa-IR as well to determine your insulin levels.
I agree. I have type 2 DM. I asked my doctor several times for a CGM. He did not want to order it as he said insurance does not cover it unless you are on insulin. Well, I called my insurance company and they said it is covered and has no restrictions. I told my doc it is covered and so he finally ordered it. I have learned so much about how my body reacts to food and sugar free drinks. I’m amazed at what I have learned in just one week.
Curious what you've learned about how your body reacts to sugar free drinks?
You've also learned your doctor is a liar... maybe you need to move to another... 😒
@@peterfitzpatrick7032 As a pharmacist i know benefits change all of the time. What a ridiculous statement. Just recently many plans just starting to cover non-insulin dependent diabetics.
Which brand do you use? I would love to learn more about your experience.
Outstanding video!! They should be available to anyone who wants one without a prescription. Why can you get a blood sugar test kit and test strips at any pharmacy but not a CGM? I don’t need one as I’m not diabetic or have any markers for blood sugar issues, but I would like to know what I’m eating in terms of glucose spikes. Staying low carb/ keto is great but a CGM would really help keep someone on the right track! With a huge percentage of the population being overweight and or diabetic, these monitors would be excellent for making people aware before becoming full blown diabetics. Keep spreading the word, Dr Berry!
My type 1 diabetic roommate tested my sugar once. I believe I'd had dessert too, but it was exactly 100. I think if your pancreas and insulin are working properly, they keep your blood sugar at 100, no matter what you eat.
Possibly a bit similar to an explanation I heard about why Kangen alkaline water is not necessary to drink, because the body keeps it's PH level at it's exact proper level at all times or you'd die almost instantly.
None-the-less, the Kangen highly acid water is capable of melting upper layers of dead skin rather quickly by soaking in it for a short while. It could help people who've lost a huge amount of weight to shrink their saggy skin.
They, the communists in our government, doesn't want people to realize how much harm carbs are doing to their health, they expect people who are old enough to receive social security to die soon!
You can get them online
The strips are working fine too. Start with testing in the morning before eating.
No in uk u cannot get them online unless prescribed. Please don’t give info if u don’t know what ur talking about. X
I have been T1D for 36 years. My Dexcom was a game changer! My husband has prediabetes and our NP (endo) said he should wear a CGM. She left the room came back and applied a Freestyle Libre without even telling him! 😂 Then she said “give me your phone” and set it up for him! She is awesome! He was resistant when I asked her about it, but he is glad that she “encouraged” it. It has really helped because he doesn’t want to see his BG go up. And our NP is very on board with keto even for T1D’s. I wish everyone could see her!
Sounds like a fantastic doc.
You wouldn’t be in Michigan would you? My endo is not on board with low carb. I’m also type 1, 39 years
Great, progressive thinking by that NP!! My Internist told me, “Enough with the Keto” and tried to scare me about osteoporosis because my BMI is 21. Although she had to agree that it’s ok if I do weight-bearing exercise. Thinking of finding a new Doc
I wish I could have your doctor!! What state?
❤That is so good to hear! My brother was a T1D. I wish he had a doc like that.
I finally got my insurance to buy me one on May 22 and it has been a game changer since I was diagnosed with T2 in 2004. The CGM has removed much of the guesswork about what is good for me and what isn't because of the almost immediate feedback. It's because of my CGM that I can follow a ketogenic diet. I also ordered a ketone tester, but unfortunately, the ketone tester would require finger pricking. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the makers of these CGM devices also added Ketone AND glucose testing capabilities with one device? Btw, as of August 22, 2022, I am free of Levemir and Humalog injections as well as a few prescription drugs such as my atorvastatin and Cymbalta. Today I begin stopping Metformin and Jardiance. From A1C in February was 10.0, I had bloodwork done today and I cannot wait to get the results from my doctor tomorrow. My Libre 2 says I've been averaging 120mg/dl for the past three weeks.....again, without insulin. I never had such success with my T2 ever before. Thanks Dr. Berry. You are a Saint.
Edit: I just logged into my patient portal with the hospital to see if my results were in. My A1C is now 6.5 from 10.0 in February.
🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
That is wonderful news! Way to go
walmart has a ketone breathalyzer for 40 bucks,,,used it for a year
@@redsundragon have you compared it to a blood ketone meter and how accurate is it?
have not done that step , since dont want to pay for blood meter. I will say it responds pretty well to diet changes. Ive used keto off and on for many years. I go in and out of ketosis quite easily and reliably. usuably within 24to48 hours of carb cessation.. I am type 1.5 and use lantus and humalog.cpep at .4. can usually keep my a1c at 5.6. to give u a little background. for the price it seems to track much better than peestrips. plus u can use 25 times a day if ur really curious about how things cycle out. feel free to ask any thing else specific
Just got diagnosed with type 2. My doctor recommended one. Also mentioned your channel.
I've been doing the PHD for 2 months. Just got my numbers back from my physical; Me pre-diabetes is gone, weight is down, my numbers are great, and my doctor told me I am healthy and strong at 63, and to keep doing what I'm doing.
I have one for the last two years and 6 months and my Dexcom has saved my life and now I’m almost completely off all diabetic medications. One last pill (no more 5 shots of insulin a day, 4 Metformin and the max of Jardiance!)
You must be saving millions of $$$$ by not having to buy insulin anymore.
I just got a Dexcom. I am just on 2 doses of 1 pill metFormin (they want me on 4 pills a day) and long lasting insulin at bed time. How do I know when I can start to reduce or stop my meds?
@@danabney4433 monitor your blood glucose levels and keep glucose tablets with you incase your blood glucose drops too far. a roll will cost about $1.50 USD from your local supermarket. If you see your blood glucose dropping very low frequently, talk with your doctor to adjust your prescription strength.
@Nyl Enyap I also have been using CGM for the last two and a half years but have been using the FreeStyle Libre 14 Day sensor. I am curious how accurate your Dexcom is. I try to keep my readings between 70 and 130 thru diet but find that my FreeStyle will be be 20 or 30 points wrong when I double check with a blood jab. I have been off the meds now for almost two years. Keep up the good work.
@@wayneblanchard that's the one i have , the finger prick is the one off , it changes if you prick 3 times in a row , the monitor don't.
I thought it was awesome I had started to get a TH-cam ad for one. Thanks for sharing your stance on them!
A local radio DJ here in Connecticut was recently talking about how he has lost quite a bit of weight by using a CGM. It was a side effect of his doctor wanting him to monitor his sugar more closely. He said it was a real eye opener seeing what foods did what to his levels. Again, he had no intention of losing the weight.
I have started using one, and it has opened my eyes and helped me make sense of how I feel based on what I ate and what it did to my blood glucose. Your videos are to-the-point, easily understandable, and encouraging. I am subscribed for good, and hats off to the immense public service you provide.
Dr. Berry~ I purely LOVE your advice to ask for the doctor’s refusal IN WRITING, ON YOUR MEDICAL RECORD! And, then, asking for a hard copy for yourself! Bravo!
My A1c went from 9.8 to 6.1 after getting my CGM, I am now totally off Insulin and feeling great! Love my CGM and Keto and IF❤
In the beginning of doing keto and if then wearing your cgm.....did you have any weird ups and downs seemingly not related to the foods you were eating like your cgms numbers went up then back down like a thing where the Liver might have released extra glucose all of a sudden
@@brendaandrandyking4126 yes, it was really crazy at first, and I even replaced the sensor because it was so off compared to my finger stick at the same time. But it’s pretty normal now.
The timing of this video is perfect for me! I just got notification that I can pick up my first CGM. I can't wait to see what information I'll learn about my body!
Just luv your truth Dr. Berry just as I tell Dr. Jockers the same thing. You both are so valued and needed desperately. Thanku and God Bless.
Hey Dr B. I fought the Pre-Diabetes blood tests for about 10 years. Because of YOUR youtube channel I was able to WIN! No longer need the medicine Metformin and I am reducing the BP meds too. I used to have to go have blood work every 3 months, and see my primary medico. Now I am on the 6 month schedule and doing nothing but getting better. Carnivore mainly, but now I can start to sneak back some stuff every now and then just as a treat! (with virtually no impact) So I'm not getting a GCM thank you very much. AND thank you very much for your channel.
Can you please tell me what you used 🙏
Why the F do you need a prescription to get something that is not a drug
THANK YOU!!! I cannot understand why either?
That’s the best comment on here and a great question
I was told its because it's a needle going into your arm and you have a foreign object inserted in you for 14 days at a time. Your doctor needs to prescribe it to you to make sure you are monitored in case you have a bad reaction OR get an infection. Thats what I was told by my doctors office today. After going back and forth with them, they finally prescribed me one today thank goodness. They told me it wasn't covered by my insurance (Anthem). Once submitted, wallah it was in fact covered even though I am only pre diabetic.
So, for anyone who might not have access to a CGM, but would like to have an approximation of how their glucose behaves, I would recommend going to your local pharmacy and buying a cheap at-home glucometer along with at least 100 test strips. For a couple days in a row, while you're awake and not busy working, do the standard finger prick method every 20 or 30 minutes or so and try to establish a baseline for how your blood sugar behaves throughout the day and during excursions such as meal time and exercise. You will use a ridiculous number of test strips, and you will have to vary where you stab the lancet for your fingers' sake and for your sanity. Keep a log book of what your readings are for this entire couple days, including info like when you ate or drank anything, and what you ate or drank, if you exercised, if you slept well, etc. Now that you have a written record of what "normal" looks like, you have a much better understanding of when you should check your sugar so you can be frugal with your test strips. It's an inconvenient up-front cost, but the knowledge you gain about your body is priceless. Some of the best money I ever spent, imo.
Ouch!!!
@@angelgirldebbiejo That was over a year ago, and I have never regretted it.
Good info since many smartphones are not compatible with the CGM monitors. For short term use, the finger sticks would work just as well.
Buy the 33g (33 gauge), if you can . The needle is extremely small & just feels like a”pinch”. If not those, get 30g. The higher the number, the smaller the needle. I get mine on Amazon.
it's not necessary to stick your finger every 20 mins. i check at 6 am then every 2 hours. track with google sheets
they have a chart you can use.
I agree 100 with you, and I also want to add that ANYONE who is just interested in understanding their metab better and seeing how the foods they are eating are affecting their metab MUST get one! I am not diabetic and have been wearing one for a month and I tell you my mind was BLOWN at how much I was constantly spiking my blood sugar with some of the foods I was eating. And now that I know, I can be proactive in preventing diabetes or other metabolic problems. Thank you Dr Berry.
Doctor Berry! I have followed your channel as subscriber for two years now. Your content has helped me change my health and life tremendously.
I’m so glad you have commented on the use of CGM.
Two years ago I was on 8 medications covering the gammit of metabolic issues.
Pre diabetes blood pressure cholesterol prostate sleep anxiety chronic pain.
I have quit sugar and carbs strict keto.
Two months ago I went on my own via third party and acquired a cgm.
I was shocked at what drove my blood sugar and have driven my sugar down to in range 97% of the time at 70/140.
My issue is no where can you find information about what a spike should look like after a meal for healthy person.
It would be nice to know what to expect or how many or high times is acceptable without harming your health
I drank a star bucks latte that sent me to 243 but then back down as quickly.
It would sure be nice if you could comment on this further.
Thanks for all you do
I got a CGM three woks ago and is providing the type info you describe Dr. Berry…..I’m a Type II diabetic for 23 years (no insulin injection dependency). No doubt have insulin resistance. I’m doing Intermittent Fasting/near Keto carb levels eating/drinking and learning things I didn’t know with the CGM. This sudden like increase or decreases while I’m asleep are puzzling. The more we know, the faste we will reach a better state of health. Enjoy your videos.
Hey Dr. Berry, use your power and position to help us afford it on our own. Get a company to sell the CGM and the sensors at a reasonable price and we will buy our own. Thank you for all you do to help all of us be healthier!
Heck yes!!!
Please I need this sense the health care not given us
Yes! Please help us Dr Berry! It makes no sense to have to get a prescription for this!
Yes
I don't qualify for a CGM as I am type 2 on metformin. I finally told my PCP I wanted her to order me one and I got mine at Costco for a very reasonable cost.
CGM are an absolute game changer!! I'm not diabetic, but the CGM gave me feedback as to what specific foods were doing to my blood glucose levels. I've tailored my diet to avoid the spikes. Having lost 20K and feeling great, I now only occasionally wear one just to check things are still on track.
Ken, I have used Keto-Mojo testing for years. (278 tests) I pay out of pocket.
The CGM would help me dial in my diet.
Years ago I had 2-3 of the qualifying conditions you mentioned in your video.
My GKI this morning was 2.5 (very good \ therapeutic)
The insurance companies and the rest of the "Health Care" system have no interest in preventive care.
I appreciate your video's very much. Thank you!
I use a LIBRE 2 for the last year. I reads high 10-15 above a finger stick. But the CGM keeps me focused and now I know what foods to avoid. Almost all foods.
That made me laugh. I've given up so many foods that my cupboards are nearly bare!
My girlfriend needs a CGM. She’s a type 1 (brittle) diabetic. Her numbers go all over the place. Told her I want to go to her doctor and find out if we can get her a monitor. I do not want to have her on a pump because she has brain fog (no memory). She will take insulin twice because she forgets she took it earlier. I had to stay on my toes to keep her alive.
They have a new device that attaches to the patients pancreas . My patient is type 1 and is getting fitted in Fife Scotland. Don’t know the name of it .
@@ireneforster4279 please let me know if you find the name
@@hitshot I will have to research it and get back to you .
May I suggest that as her support person,you get some sound support and advice re her treatment. I obviously dont know the situation, but my first thought is that the pump and CGM that talk to each other would stablilise things to a great extent and stop the dangerous glucose variations. it will adjust to her insulin needs, or alert if the glucose is too high or heading for a hypo.
My CGM has been a complete game changer for me. I use the Freestyle Libre 2. Cash price at Costco for members is $36 for a sensor which isn't bad. So around $73 a month. I have Kaiser Permanente and they won't pay for it without jumping thru a ton of hoops, so I just get the Rx and use my HSA account. My sugar is completely normal now since being on keto.
I get mine through Costco too and the same, i have Kaiser and they won't pay for it even though T2diabetic...but sadly since January 1 Costco no longer gives the discount...but it's been such a game changer in helping me change my eating habits I'm willing to pay the $130 they now charge...but that $73 was great while it lasted.....though still can't understand why insurance won't cover things that help me stay healthy! My husband has different insurance and his same cgm is free...grrrrr!!! but at least that means we only have to pay for one of ours :-)
Did you get a Kaiser Permanente doctor to write the prescription?
I also have Kaiser Permanente and pre-diabetes.
I just signed up today to Levels for a CGM delivery and access to an APP to help correlate food information, exercise information, and blood glucose information. Levels is not cheap - $US200 per month. CGMs are over-the-counter in Mexico where I live in winter. Amazon Mexico sells Freestyle Libre 1 with 2 sensors for 2980 Pesos - about $US175 for a one month supply.
I am waiting for the Levels CGM service to begin. Then my plan is to resume in Mexico.
I expect that the data will help me make smart choices to keep my blood sugar moderated and prevent type 2 diabetes.
@@alsjogren7890 I had endocrinologist with KP write a prescription. Costco price is now around $65 a month.
My mom recently got one (T2D). She was skeptical at first but now loves the fact she doesn't have to pinch the finger couple of times each day. And we love the fact she gets an alarm when she gets a hypo. She doesn't always notice them.
I been on the G7 now for almost one month. It is the first CGM I have had. I already found out the sensor is very sensitive to temperature changes. I notice that when I exercise the G7 shows blood glucose going higher and taking a hot shower even higher. In one session I had over 100 point increase. When taking a cold shower the reading dropped sometimes 50 points. Today I tested this and placed an ice cube in a plastic bag and held it on the sensor for about 3 minute and it showed a very rapid drop. I then covered the sensor with my hand to warm it up with body heat and sure enough a fast and high glucose rise according to the CGM. Testing with a finger prick stayed constant. Only calibrate the unit after being temperature stable for a for hours and keep in mind that the sensor accuracy will vary with temperature variations, the more extreme the temperature variations the more inaccurate the CGM will be until the temperature stabilize to the temperature the CGM was calibrated at.
Great vid! I mentioned in Patreon that my doc said can't order one because I was not diabetic. Sorta dumb since I'm trying to PREVENT future diabetes. I paid out of pocket for a set. I agree that it is so helpful in seeing how your body reacts to things (food, stress, sleep) as we are all different. It may not be 100% accurate but its pretty close and really shows you what spikes your sugar in general.
@Mike R where'd you buy it at??Weird they are not even on Ebay
Yep, many docs are ignorant on the subject
How/where did you get a cgm without a prescription? I want one.
How much did it cost?
Thank you Dr Berry. My doctor is absolutely apposed to me getting a CGM. I went on line and found the Libre Freestyle 14. No Rx needed. I how have a much improved understanding of the effects different foods and activities have on my blood sugar. 6 months ago my fasting level was140. Now its below 110.
I've lost count of the number of people who told me they were given a clean bill of health and then during the next check-up they were suddenly diagnosed with full blown diabetes. Good on you.
Where did you find the Freestyle Libre 14 without no Rx? I'd like to get one without the programs that many websites bundle for hundreds of dollars a month. TIA!
@@sailorgreg1 Ive heard it's more like $200 in hardware and $200 for a year's readings. That would be $30 a month plus any expendables. What have you heard that makes it "hundreds a month??"
@@737smartin Levels charges $199 / year for their software membership, $199 for the annual CGM prescription, and the devices generally cost about $75 to $120/month for the Libre 14 day devices from your local pharmacy. Levels is one of the cheaper services out there.
@@sailorgreg1 Thanks! It's clear as mud from their website. So...$400 a year is $30 a month in "soft services." Then add $75 to $120 a month for $105 to $150 monthly total. 👍
I got a CGM through Levels. It is such a shame that people have to pay out of pocket when their insurance doesn’t cover this. I am prediabetes, hypertensive, High triglycerides. I also have 2 siblings with type 2, 1 on Metformin, 1 on insulin. Sources say NORMAL blood sugar readings are below 100 when fasting and less than 140 within two hours of eating. On the CGM I set the blood sugar alerts on low 60 and high 140. After a summer of TERRIBLE eating, I allowed myself to continue eating the way I had been for the first week with the CGM to get an idea of how my body reacted. It didn’t take long for the alarm to sound! After eating certain foods (pizza) my blood sugar would spike over 250. My sister was surprised, I think, that I was alarmed. That suggests to me that her “new normal” is quite desensitized to what normal blood sugar readings should be. If the idea is to not advance to full blown type II then you sure don’t want to measure in the same category. And that is EXACTLY why I wanted a CGM. I’m not going to prick my finger multiple times a day. My sister went for her routine PCP visit last week and her doctor told her to stop pricking her finger - that’s no longer recommended???
Anyway, my husband and I got back on ketovore last week and I am happy to say I have not gotten A SINGLE high glucose alert. Recent lab work I had showed an A1C of 5.7. I am going to stay on this course and recheck in 90 days.
I just wish it was easy for my sister to get one of these. They are expensive we you pay 100% out of pocket, but imagine knowing in real time how food/stress/sleep impact your sugar levels? If the government gives away iPhones they should certainly be giving away CGMs. But I imagine there are plenty of special interest groups who would oppose such sound thinking.
Would you be interested in participating in a paid zoom call to discuss your experience using a CGM?
I start using CGM too, because suddenly, after introducing carbs back my H1AC showed 5.7 and doctor told me I am prediabetic
@@Rosalinda_2000You can reverse it, I did!
I have had one for 2 years, I believe I could make a living selling these. I would have loved to know what I know now and had a CGM 20 years ago. It would have prevented issues for certain. People are missing out on the info this provides!
Thank you for giving me more information about getting healthcare that works for me!
I asked my doc and she said that insurance will pay for sick 🤕 people but NOT us with pre, metabolic syndrome!!
Just figured out I’m prediabetic and you have been very helpful.
Big Fan, Doc!!! All the best! Cheers!
I used one for three months and learned a lot about how my sugar levels were affected by carbohydrates. I used a company called Nutrisense since I am not a diabetic or have pre-diabetes. I lost weight with it since It became a challenge to me to avoid spikes. This company offers nutrition advice for a subscription fee and the devices (2 per month) cost around 250-300 dollars. I stopped because it was too much of an expense per month. Insurance companies stupidly do not promote PREVENTION. Hopefully, Dr, Berry's video starts a revolution.
I just found your video snd found it very helpful. I am type2, non-insulin. I’m very data driven. My dr thinks that a CGM is right for me, but insurance, of course, will not cover it. She has suggested, as you did, that I use the manufacturer coupon and use it for at least a few months. I am doing so. I just wanted to drop a note here to let you know that I appreciate your message and you sharing it on this platform.
Great informative video Dr Berry, wish there were more honest genuine doctors in this world 🌎, keep spreading the word 👍
Just got one as I am now officially a diabetic. I have so much stuff happening I agree that knowing how my bg reacts to stress and it will also allow me to refine my diet.
I have been prediabetic for a while. Why did my primary never give me this same advice? Going to ask him to put me on this monitor. Thank you for your commitment to always helping us Doc.
I have been pre diabetic since I was 15.. I’m 28 now I have PCOS, insulin resistance, hypertension and now I’m having more symptoms of type 2 why hasn’t my doctor prescribed me a CGM seriously I hate doctors and I can’t afford out of pocket for one
My wife has been using the dexcom for a few months. Its has given us a much better understanding of her sugar levels. Being able to recognize the dawn effect rise has kept us from dosing more insulin than is needed. The other big benefits is that I can check in on her from anywhere without disturbing her. I have caught her missing her lunch dose a few times or called to chat when she is heading into a low.
I jumped to conclusion, thinking Berry was getting paid by Levels. Levels has a program for CGM for metabolic health. I’m glad Berry just puts out the information and let’s people decide for themselves.
After being told I have pre-diabetes and my numbers are only 1 number away from type 2 diabetes, my doctor still won't prescribe me a CGM and I can't afford them on my own. Shame on these companies for making them so expensive for ppl who need it! Thanks for your video! 🙏🙏
Call the company and talk to a rep. They can give you coupons and sometimes a few free ones to try. I got the libre down to 30 for each one this way. And I found libre is the cheapest
Why don’t you try to reverse your pre diabetes by changing your diet? You don’t need that! I was pre diabetic and that’s what I did, my doctor commended me and didn’t give me any pills. You can buy a diabetic kit and test and you will know what to eat.
Thanks I will try to reach out to them, thank you! 🙏🧿 @@laurieswain3832
@@gennisparry4352That's what I'm already doing now, a CGM is much better than pricking yourself to bleed Everytime you eat something, not everyone is okay with methods you personally choose for yourself, there are alternative methods... I'm glad to hear you're able to reverse yours that's what I'm trying to do! 👌🧿
Actually Dr Berry a lot of endurance athletes have started using CGM's during training. Being a masters cyclist (not diabetic) I have just gotten a prescription for a CGM (my Dr says that they will likely be available in the not too distant future without prescription like BG meters and test strips) and will give it a try during training. Most those using CGM's have found it to be an amazing tool and are surprised to compare notes with other athletes using them. Its pretty amazing how one food will affect two peoples BG differently.
Riders and other endurance athletes are using these to learn and hone in how to "fuel" and what foods that might be the most advantage to them and when to ingest during events. Also to check for over training, sleep cycles etc, I'll be interested to see what I find personally regarding diet, exercise and competitions. Thanks for your videos.
I could really use a CGM...I have been using a glucose monitor since last year and my A1c just came in at 5.8...I have lost 80 lbs so far on keto but am still working on getting it lower (the weight and A1C)! I think a CGM could help me figure out what I am eating, stress, sleep issues that are affecting my sugar! I really love watching ur videos Dr B...very helpful!
Hey, Dr Berry. I appreciate this video.
Great video. I’ve been type 2 for 10 years, using a CGM for 2 years now and still haven’t been able to get insurance to approve it for type 2. Paying $75 month for 2, but it’s worth it.
BCBS covers it for me. Can you shop around for another carrier? Hope this helps. I am also type 2 and have gotten off all meds using the CGM.
Wot a larf ! Love the farty noises from whomever is working in the building. Almost as fun as a Leslie Neilson movie. Makes me wonder if these episodes should feature whoopie cushion sounds. After all, laughter is medicine.
Thank you m, Dr. Berry!! I had my A1C checked for the first time ever just for the heck of it. I was at 6! So bummed! Cut back in carbs and sugar.
Tom at Type 1 Talks is excellent!
I am FINALLY getting my Dexcom after fighting for it since last October. It's been crazy. I am pre-diabetic and on diabetic medication to help control my sugars, but need the CGM to warn me of lows because I have been in multiple sticky situations where a warning would be extremely helpful.
I have one and it has been a game changer for me. I am now able to see that even if I don’t eat carbs but it’s close to bed time I still spike.
Love mine! Learned and still learning so much about my body responding to simple foods. My glucose was was not to high, it was dropping to low. I could not have figured out what to do and how to eat right without one. I am on my fourth month. Truly a game changer! What you don’t know can hurt you.
Thank you. I have been trying to get one.
My husband is considering getting one. His doctor wrote the order 👍🏼
Didn't know this existed! Thank you so much!
I love my CGM; it really has helped me control diabetes. I will want to keep one so I don't slip back int bad habits
It took 2 years after 2 long hospital stays to get one!! I finally called tons of people to get it. I got to see numbers and see the issues I was having. I rarely go over 180 now. Keto has helped too. I use Dexcom so it can be on my abdomen
Dr. Berry love the videos. You after many MD's & years were able to give me a clue as to why as I was having muscle cramps! Asked my Dr test for small artery disease & guess what I had that even though outside large arteries were fine. RE: CGM...It probably saved my life! At min. a stroke. I was outside feeling fine I am 73 years young when suddenly the alert sounded! It said eat something immediately your blood sugar will soon be under 50! And it showed the b.s. at 56 and dropping fast! Two carrots pointing straight down! It lowered to 50. Even though I was not feeling the low! I rectified it over a 10 minutes. But the CGM Is a lifesaver! Medicare & supplement will pay for it if you test yourself 4 times a day. Thanks again (a fellow deer hunter)
Did you experience cramping all over your body?
@@kg4st no, I learned with me it starts with my feet then up my calves & sometimes my thigh & hamstring......only very rarely to the stomach.
Thanks for the reply. Is this camping in the feet and calves daily ?...and accompanied with tingling and twitching? I ask because I'm experiencing similar.
Yes it is!
@@kg4st Check your B12, if you are also experiencing tingling. If it is in the low end it could still be a B12 deficiency.
Love the show notes!
It's my understanding the insurance companies won't pay til you are on insulin, which is crazy! You would think they would want to prevent the more expensive complications of diabetes.
I kept being told that I needed a prescription to get one. I finally got a prescription for one, and I agree with you 100%.
No Prescription needed. I just ordered one after seeing ad on Instagram. Nutru sense, it works like magic.
Are they available to buy in the U K? Thanks
Just started a CGM this past winter. A1C has been trending upward over 6+ for over a decade. This month using the CGM 5.7. Just get one.
I asked my doctor about getting one of these devices. He down-talked this device and told me that I didn't need one. I guess that he thinks that eating a low-carb diet, exercising, continuous finger sticks, and using Trulicity are my tickets to getting my blood sugar to normal ranges. I have T2D, hypertension, sleep issues, and metabolic syndrome. My lab values are improving, but it sure would help to have one of these devices. Thank you, Dr. Berry, for this information. I am going to read up more about this device and see if my insurance will cover it and have another discussion with the doctor about having a CGM.
I am Furious! After using a cam for two years United Healthcare now says they require patients to take insulin before they pay for cgm. Doctor is appealing. I wonder if I can sue the insurance. United Healthcare says it’s Not medically necessary. I wrote a book on what I have learned and the cgm benefit. You are Very Right!!!!
I have wanted to get a CGM but I looked up the cost. I can't afford one without my doctor approving it. I am 51 years old, 6' tall, started out around 240lbs and type 2 diabetic. For the past 6 months, I have been doing carnivore for about 3 months and keto the other 3 months. However, my glucose is still very high, above 200 consistently. After 3 months of strict carnivore and exercise, my a1c increased from 9.6 to 10.1, even though I lost 22 pounds and felt better than I have in years. So, I started adding some green vegetables, no sugar, no grains, no starches. After 3 months of that my glucose is still consistently over 200, but I am down under 210lbs and feel great. I play basketball twice per week, run/walk about 25km per week, and lift weights. I have my regular 3-month checkup coming up this week and I am planning to request a CGM. I really think it could help me see what is causing my high glucose. I stopped taking my diabetes medication because I saw videos that it can actually increase IR. I want to try to reverse my Type-2. I know it isn't going to happen quickly but I wish it would. 🙂
Spot on doc! Why wouldn’t GPs offer CGM/BG monitors to pre diabetics and prevent them getting diabetes!? They make out they don’t want you to get diabetes only to waste your time and referring you to pre diabetic clinics. I would never trust their advice. It’s thanks to God and doctors like yourself, I got my own BG monitor and am happy to say make the necessary changes to halt further progression to full-blown diabetes.
It's like you read my mind. I just started looking into these last night.
You’re a rockstar doc!!!
My hubby has been a type 2 insulin dependent diabetic for over a decade. We started keto several months ago. He brought his A1c from 10.3 to 7.8 in 2 months. Totally off insulin now as well. His endocrinologist tried to order a dexcom but was denied by our Medicare because "he wasn't checking his blood sugar at least 4 times a day" then. He was in the process of getting off insulin and getting ready for open heart surgery. ( Which he's since had successfully) It was going to be over 3 hundred bucks for self pay. So stupid the insurance companies would rather pay this thousands of dollars for insulin and testing supplies than several hundred for a glucose monitor. Ass-backward system for sure.
I think they would rather pay because it literally keeps them in business. The more we know the less we need them & thus they don't make enough profit.
The requirements previously in place for qualifying for a CGM plus the $35 out of pocket insulin cost can be traced back to President Biden’s inclusion of these items in this years Inflation Recovery Act. The pharmacy told me I had to test my blood and take insulin 3 times a day before I could qualify for a monitor. I told the woman that the regulations had changed the week before. She said let me make a phone call. When she called me back she never did admit that they were wrong. But I got my reader device and 3 monitors for $0 out of pocket. Thank you President Biden. My insulin was only $35 for 5 epipens. It was $150 the month before.
I've had both the Dexcom 6 and Libre. Both of them gave me wrong numbers. Calibrated and pulled teeth to get new sensors. Old school pricking my finger and using One touch Verio still works for me. Wished I had better days with CGMs.
I had the same experience with them. Too unreliable. Waiting for them to be improved.
I don't trust either method for accurate numbers, but use them as a guide for what trends. Kind of boring actually as a carnivore, but still somewhat interesting to see how sleep and exercise change sugar levels.
Same for me - very frustrating, to say the least
almost Pr-diabetes at 58. My Father was Type 2. eventually died with dementia and Parkinson's Disease, finally died from COVID on my birthday. I'm going to get one.
Bingo! Hit this on the head! Thank you!
It’s insane that it’s prescription only in the US. There is no justification for that at allllllll.
It's to expensive..and even Medicaid won't even consider it ..it seems to be an amazing tool...yet so expensive for the same crowd it's meant to help...ty for your devoted time to give free advice to us..God bless you abundantly 🙏💯
KenDBerryMD can you do video explaining the difference in readings between finger prick of blood and measuring glucose in tissue. People don't seem to understand this and think their CGM doesn't work properly.
My alarm would wake me up in the middle of the night saying im crashing. My BS was 130. Mine was very unreliable
@@shawnroof5314 I use Freestyle Libre 14 and they don't have alerts but just show you the levels when you check it. It seems to be pretty accurate for me too. You may want to try it?
Thank you for sharing with us.
Thank you for the specific verbiage to use with the doctors office- that really does help but... My mom had a stroke a yr ago, smoked 2 packs a day until she had the stroke, poor diet, no exercise, WAS “pre-diabetic” like 5 yrs ago, is overweight and has high cholesterol, high blood pressure & AFIB (discovered after the stroke because I asked about a heart monitor for 30 days) & moderate to severe sleep apnea ( also discovered after I pushed for her to have a sleep study- it’s so severe she was diagnosed after just the at home study). She isn’t able to use the c-pap for multiple reasons & was told by sleep clinic that it might b too much hassle for her but not given any other options for treatment.
She has vascular dementia & some other issues due to the stroke. Her primary care dr won’t even order a glucose tolerance test because “her A1C is fine” even though the A1C on her appt summary is high enough that it shows she should b retested in next 3 months & if it’s still that high she has diabetes. AND even after I called & explained her night sweats, her horrible mostly sugar diet, her mood swings/irritability before & about an hr after meals, her needing to sleep within an hour of eating anything, etc etc AND I said we are trying figure out what issues might be related to the dementia or what might be due to AFIB/blood pressure or what might be a diet/ sugar concern and her doctor still did not order the test.
My moms cardiologist and neurologist won’t order the test cause they keep referring us back to the primary care dr.
My parents don’t want me to go to her primary care appt with them and it’s clear calling the drs office did not help at all. Is there any other test you could suggest instead of the glucose tolerance? I def want to request the monitor for her- I think that would give us so much great information but if the dr refuses to order the basic test I can’t imagine she will order the monitor for her...
Great information on CGM, thanks!
Great video as usual.
I thought paleo was a all meat diet but it's much more liberal in carbs then Atkins..I have done Atkins 20 many times and always lost a lot of pounds...They tell me now I am a type 2 and I plan on going on the Atkins fat fast.....I must get my insulin down My a1c was 6.8 and it's already affecting my vison...My doctor is a nurse practitioner and didn't even due a c-peptide test.... Should I dump her?
Yes, manufacturers love that everyone is using them. It's making the company mega bucks. But you're wrong about a shortage. As a T1D, I have issues every month trying to get my prescription filled. For me, this device could be the difference between life and death. I don't feel like people need to be wearing them for fun!
Exactly. I get wanting to.track and know but for some out there these are a matter of LIFE OR DEATH
I wish they weren't so damn expensive. Just imagine how many people would benefit from knowing how to regulate their blood sugars. You would think insurance companies would be falling all over themselves to get patients to control their blood sugar. It's a win, win....
I have the Libre 14, fully covered by my Medicare. When it reads 100, my blood sugar is 125. I find if I multiply my meter reading by 1.25 I come very close to my actual blood sugar. So I take that into account as I use it.
I don't want that attached to me. I'm not ready to become a cyborg.
I just got one a couple of weeks ago and I love not having to prick my finger anymore!
Absolutely agree. My sister is a brittle juvenile diabetic, and uses one. I was recently diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency and a pituitary tumor; those of us dealing with dangerous drops in our oral hydrocortisone really, really need a continuous CORTISOL blood monitor. Once we feel our symptoms we are already in trouble and fearing for an adrenal crisis. Wish you would use your influence to urge designers to create one. Thanks.
What is a brittle juvenile diabetic?
@@eileenmcgovern9193 Juvenile Diabetes are Type I, requiring insulin injections. Adult Onset Diabetes is Type Ii, often caused by obesity and poor eating habits. My sister is brittle, meaning no matter how carefully she monitors her blood glucose, uses a sliding scale of insulin from the endocrinologist abd measures everything she eats (&coubts carbs) she can't be regulated. She goes from lies of 38 to highs of 400+. It's very frustrating abd scary. She's been like this for 40+ years.
@@tamidmiller3687 but what is a brittle diabetic … that is your post
@@eileenmcgovern9193 I explained; brittle is the term for a diabetic who, no matter how careful or strict they are, cannot stabilize their glucose. Ever. It constantly goes dangerously low, then jumps dangerously high with no trend or any cause. I don't know any other way to explain this. But at least her Dexcom 6 continuous glucose monitor sounds alarms at a certain low and a certain high level to give her warning to take steps before she gets into danger.
I thought for a moment that he was saying curly girl method. Love you, Ken Berry!
Well argued. Very well done.
I just finished browbeating my physician's assistant into writing a prescription. CGM's should be available "over the counter" just like blood glucose monitors. I have both blood glucose and blood ketone meters and strips, and measure both first thing in the AM.
Preach! Great info
Used CGM for 3 months. Paid out of my pocket 70Euros every 2 weeks for sensors. It was costly BUT totally worth it! I learned, observed how my body reacts to certain foods. It helped to go keto and then full carnivore lifestyle!
Which brand do you use? I would love to learn more about your experience.
@@LaurenDunne-eg9dj Avoid Abbot Freestyle. I bought faulty sensors and they won't replace because I'm only prediabetic and not type 2 insulin user. Appalling company in my experience. I'm switching to Dexcom.
Medicare covered my Dexcom g6. It’s a tremendous help in lowering my glucose level. I wish this was covered for everyone.
I have used a freestyle and found it unreliable enough that i couldnt quit fingersticks. its been off from 10 - 40 points. when it worked it was great but too expensive for its lack of reliability
I disagree. For me it is mostly spot on. I just check blood sugar when I first put the CGM on and if I need to check the monitor. It is usually within 5-10 of the Blood Glucose. Remember that the CGM lags after the blood glucose by about 15 minutes. And if it gives you the trends that is more important than the overall accuracy. You want to know if a certain food gives you a spike in readings and this helps you to know what to avoid and what is ok for you to eat. It is VERY helpful for that.
I agree with you, Jim. The first 2 out of 3 sensors I got were “faulty”; company sent me new ones but, come on - very frustrating. I did both CGM and finger sticks cuz I didn’t trust the cgm. The day I had my labs drawn, the CGM estimated my A1c would be 6.3; my finger stick app estimated my A1c would be 5.9. Actual lab result was 5.9. Haven’t used a CGM since. Just didn’t have good luck with it; unfortunately.
The FDA does not require high accuracy for these consumer devices. They are good enough to show trends but use lab tests for medical decisions.
Thanks Dr Berry!!!
I have CGM but have had numerous problems with. They just stop working or fall off my arm. Yes, I use a dry dressing to try to prevent it from coming off.
I got a CGM. I had to pay out of pocket but the Walmart pharmacy really helped me out with the price.
Say, what exactly does "being helped out with the price" come to for you? What questions should I ask or what buttons should I push?