Dexcom.

I have been wearing some version of a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor (CGM) since 2010. Last October I received an email from someone with a "@dexcom.com" email address who asked if I'd be interested/willing to be featured on Dexcom's website.

Um...

::cough:: Pull yourself together, Vlasnik! Play it cool! I mean, yes, those terms would be agreeable.

Several months went by, but I can now say that as of today and until they realize this was a really bad idea, you'll find me listed in the "Heroes" (awkward!) (update: warriors?) section of Dexcom's website. I very much appreciate their willingness to share some patient stories there, which hopefully connect more of us with each other as a side effect.

It should come as no surprise to anyone who has read this blog over the past few years that I am a big fan of CGM technology. Aside from insulin, it's the most valuable tool I have in my arsenal. I wish more people had access to them.

Stuff like this can justifiably raise some eyebrows, so allow me to be clear about what this means (and what it doesn't) disclosure-wise. A short Q&A:

So does this mean you're getting free sensors now? Are they sponsoring you?

No, but it did mean that Dexcom sent me one box of G4 sensors one time at no charge. This is not on-going thing; my insurance and I will still be buying my sensors moving forward. 

Does this mean you are endorsing Dexcom now? 

Not in a "paid spokesperson" sort of way, no. I remain a paying customer of theirs and am under no obligation to write or otherwise share about my experiences in using their products. This feature was Dexcom's idea and they were the ones who did the approaching. They have no editorial influence on this blog or any other social media endeavor of mine. You'll still find me relating my graph shapes to animals, venting about error messages and accuracy issues, and celebr-tweeting when my 3-hour trend is a flat line. Good and bad, always. 

But kind of "yes"? 

That said, the release I signed does indicate that certain images and/or the words included in the "Heroes" feature can be used by Dexcom in any future promotions and at their discretion, so for all I know I could be Photoshopped next to a CGM-wearing, unicycle-riding squirrel* next week. C'est la vie!

If you have any questions or concerns I'd be happy to address them. In the meantime, here's where you can find the feature.

*Dexcom products are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use by squirrels, just so we're clear.