I am new to pumps, recently starting on an Omnipod 5 with a Dexcom sensor. I thought I was doing okay, showing 6.7 GMI with 85% TIR, but my A1c just came back as 7.1. I am thinking the solution is a daily calibration to make sure the sensor is accurate.
Are there better solutions, and how do others keep their sensor accurate?
To begin, GMI and HbA1c are somewhat related but are not the same thing; GMI is a formula that provides an estimate [maybe a WAG] while HbA1c is a laboratory protocol that measures actual rate of blood glycosylation during the most recent =/-90 day period. Are you looking at your Dexcom 90 day report and seeing the 6.7?
My 90 day GMI has never been the same as my lab test results.
GMI is based on the last 14 days of results whereas a1c is based on 90 days. As @Dennis said the two are not necessarily expected to be the same, and it may be you’ve improved a bit over the last 2 weeks. Also there will be some difference between tests run on lab grade equipment and ones we might get on our personal devices.
An a1c of 6.5 is just about 140 while a 7.4 is about 155. While “lower is better” is true to a certain extent when it comes to BG the G7 does not require calibrating unless you suspect an issue, so I don’t think it would benefit you. But if you do want to tighten up your numbers you could look at your exercise program and other lifestyle items, although 7.1 with 85% TIR is great!