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Glucose meters are an excellent tool, but you should also monitor your blood sugar levels on a regular basis. This is where a device known as a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can come in handy. This FDA-approved system monitors your blood sugar levels throughout the day and night. It automatically collects readings every 5 to 15 minutes.
It can aid in the detection of trends and patterns, providing you and your doctor with a more complete picture of your diabetes. The information can assist you in better managing your condition.
There are several devices available for both adults and children. To obtain one, you must first obtain a prescription from your doctor.
WHAT DOES A CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITOR DO?
CGM measures the amount of glucose in your body's fluid. Using tiny sensors, various devices collect information in various ways. In some cases, the sensor is quickly and painlessly placed under the skin of your belly, or it can be adhered to the back of your arm. A transmitter on the sensor then transmits the data to a wireless-pager-like monitor that can be clipped to your belt.
The monitor displays your blood sugar levels at one-, five-, ten-, and fifteen-minute intervals. The monitor will sound an alarm if your sugar falls to a dangerously low or high preset level.
Previously, only doctors had access to the data collected by CGM systems. Anyone can now use the devices as part of their diabetes care at home. You can view patterns and trends in your sugar levels by downloading data to your computer, tablet, or smartphone. The information can help you and your doctor devise the best diabetes management strategy, including:
- The amount of insulin you should take
- An exercise program tailored to your needs
- The number of meals and snacks required per day
- Medication types and dosages that are appropriate
CGM does not take the place of traditional home monitors. To keep the monitor accurate, you'll still need to measure your blood sugar with a regular glucose meter a few times a day. Most monitors still require a finger stick, and the sensor under your skin should be replaced every 3 to 7 days.
If you have an insulin pump, you can connect it to your CGM system for continuous monitoring. As with the other finger-prick methods, you will not need to manually program the pump. This is referred to as a "sensor-augmented pump."
HOW DOES A CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITOR(CGM) WORK?
There are a few CGM devices on the market right now. Each works in essentially the same way. The main distinctions are in the appearance, feel, and features of the devices.
In general, CGM works as follows:
1. A small sensor is placed just beneath your skin, usually on your belly or arm. This step is sped up and simplified by the use of an applicator. The sensor is held in place by adhesive tape.
2. The sensor detects the presence of glucose in the fluid beneath your skin. Most CGM devices take readings every five minutes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Depending on the device, you'll need to replace the sensor on a regular basis. Most devices have sensors that need to be replaced at home every 7 to 14 days. For some long-term implantable CGM devices, your healthcare provider will replace the sensor in their office a few times (or less) per year.
3. Every CGM system employs a transmitter to wirelessly transmit glucose data from the sensor to a device where it can be viewed. The transmitter in some CGM systems is reusable and attaches to each new sensor. The transmitter is part of the disposable sensor in other CGM systems.
4. The glucose data from the sensor is sent to either a handheld device called a receiver (similar to a cell phone), an app on your smartphone, or an insulin pump, depending on the CGM system.
5. CGM data (real-time glucose levels, trends, and history) can be downloaded to a computer at any time. Some CGM systems will continuously send data. You can also give the information to your service provider.
WHY SHOULD YOU USE CGM?
Unlike traditional glucose meters, CGM monitors your blood sugar levels throughout the day and night, displaying your highs and lows over the course of a week. The following systems can assist:
- Keep track of dangerously low overnight blood sugar levels, which frequently go undetected.
- Keep track of high levels between meals.
- Show blood sugar spikes in the early morning
- Examine how your diet and exercise affect you.
- Check to see if your treatment plan is effective on a daily basis.
However, CGM is not appropriate for every diabetic. They are more expensive than glucose meters, and they may not be covered by your insurance or Medicaid. You may also require additional training and practice in order to use the technology correctly. Consult your doctor to see if CGM is right for you.
WHO CAN MAKE USE OF CGM?
If you have any of the following conditions, your doctor may advise you to use CGM:
- Significant highs and lows in your blood sugar levels for no apparent reason
- Gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy.
- An insulin pump
- Blood sugar levels that are extremely low, known as hypoglycemia, or extremely high, known as hyperglycemia
Adults and children aged 2 and up can use the device.
The FDA recently approved smartphone apps for use in conjunction with the CGM. Glucose levels in the blood are immediately communicated. It's expected to be a huge help to parents and caregivers who can't always be in the same place as the diabetic person.
CONCLUSION
It can take some time to learn how to use a CGM device. It is not a cure for diabetes or a quick fix. However, it has the potential to aid in your understanding of the disease. With a CGM device, you can keep a closer eye on glucose trends (instead of individual glucose numbers). By looking at the big picture, you can avoid problems or detect them early on, allowing you to better manage your health. The automated, "always-on" setup of CGM may provide you with more freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind. It may also allow you to focus on other things without having to worry about your blood sugar levels as much.