Are you using any continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM)?

What is a CGM?

Continuous Glucose Monitoring is an advanced way for people living with diabetes to check glucose readings in real-time or monitor glucose readings over a period of time. By using a continuous glucose monitor, your CGM system will automatically receive glucose readings every 5 minutes allowing you to fingerstick less often. CGM can be used with or without an insulin pump.

CGM isn't right for every person with diabetes, though. They’re more expensive than glucose meters and your insurance or Medicaid might not cover one. You may also need some extra training and practice to use the technology correctly. Talk to your doctor about whether CGM is a good fit for you.

What is the advantage of CGM?

CGM system gives you a greater view of your glucose trends. CGM can provide valuable information at crucial points during the day, including before and during exercise, prior to driving, before test/exam-taking, and in the middle of the night.

How CGM works?

CGM measures the amount of glucose in the fluid inside your body. Different devices collect information in different manners using tiny sensors. In some cases, the sensor is placed under the skin of your belly in a quick and painless fashion or, it can be adhered to the back of your arm. A transmitter on the sensor then sends the information to a wireless-pager-like monitor that you can clip on your belt.

The monitor displays your sugar levels at 1-, 5-, 10-, or 15-minute intervals. If your sugar drops to a dangerously low level or a high preset level, the monitor will sound an alarm.

Point to take care?

CGM doesn’t replace traditional home monitors. You’ll still need to measure your blood sugar with a regular glucose meter a few times a day to help the monitor stay accurate. Most monitors still require a finger stick and you should also replace the sensor under your skin every 3 to 7 days.

The device can be used by adults and children ages 2 and older. The FDA recently approved smartphone apps to pair with the CGM. Information on blood glucose is shared immediately. It’s expected to be a great help to parents and caregivers who can’t always be in the same place with the person who has diabetes.

This article is prepared with the help of WebMD and medtronicdiabetes websites.