Diabetes is a complicated condition. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can lead to many serious complications. Hence, it is critical to meet the physician or a diabetologist regularly to check the progress. The visits are necessary, but the regular pokes are a setback. The physician may ask for a complete blood test, which includes fasting blood glucose (FPG), and the change in blood sugar after you have breakfast (Postprandial). HbA1c is another essential way to assess your diabetes control as it shows how you managed it over the last 3 months. Usually, your doctor may advise you to buy a glucometer and test it at home.
If you have already used a glucometer or know someone using it, you know the tediousness and pain of continuously checking your blood glucose levels. What if I tell you there is a way by which you can monitor your glucose levels at any time without pricking your finger repeatedly. Let me introduce you to a new method called Continous Glucose Monitoring (CGM).
An Overview Of CGM.
CGM, a method where a small device is placed under your skin that constantly monitors your blood glucose levels. This device can be connected to a monitor or your phone. You can observe your blood glucose level at any time by just a glance at your phone or the monitor. CGM systems help you monitor changes in your blood glucose levels on a regular basis. It gives you an alert if there is a significant rise or drop in your glucose levels, so you can take appropriate measures to counter it.
How does it work?
CGM devices work by semi-continuously monitoring the glucose levels in the fluid between your cells. These devices consist of a sensor, transmitter, receiver, and sometimes an insulin pump. They measure your glucose levels every few minutes and send them to the receiver.1
Advantages of Using CGM.
- It provides you with continuous data throughout the day for several days.
- It gives you an alarm signal during hyperglycemia (excess blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar), which can help you take rapid actions.
- It helps understand patterns and trends in the rise and fall of your glucose levels. This data can help your doctor help you to attain metabolic control by creating specific therapeutic adjustments like changing insulin regimen, adapting the mealtime insulin dosage, changing the carbohydrate content of the meal, altering insulin dosage for exercise, etc.2
CGM is a vital step in helping people with diabetes. If you are looking for better control of blood sugar levels or want to take charge of your diabetes, you should discuss employing a CGM device with your doctor. It can save all the pinpricks, and better yet, you can have a complete overview of diabetes management.
Lucky Mehtani is a freelance copywriter who specializes in developing content for websites and creating blogs for Healthcare. You can contact Lucky to provide support with medical content. Click here to connect with Lucky Mehtani on Linkedin.
References
- Borot S, et al. Practical implementation, education and interpretation guidelines for continuous glucose monitoring: A French position statement. Diabetes Metab. 2018 Feb;44(1):61-72.
- Block CD, et al. Minimally-invasive and non-invasive continuous glucose monitoring systems: indications, advantages, limitations and clinical aspects. Curr Diabetes Rev. 2008 Aug;4(3):159-68.
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