Because they offer real-time glucose monitoring and insights into glucose trends, continuous glucose monitors, or CGMs, have revolutionized the treatment of diabetes. These gadgets are available in several varieties, each with special features and capabilities designed to satisfy the varied requirements of people with diabetes. We’ll examine the many kinds of CGMs that are currently on the market in this post.
Cardiac Glycoside Relays
The components of a transmitter-based continuous glucose monitor (CGM) are a tiny under-the-skin sensor that analyzes interstitial glucose levels and a transmitter that wirelessly sends the information to a receiver or smartphone app. For these Continuous Glucose Monitors or CGMs to function accurately, regular fingerstick blood glucose samples are usually required for calibration. The Dexcom G6 and G7 systems, which provide continuous glucose monitoring with customized alarms and trends, are instances of transmitter-based CGMs.
Continuous Glucose Monitors Implanted
Surgically implanted devices called implantable glucose meters (CGMs) track the amount of glucose present in the interstitial fluid constantly. With little assistance from the user, these devices provide long-term glucose monitoring by doing away with the necessity for regular sensor insertions and replacements. One example of an implantable CGM is the Eversense system, which uses a tiny sensor placed beneath the skin in the upper arm and connects to a wearable transmitter to display and analyze data.
CGMs Based on Patches
A disposable adhesive patch with a sensor and transmitter that sticks to the skin’s surface makes up patch-based CGMs. These Continuous Glucose Monitors or CGMs provide discrete and easy-to-use glucose monitoring without requiring the replacement or insertion of sensors. When users apply the patch to their skin, the gadget measures their blood sugar levels continually for the duration of the wear. One well-known patch-based continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that offers real-time glucose monitoring and data access through a wearable reader or smartphone app is the FreeStyle Libre system.
Hybrid Closed-Loop Systems
To provide automatic insulin delivery based on real-time glucose measurements, hybrid closed-loop systems integrate CGM technology with insulin pump therapy. By continually monitoring blood glucose levels and modifying insulin delivery as necessary, these systems assist users in maintaining stable blood glucose levels without the need for manual assistance. The Medtronic MiniMed 670G and 780G systems, which provide configurable settings and adaptive algorithms for personalized diabetes care, are instances of hybrid closed-loop systems.
Non-Surgical CGMs
Non-invasive continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) measure glucose levels without piercing the skin by using alternative techniques including optical sensors or spectroscopy. For those who are allergic to needles or have sensitive skin, these Continuous Glucose Monitors or CGMs provide easy and painless glucose monitoring. Though they may not be widely accessible just now, non-invasive continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have great potential for the management of diabetes in the future.
Selecting the Appropriate CGM
It’s crucial to take accuracy, dependability, usability, and compatibility with current diabetes treatment regimens into account when choosing a CGM. Depending on their unique requirements and preferences, people can make well-informed selections by speaking with a healthcare professional or diabetes educator.
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FAQs
Which kinds of CGMs are on the market?
There are several different kinds of Continuous Glucose Monitors or CGMs, such as non-invasive, transmitter-based, implantable, patch-based, and hybrid closed-loop systems.
What is a CGM based on a transmitter?
Sensors placed beneath the skin and transmitters that broadcast glucose data to a receiver or smartphone app make up transmitter-based continuous glucose monitors.
What is the purpose of implantable CGMs?
Surgically implanted devices called implantable glucose meters (CGMs) track the amount of glucose present in the interstitial fluid constantly.
What are CGMs based on patches?
Patch-based continuous glucose monitoring devices (CGMs) use adhesive patches that stick to the skin’s surface and contain sensors and transmitters.
Hybrid closed-loop systems: what are they?
To automate insulin delivery based on real-time glucose measurements, hybrid closed-loop systems integrate CGM technology with insulin pump therapy.
Exist CGMs that don’t need to pierce the skin?
Yes, non-invasive CGMs assess glucose levels without penetrating the skin by using alternative techniques like spectroscopy or optical sensors.
How can I pick the best CGM for my needs?
Think about things like compatibility with your lifestyle and diabetes care regimen, accuracy, dependability, and ease of use. Obtaining advice from a healthcare professional might also aid in making an informed choice.
Exist CGMs that provide ongoing monitoring without requiring calibration?
Indeed, some CGM machines come pre-calibrated, meaning that frequent user calibrations using fingerstick blood glucose readings are not necessary.
Can teenagers and kids use CGMs?
Yes, CGMs are appropriate for diabetic children and teenagers, but it’s important to take into account things like the discomfort of inserting the sensor and the size and form of the device.
Are insurance policies covering CGMs?
Depending on the person’s insurance plan, coverage guidelines, and medical necessity standards, different Continuous Glucose Monitors or CGMs have different levels of coverage. For precise information on your insurance policy, it is advised that you contact your provider.
How frequently should I change the transmitter or sensor on a CGM?
The frequency of replacing sensors and transmitters varies based on the type of CGM. Certain sensors and transmitters might require replacing every few days, while others might endure for a few weeks or months.
Can someone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes use CGMs?
People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes can use Continuous Glucose Monitors or CGMs. They can aid in the efficient management of blood sugar levels and offer insightful information about glucose patterns.
Does using a CGM need specialized training?
Even though CGMs are usually easy to use, some people can gain from instruction or advice on how to insert sensors, calibrate them, and interpret data. As a component of diabetes education programs, several healthcare practitioners give CGM training.
How can I find out if my current diabetes management tools and CGMs work together?
When it comes to diabetes management equipment such as insulin pumps and smartphones, CGM manufacturers usually offer information on device compatibility. When buying a CGM system, it is imperative to review the compatibility standards.
Can athletes or those leading active lifestyles use CGMs?
Yes, athletes and people leading active lifestyles can use CGMs. To preserve sensor accuracy, it’s crucial to take safety measures to protect the sensor during vigorous physical activity and to make sure you’re drinking enough water.
Is there an age limit on the use of CGMs?
People of various ages, from young children to elderly persons, can utilize CGMs. However, younger children may require assistance from parents or caregivers with duties like sensor insertion and maintenance.
In Summary
There are several varieties of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), and each has special characteristics and advantages for managing diabetes. CGMs offer a variety of alternatives to accommodate the changing demands of people with diabetes, including transmitter-based systems, implantable devices, patch-based sensors, hybrid closed-loop systems, and non-invasive technologies. People can select the best continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to support their diabetes management objectives and enhance their overall quality of life by learning about the many types of CGMs that are available and their corresponding benefits and drawbacks.
