Blood glucose levels must be consistently monitored in order to effectively manage diabetes. With real-time glucose readings, trends, and warnings, Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have completely changed the way people with diabetes are treated. The quality of life for those with diabetes is improved by this technology in addition to improving diabetes management. However, selecting the best CGM might be difficult given the range of alternatives on the market. This tutorial attempts to provide you a thorough understanding of Continuous Glucose Monitors or CGMs and provide advice on which one is best for you.
Continuous Glucose Monitors Information
An instrument known as a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) continuously measures the interstitial fluid’s glucose levels and provides dynamic data regarding glucose trends and patterns. Conventional fingerstick tests yield a single glucose reading; in contrast, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) provide continuous data, usually updated every five minutes.
Parts of a CGM System Sensor
A tiny instrument that is implanted beneath the skin to measure the interstitial fluid’s glucose content.
Transmitter
When fastened to the sensor, it wirelessly communicates glucose readings to a recipient or intelligent gadget.
Receiver/Display Device
Users can view their glucose data using this standalone device or an app on their smartphone.
Advantages of CGM Usage
Monitoring in Real Time
Gives fast glucose measurements so that insulin, food, or activity can be quickly adjusted.
Trend Analysis
Analyzes trends in glucose levels over time to spot patterns and help with treatment selection.
Notifications & Alerts
Informs users when their blood sugar levels are high or low, which may help avoid dangerous hypo- or hyperglycemia.
Fewer Fingersticks
Reducing the frequency of fingerstick tests makes glucose monitoring more convenient and less invasive.
Important Things to Think About When Selecting a CGM
1. Precision
With a CGM system, accuracy is crucial. Seek for equipment with high ratings for accuracy, which are frequently shown by the Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) scores. Greater accuracy is indicated by a lower MARD score. To guarantee proper diabetes treatment, it is crucial to choose a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that accurately records your blood glucose levels.
2. Insertion of Sensor and Wear Duration
Think about the length of time the sensor can be worn and how it is inserted. While some sensors involve an uncomfortable insertion procedure, others employ a simpler, less intrusive technique. Furthermore, the wear period differs from device to device and usually lasts between 7 and 14 days. Select a CGM that has an easy-to-insert sensor and a wear time that works for your schedule.
3. Necessities for Calibration
To keep accuracy, some Continuous Glucose Monitors or CGMs need to be calibrated on a regular basis using a conventional fingerstick glucose test. Others don’t need to be adjusted by the user because they are factory-calibrated. You can choose a system that has to be calibrated less frequently based on how convenient you find it.
4. Connectivity and Data Display
Think upon the display you want for your glucose data. While some Continuous Glucose Monitors or CGMs send data via a smartphone app, others come with specialized receivers. Analyze how easy it is to use the display choices and the user interface. Furthermore, look for connectivity capabilities like Bluetooth and integration with other apps and tools for managing diabetes.
5. Notifications and Personalization
One essential feature is the ability to configure personalized notifications for both high and low glucose readings. Make sure your Continuous Glucose Monitors or CGMs enables you to customize these warnings to meet your unique requirements, sending out timely information to assist avert unfavorable occurrences.
6. Price and Coverage by Insurance
It’s vital to take into account the price of the CGM, the sensors, and any related supplies because they can be costly. Find out what is covered under your plan by contacting your insurance company. For those who meet the requirements, some manufacturers provide financial aid programs to help with expenditures.
7. Insulin Pump Integration
It is advantageous for those who use insulin pumps to select a CGM that works in unison with their pump system. A closed-loop system, commonly referred to as an artificial pancreas, can be created by certain Continuous Glucose Monitors or CGMs directly interacting with insulin pumps. This system automates the supply of insulin depending on glucose readings.
Frequently Used CGM Options
1. Dexcom G6
Qualities
- Fingerstick calibration is not necessary.
- Ten-day wear of the sensor
- Sharing data in real time with up to ten participants
- Combination with different insulin pumps
- Alerts that can be customized for both high and low blood sugar
Advantages
- High dependability and precision
- An intuitive app with comprehensive glucose trends
- Outstanding characteristics for connectivity
Cons
- Sometimes, sensor adhesive can irritate the skin.
- Costly in the absence of insurance
2. Freestyle Libre 2
Qualities
- Factory calibrated; no need to calibrate with a fingerstick
- 14-day wear of the sensor
- Real-time alerts that are optional for high and low glucose
tiny, unobtrusive sensor
Advantages
- Extended sensor wear time
- Economical as compared to alternative Continuous Glucose Monitors or CGMs
- Straightforward and simple to use
Cons
- Viewing glucose data requires scanning; on some versions, automatic updates are not available.
- Inadequate communication with other diabetes control tools
3. Guardian Connect from Medtronic
Qualities
- Fingerstick calibration is necessary.
- Seven-day wear of the sensor
- Up to 60 minutes in advance of high or low glucose incidents, predictive notifications
- Combination with insulin pumps made by Medtronic
Advantages
- Precise and trustworthy readings
- Advanced warnings are provided by predictive alerts.
- Fit for use with pump systems made by Medtronic.
Cons
- Regular calibration is necessary
- Reduced wear time of the sensor
Explore More 14 Next-Gen Continuous Glucose Monitors in Remote Diabetes Care
Suggestions for Efficient CGM Make use of
Appropriate Location of Sensors
To guarantee reliable readings, install the sensor according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Steer clear of regions that are heavily compressed or move.
Frequent Monitoring
Continuous data is provided by Continuous Glucose Monitors or CGMs, but for the best diabetes care, constant monitoring and alert response are essential.
Trend Analysis
Make educated decisions about your food, exercise routine, and insulin dosage by utilizing the trend data that your CGM provides.
Keep Up
Remain informed on the most recent developments and improvements in CGM technology. New features and advancements that can improve your experience managing your diabetes are frequently released by manufacturers.
In summary
Selecting the appropriate Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) is an important choice that can have a big impact on how well you manage your diabetes and how happy you are in general. You can choose the CGM that best suits your needs by taking into account variables including accuracy, sensor wear time, calibration requirements, data display, and cost. Popular choices with a variety of features to fit various tastes and lifestyles include the Medtronic Guardian Connect, Freestyle Libre 2, and Dexcom G6.
Recall that managing your diabetes effectively requires cooperation between your medical team and yourself. With your healthcare practitioner, go over your options to find the ideal CGM for your specific need. You can improve your glucose management, lower your risk of problems, and live a longer, healthier life with the correct Continuous Glucose Monitors or CGMs.
