Simply put, CGM Devices are tools that are used by people living with diabetes to check and keep track of their blood glucose in real-time. The CGM Devices allow diabetic patients to monitor glucose readings over some time and give alerts if the levels get too high or too low.
The devices record the glucose levels at regular intervals and then translate the readings into dynamic data to show glucose direction as well as the rate of change. The CGM system sends updates automatically allowing the patients to finger-stick less frequently. It’s also worth noting that the CGM Devices may be used with or without an insulin pump.
Smart and Professional CGM Devices
A smart CGM can predict future high and glucose episodes up to one hour in advance. It will also provide the patients or their doctors with access to additional algorithms and insights that can inform them of clinically relevant glucose patterns.
The professional CGMs can create a personalized report that helps patients and their doctors to better understand the causes and effects of the glucose variability.
What are the benefits of CGM Devices?
Older glucose meter could only provide a brief snapshot of the patient’s blood glucose level at a moment in time. On the other hand, the more modern CGM Devices can provide patients with a greater view of their glucose trends. This information is more valuable and can easily be at critical points during the day such as:
- Before and after meals
- Before and after exercise
- Before driving
- In the middle of the night, etc.
Who are the CGM Devices intended for?
Generally, CGM Devices are recommended for people living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who want to have better control of the situation. However, a CGM more beneficial for people who:
- Frequently have low glucose levels
- Are unaware of their low blood levels
- Have widely variable blood glucose levels
- Are older than 2 and are willing to use the device every day.
CGM Devices creating the path to improved health
After proper evaluation, a doctor will decide what CGM device is the best depending on it’s most valuable features. When a doctor prescribes a continuous glucose monitor, the patient needs to check whether or not their insurer will pay for it.
These devices usually store the recordings making it easy to compare the results from several days at one time.
The blood sugar levels recorded depend on the size of the meals and the amount of insulin in medicine. Patients are advised to check their blood glucose levels if:
- They have symptoms of low blood sugar such as dizziness, sweating, chills, confusion
- They have symptoms of high blood sugar such as sleepiness, blurry vision, frequent urination, and excessive thirst
- They’re about to start driving or require to perform other tasks that require concentration
- They’re learning how new medicines, meals, and physical activity affects their blood sugar level
- Their job can result in safety problems due to poor blood glucose control
Conclusion
A diabetic person needs to monitor their blood glucose levels at different times of the day, throughout the year. Regular monitoring helps patients improve control of their blood sugar levels. This continuous monitoring is crucial in helping them manage their diabetes. The patients, as well as the doctors, can understand how well the blood glucose levels are controlled. If the levels fluctuate, they already know the necessary adjustments to make to their diet, medicine, as well as the level of physical activity.
