According to the American Diabetes Association, the priority for people with diabetes should be to control their blood sugar levels because the consequences can be devastating. Heart, digestive, and kidney diseases and vision loss are some of the severe health issues resulting from poor glucose monitoring.
A glucometer is a helpful device that a person with diabetes can use to record their blood sugar level, but it does not provide constant monitoring. For this reason, continuous glucose monitoring devices are revolutionizing how people with diabetes control their blood glucose.
This device gives you real-time updates. It provides accurate results and reassurance to diabetic patients by having the information they require at all times.
As one of Malaysia’s most prominent pharmaceutical and medical suppliers, we at NMC Health Care strive to partner with corporates to provide people with life-changing medical equipment, such as continuous blood glucose monitoring devices.
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Understanding Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
A continuous glucose monitor automatically monitors blood sugar levels so you can check your glucose level at any time of day. The device works with the help of a tiny sensor inserted under your skin.
The sensor measures the interstitial glucose level in the fluid subsisting between the cells. The blood sugar level monitoring occurs every few minutes for continuous monitoring and real-time updates, and the device sends the information to a monitor or your phone.
Parents who have children with diabetes can get real-time information on their blood glucose levels when they are at school. Thanks to their real-time monitoring, CGM devices lower the time spent in hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
CGM systems and insulin pumps works together to sustain healthy glucose level in the body. Moreover, these blood sugar monitoring devices give patients and medical professionals a clear picture of how their diabetes affects them.
With CGM, patients with diabetes can understand how their blood sugar levels change over time so they can adjust their diet and lifestyle to adopt a healthier approach and lower the risk of developing other health conditions.
Thanks to developing technology, CGM devices are more accurate. CGM devices like AiDEX come with sensors, applicator, transmitter and an app for precise data. You only need to put on the auto-applicator once.
This transmitter will send blood glucose readings to your cell phone and alert you when you have low or high blood sugar. People with type I and type II diabetes can benefit from such a continuous trending and helps to prevent hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia events. However, there are also other devices on the market.
Depending on your budget, you can find cgm devices that will not required scanning, calibration, sharing of data and those that can pair with a smartwatch.
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Benefits of Using a CGM Device
There are many reasons why investing in a continuous glucose monitor is worth it for people with type I and type II diabetes. Some of the benefits of continuous glucose monitors include:
Optional alarms to alert you in case of high or low glucose levels
Opportunity to log meals, exercise, and medication for better insights
Get continuous glucose trends
Prevent hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
Avoid continuous pricking
Constant monitoring
Share data with medical professionals or loves one
Identify how your glucose levels are doing at night
Release insulin automatically (if the device comes with a pump)
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Device
Maximizing the lifespan of your blood glucose monitoring device is essential to manage your diabetes while saving on cost and hassle.
How do I get the most out of my CGM?
Exfoliate your skin before sticking the sensor to remove dead skin.
After exfoliation but before the alcohol, wash the area with water and soap and dry it well.
Wait a few hours after exercise before sticking the sensor so your skin has stopped sweating.
Use an adhesive remover when re-applying the sensor to remove residue from the previous adhesive.
Antiperspirants, rather than deodorants, are better for adhesion as deodorants may have chemicals that can irritate the skin.
Avoid moisturizers on the area where you plan to stick the sensor.
How often should I scan my continuous glucose monitor?
Once the sensor is in place, you can use the device to measure glucose throughout. Experts recommend scanning blood samples through the sensor at least six times daily for a comprehensive glycaemic picture.
The latest technology doesn’t required scanning and yet continuous glucose data are captured automatically.
Choosing the Right CGM Device
Size, reliability, accuracy, and ease of use are the four main factors to consider when choosing your CGM device. The life of the device is another point to consider, together with the cost of the sensor, every time you change it.
Consider if having data transmitted on your phone is essential or whether an insulin pump is a bigger priority. How discreet would you like the device to be? What is your workout routine, and how much insulin do you want the insulin pump to use? Answering these questions will give a better picture of the suitable CGM device for your lifestyle.
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Understanding Your CGM Data
Your continuous glucose monitoring device will provide two types of data: real-time and past data.
For real-time data, the goal is to measure blood glucose and stay inside your target range. If the blood glucose level is out of range, it is essential to take the necessary steps to return it to range. Act immediately if you are experiencing hypoglycemia.
Your CGM will also give you trend arrows. The latter will tell you the direction and speed of your glucose values. So if your glucose value is 5 mmol/l and the trend arrow shows it is going up, you risk developing hypoglycemia.
Trend arrows are essential for those taking insulin. Still, they can be helpful to people with type II diabetes by showing them how particular foods and activities affect their blood sugar.
Generally, most CGM models and devices also provide a 24-hour blood glucose meter called Ambulatory Glucose Profile. The graph shows blood glucose meter data and how often it was flat, narrow, and in range.
What are good CGM readings?
An excellent goal is an average glucose between 4 to 6 mmol/L.
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Common Challenges and Solutions
Skin issues can be problematic for CGM devices. People with thin and dry skin can find removing the adhesive from their arms harder.
Bruising and bleeding are common symptoms, especially if the individual takes blood thinners. Moreover, dehydration can cause performance issues in the device. CGM devices require proper hydration to work well.
Getting used to the sensor stuck to your body can take a while. Another common issue is data gaps and losing the wireless signal. To fix the issue, keep your phone on the same side of the body as the sensor when carrying your phone with you.
What is the disadvantage of CGM?
Continuous glucose monitoring devices are more expensive than regular glucose monitors, and your insurance may not cover the cost.
You also need to handle area of the sensor gently to avoid excessive pulling or pressing, , and it may take a while to familiarize yourself with the device.
Why is my CGM reading so low?
A low blood sugar reading usually happens when you sleep and press the sensor, causing a sudden drop in your blood glucose meter.
Conclusion
Investing in a CGM device is how you can take control of your health and regulate your high and low blood sugar levels, to lower the risk of other severe health conditions.
Taking full advantage of all the features in your CGM device and maximizing its lifespan is how you can benefit from this technological device that is revolutionizing how people with diabetes manage their blood glucose.
Take action for your health today with a smart device and have a 360-degree picture of your blood glucose levels. Our experts at NMC Health Care are here to listen to your requirements to find the best glucose monitor device that suits your lifestyle.
