Nearly 9% of people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with diabetes. But, there is an estimated 11.6% of people believed to have diabetes—that’s 1 in 5.
Self monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is part of diabetes management. Fingerstick testing, the traditional method for monitoring blood glucose levels, has long been a staple in the lives of individuals with diabetes. As technology advances, the limitations and drawbacks of this method have become increasingly apparent.
Nobody wants bloodied fingertips that go numb from the frequent pricking. That’s where continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) comes in.
CGM eliminates the need for numb, bloodied fingers and provides a more comprehensive understanding of a user’s daily glucose fluctuations.
It’s a cutting-edge technology where users insert small, wearable sensors to provide a constant and real-time measurement of glucose levels in the interstitial fluid beneath the skin.
CGM bridges the gap between understanding and action.
Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Diabetes
This revolutionary technology has redefined the way individuals with diabetes interact with their condition, providing real-time insights and empowering them to make informed decisions.
This unprecedented insight goes beyond the sporadic snapshots offered by traditional finger stick testing, offering a dynamic understanding of glucose fluctuations throughout the day and night and how lifestyle choices can impact those numbers.
Improved glycemic control
With CGM, individuals can make more informed and timely adjustments to their treatment plans. The ability to observe trends and patterns means that users can take proactive interventions adjusting medication, insulin doses, or lifestyle choices to improve their Time in Range.
Studies have found that CGM results in better glycemic control in adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. It also leads to lower A1c levels.
Reduced risk of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
With real-time data allowing for real-time adjustments, CGM users improve their Time in Range and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar levels) and hyperglycemia (dangerously high blood sugar levels).
With continuous data and trend analysis paired with customized alerts, CGM users can get early detection of blood glucose fluctuations. This allows users to intervene before their glucose reaches dangerous levels.
One observational study found that CGM resulted in fewer hospital visits for hyper- and hypoglycemia in diabetics.
CGM use, both real-time and intermittent (or flash glucose monitoring) devices, results can improve the quality of glycemic control in both type 1 and type 2 diabetics.
Enhanced treatment decision-making
CGM bridges the gap between understanding and action. It is data-driven decision-making so individuals can better control blood sugar levels.
Understanding these patterns allows for more precise adjustments to medications, lifestyle recommendations, and overall diabetes management strategies. Users can identify and address triggers, optimize regimens, and even integrate data with their insulin pumps for more precise dosing.
This data-driven approach represents a significant shift from the traditional method of sporadic blood glucose testing. It empowers individuals with diabetes to actively manage their condition.
How to integrate CGM into diabetes treatment plan
With all the benefits of CGM, individuals with diabetes can significantly elevate the effectiveness of their care. It allows them to tailor their diabetes management to suit their individual needs and see how lifestyle changes and medication regimens impact their glycemic fluctuations in real-time.
While SMBG remains valuable for certain situations, CGM extends monitoring capabilities beyond intermittent fingerstick tests. It’s not a standalone solution, though. The comprehensive data allows for a more holistic diabetes management plan.
It should be used alongside medications, insulin, and lifestyle modifications. The data your CGM device provides can help enhance your results this way:
- Fine-Tuning Insulin Therapy. With real-time data that can be integrated with an insulin pump, CGM users can fine-tune their insulin therapy. The trend analysis can also help predict needs based on historic CGM readings.
- Immediate Feedback On Lifestyle Modifications. Users can identify how specific activities influence their glucose levels and make informed decisions. From dietary choices to exercise to stress levels, users can see exactly how their choices impact their glucose levels.
- Collaborative Decision-Making. Users can share data with their healthcare team allowing them to set more realistic treatment goals and make informed adjustments to the overall management plan.
Proactive Management of Diabetes
With traditional SMBG, you can only make reactive decisions. Rather than reacting to isolated glucose readings, individuals and healthcare providers can start making decisions proactively.
CGM provides better results than traditional finger stick testing. Better A1c levels, better glycemic control, better quality of life, just all around better results.
Stop reacting and start making smarter, data-driven decisions. Take control of your diabetes and your health with continuous glucose monitoring. Get started today!
