What’s a CGM?

Living with type 1 diabetes is no easy feat. The constant monitoring of blood sugar levels, administering insulin shots, and making sure you are maintaining a healthy diet can all be exhausting. However, advancements in technology have made it easier for those living with diabetes to manage their condition. One such technology is the continuous glucose monitor (CGM). In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at CGMs and how they can help individuals with type 1 diabetes. What is a Continuous Glucose Monitor?

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a device that continuously monitors a person's glucose levels throughout the day and night. Unlike traditional glucose monitoring that requires a finger prick, a CGM uses a small sensor inserted under the skin to measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. The sensor is connected to a transmitter that sends data to a receiver or a smartphone app, allowing the person to see their glucose levels in real-time. How Can a CGM Help People with Type 1 Diabetes? One of the biggest benefits of a CGM is that it provides people with type 1 diabetes with real-time glucose readings, which can help them make informed decisions about their insulin dosages and food intake. Instead of relying on guesswork, a person can see their glucose levels and make adjustments to their treatment plan as necessary. A CGM can also alert a person when their glucose levels are outside of their target range. For example, if a person's glucose levels are trending low, the CGM will alert them so they can take action to prevent hypoglycemia. Similarly, if a person's glucose levels are trending high, the CGM can alert them so they can take action to prevent hyperglycemia. In addition, CGMs can provide insights into glucose trends over time. By looking at the data over several days or weeks, a person can identify patterns and adjust their treatment plan accordingly. This can be especially helpful for those who experience frequent glucose fluctuations or have difficulty maintaining stable glucose levels. What Are Some of the Best CGMs Available? There are several CGMs available on the market, including the Dexcom G6, FreeStyle Libre, and Medtronic Guardian Sensor 3. Each CGM has its own unique features and benefits, so it's important to do your research and choose the one that's best for you. Conclusion A continuous glucose monitor can be an incredibly useful tool for people with type 1 diabetes. It provides real-time glucose readings, alerts when glucose levels are outside of the target range, and offers insights into glucose trends over time. By using a CGM, people with type 1 diabetes can better manage their condition and enjoy a better quality of life.