Continuous Glucose Monitoring: How it Works and Why it’s a Game-Changer for Diabetes Management

Apr 17. 2023

If you have diabetes, you probably know that monitoring your glucose is essential. Having good control over your blood sugar levels can help prevent many health problems down the road. But there’s a catch: monitoring glucose can be time-consuming and expensive. You have to prick your finger with a lancet several times a day, which can be painful and even lead to infection if it isn’t done correctly (not to mention potentially embarrassing if you do it at work!). You also need to use expensive equipment like test strips to accurately measure your blood sugar levels for treatment decisions. These days, better options are available than ever with continuous glucose monitoring systems like Abbott’s Freestyle Libre flash glucose monitor (which we’ll call simply “the Libre”) and Dexcom’s glucose monitor. It lets users get readings every minute instead of just once per hour—and without using any needles!

What is continuous glucose monitoring?

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a device that measures blood sugar levels every few minutes. It is not a replacement for traditional fingerstick testing but rather used to help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. CGM devices can be used to help prevent hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia by providing real-time information about how much insulin you need at any given moment.

The device consists of an implantable sensor inserted just under the skin on your abdomen or arm, which sends data to an external receiver via Bluetooth technology or radio waves. The receiver alerts you when your glucose level has reached pre-set limits so that you can take action before things get out of hand–for example if it detects that your blood sugar levels are too low (180 mg/dL), it will sound an alarm until action is taken by either lowering consumption of carbohydrates or increasing exercise intensity

How does CGM work?

CGM is a device that measures the amount of glucose in your blood. It’s placed on the body and sends information to your phone or computer, where you can see it in real-time. The most common ways to use CGM are:

  • To help people better manage their diabetes by detecting high and low blood sugar levels (also known as hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia)
  • To detect patterns in blood sugar levels over time so they can adjust treatment plans accordingly

Why is this new technology so exciting for people with diabetes?

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a game-changer for people with diabetes. It can help them better manage their blood sugar levels, prevent hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia (low/high blood sugar levels), and reduce the risk of developing complications such as blindness or kidney disease.

The CGM system consists of an implantable sensor that’s inserted under the skin in your abdomen, which sends data to a transmitter worn on your body or carried in your pocket or purse. The transmitter wirelessly transmits this information to a receiver you wear around your neck or carry in a bag–like an iPhone or Android phone–that displays real-time glucose readings on its screen so that you always know what level it’s at without having to test manually every time something happens like eating food or exercising strenuously enough that insulin might need adjusting based on what kind of activity you’re doing at any given moment (elevation vs exercise).

Do I need a prescription to use a CGM system?

You do need a prescription from your doctor to use a CGM system. The doctor will usually write this on the PBS form, which you can then take to the pharmacy and have them order it for you.

Your health insurance company may not cover the cost of purchasing or maintaining your CGM device; this is something that needs to be discussed with them directly before making any decisions about purchasing one.

How are the readings taken?

The device is worn on the body and attached to a small needle that goes under the skin. It measures blood sugar levels every 5 minutes and sends this data to a smartphone app.

Where can I get one of these devices?

Where can I get one of these devices?

That depends on a few things. First, you’ll want to talk with your doctor and make sure they think it’s right for you. Then, contact your insurance company and ask if they cover CGMs (they probably do). If so, find out how much they will pay for them each month and how often they need to be replaced or upgraded as technology advances. Next, call up your local diabetes educator or pharmacist who can help guide you through the process of getting approved for coverage by Medicare or Medicaid if applicable–and also let them know what kinds of features are important in choosing which CGM device works best for you personally!

Finally though…if none of those work out then maybe try contacting some manufacturers directly via phone or email just because sometimes companies offer discounts directly from their websites rather than through third parties like pharmacies/ doctors’ office’s etcetera., especially since many people don’t realize this until after purchasing something expensive like this – which is why making sure everything goes smoothly before buying anything seems pretty important here.”

Continuous glucose monitoring is an exciting new tool for managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Continuous glucose monitoring is an exciting new tool for managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It’s not yet available in all countries, but when you do get your hands on one, here are some things you should know about how it works:

  • CGM is a device that measures your blood glucose levels every 5 minutes (in contrast to fingerstick testing, which usually only happens once per day). This means that it gives you a much more accurate picture of what’s happening with your blood sugar throughout the day–and night!
  • CGM isn’t meant to replace fingerstick testing; rather, it provides information that can help you better manage your diabetes. For example: if the number on my meter tells me my blood sugar level is 140 mg/dL but my sensor tells me it’s actually 180 mg/dL then I know something may have gone wrong with either my meter or myself (maybe I drank too much coffee?). Having access to these extra numbers can give us insight into what might be going wrong so we can make adjustments accordingly before things get out of control!

If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and are interested in using a CGM system, you can contact us on 04-2201570 or visit the GluCare Clinic located at 268, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, about whether one is right for you. If you are interested in learning more about how GluCare.Health can help manage your diabetes, contact us today! 

Need Help?

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   800GluCare (+971 4 220 1570)
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