1. What is a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)?
A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a device that measures the glucose concentration in the ‘interstitial fluid,’ the fluid between cells, via a small sensor inserted just under the skin in the subcutaneous fat layer. The glucose level in this fluid is very closely correlated with the glucose level in the blood (blood sugar).
2. How a CGM Works and its Advantages
– Continuous Measurement: The CGM sensor automatically measures and records glucose levels throughout the day, typically every 1 to 5 minutes, even while you sleep.
– Understanding Blood Sugar ‘Trends’: Unlike finger-prick testing, which only shows a blood sugar level at a single point in time, a CGM shows the ‘direction and speed’ of your glucose with trend arrows—indicating whether it’s rising, falling, or stable. This is extremely helpful for predicting and responding to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
– Minimized Finger Pricks: While some older CGM models may require a finger prick once or twice a day for calibration, most modern CGMs are factory-calibrated and require no finger pricks, allowing you to track your blood sugar changes without the pain.
3. Utilizing a CGM
The data obtained from a CGM allows users to see at a glance how lifestyle factors like meals, exercise, and stress affect their blood sugar. This enables more precise and personalized blood sugar management and is particularly useful for patients with high glycemic variability or hypoglycemia unawareness.
Summary: A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is an innovative device that minimizes or eliminates finger pricks while enabling more proactive blood sugar management by tracking the flow and trends of glucose 24 hours a day.
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