CGM helps Monitor Glucose and Manage Diabetes Better
Continuous Glucose Monitoring and CGM devices have gained popularity in the past few years. Now more people are choosing CGM over BGM (Blood Glucose Monitoring) as a better means to manage their diabetes. And, this, in turn is helping them to take control of their overall health. However, there’s a huge population who is still not aware of the benefits of CGM. Hence, this question, how can CGM help manage your diabetes better in 2023? Hopefully, this post will help people living with diabetes to make better decisions for their health.
Recently, I attended a session with Blogchatter, where the nutritionist rightly said that one of the most important tools in managing diabetes is self monitoring of glucose levels using a CGM device.
Did you know that 1 in 10 adults or approx. 537 million people worldwide are suffering from Diabetes? And, India comes second with the largest number of diabetics worldwide.¹
As per IDF, this number is expected to go up to 50% by 2045.² Shocking, isn’t it?
We know that there’s no cure available for diabetes, one can only manage it by keeping their blood glucose levels in control. And, to do that, following a healthy diet, physical activity, timely medication and regular glucose monitoring become an essential part of daily life.
However, people with diabetes find the process of glucose monitoring painful & tiring as it requires multiple finger pricks (using glucometer) in a day. My husband has diabetes and he detests finger pricking and thus avoids testing. But he understands that running away from glucose monitoring is not going to help him in any way. Furthermore, ditching regular glucose monitoring may result in diabetes-related complications too.
In one of my previous posts, I discussed about the painless way to monitor glucose levels using a CGM device.
Last year, we switched to a CGM device, FreeStyle Libre by Abbott. Since then, my husband has been happy & relieved as CGM has made his life so easy. He now feels empowered & in control to make informed decisions for his health. Moreover, no more running away as glucose monitoring is not a painful affair anymore!
FreeStyle Libre Sensor & Reader
Let’s talk a bit more about this CGM device and how it works.
What is a CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) device?
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) device helps you track your glucose levels throughout the day
and night. This can become a great way to stay updated on trends on whether your glucose levels are going up, down or staying steady.
How does a CGM device work?
The CGM kit, FreeStyle Libre, comes with a Reader, a Sensor and a sensor applicator.
This sensor is a small patch like thing that one has to place at the back of their upper arm using the applicator. It has a very thin filament which goes just under the skin and then measures the glucose present in interstitial fluid.
Image Source – https://www.freestyle.abbott/
If you are wondering about the application of this sensor, then let me assure you, it’s super easy & painless to apply. Also, you will not even feel that you are wearing a sensor on your arm after a while. It’s this comfortable!
This sensor keeps on collecting real-time data (current glucose levels) and you need a Reader to read that data. It’s as simple as that!
This reader is a small handheld device (with a screen) that is used to scan the sensor and it stores all the collected data which can be accessed any time.
You know what’s the best part of a CGM device?
It not just gives you the current glucose reading without any pricks or pains but it also shows you the glucose trend. And, this means FreeStyle Libre shows you where your glucose levels have been, and where they are heading. Amazing, right?
Image Source – https://www.freestyle.abbott/
I am sure by now you are convinced that in 2023 CGM is your answer to make glucose monitoring hassle-free and a CGM device can help you manage diabetes better.
But, if you still have any doubts, let’s list down all the benefits of using a CGM device.
What are the benefits of using a CGM device?
CGM is an effective way to monitor your glucose levels, leading to better diabetes management. When it comes to diabetes, one has to manage it well and for that self monitoring of glucose levels and accordingly making lifestyle changes is the right way.
1- If you are using a CGM device, then you don’t have to do multiple painful finger pricks for testing your glucose levels.
2- A CGM device like FreeStyle Libre keeps a record of your glucose levels and shows you current glucose reading as well as glucose trend, indicating fluctuations in your glucose levels. This can help you in making changes in your diet or any particular activity accordingly and improve your lifestyle.
3- You can wear FreeStyle Libre sensor for up to 14 days and the reader can store 90 days of glucose data. This means you can make glucose monitoring hassle-free with CGM.
4- Another best part, when you are on a vacation you can remain worry free from finger pricking and testing. As no more carrying your glucometer with you every time you travel.
You may also read – 5 Simple Tips for Traveling with someone Living with Diabetes!
5- You can show your daily glucose readings & trends report to your doctor which will help them to understand your diabetes management better.
PIN IT!
6- With CGM, you are always aware of your glucose levels, hence, it’s easier for you to avoid diabetes related complications.
7- By using a CGM device, you can learn how certain foods, physical activity, sleep pattern, and stress are impacting your glucose levels and in turn, help you to make informed decisions.
8- FreeStyle Libre sensor is water resistant which means you can keep a track of your glucose levels even while swimming and exercising.
9- The reader can scan the sensor even through the layers of clothing, no need take off your jacket/ sweatshirt just to take the reading.
10- It is extremely beneficial for children and older people who are dependent on caregivers as they can take the readings on their own with FreeStyle Libre.
So, make 2023, the year you make glucose monitoring hassle-free with CGM!
Learn more about Continuous Glucose Monitoring here. You can buy FreeStyle Libre here.
The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive/for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.
Any photos displayed are for illustrative purposes only. Any person depicted in such photos is a model.
References-
1- https://www.statista.com/statistics/271464/percentage-of-diabetics-worldwide/#statisticContainer
2- https://www.idf.org/aboutdiabetes/what-is-diabetes/facts-figures.html
This is going to be a game changer for the people having diabetes. Pricking can get very inconvenient if one has to do it in regular basis. This will surely give them peace.
This is such an informative post Glucose monitoring. I was unaware of the new machine and process to do it. Saving the details for later reference.
A CGM device truly revolutionises diabetic management, bringing greater control and improving health. Real time monitoring is the key, as you have rightfully pointed out.
Indeed Continuous glucose Monitoring can really help in better monitoring of Diabetes and proper interventions.Timely interventions can prevent many complications and make a patient’s life easier.
Glucose monitoring is important I knew but this new machine and the process to use it sounds good too!
CGM is indeed a boon for people living with diabetes. I wasnt aware of this new development. It really empowers diabetics with real-time insights about their glucose levels, helping them make informed decisions about their diet, exercise and insulin management. Will share about it with my brother in law.
CGM will definitely make many this easier for diabetic people as it monitors the sugar levels 24/7. I have read about CGM and its benefits before. It’s just a great product.
With the alarming increase in diabetes even in younger generation this product is going to be a great help keeping our glucose levels in check. Will surely recommend it.
Well this is something I will love to know more in detail as my father in law is a diabetic person since last 40 years and on insulin although he maintains him well with accurate food habits in limits and still date fit enough to manage him on his own. So my question is … is this CGM useful for him as he is 60+ now and taking insulin for more than 12 years? I will wait for the answer
Hi Samata, it’s good to know that your father in law has been managing diabetes for such a long time. CGM can definitely benefit him by providing valuable insights into his glucose levels throughout the day without doing any finger prick testing repeatedly. By understanding the patterns, trends and fluctuations provided by the CGM device, he can even make adjustments to his insulin dosage, diet or daily activities. Please do consult with his doctor about CGM. I am sure choosing CGM over BGM will help him to make informed decisions about his diabetes care. If you have any other doubts or questions regarding CGM, kindly feel free to reach out to me. You can also DM me on Instagram @growing_with_nemit
CGM is definitely a must to monitor the glucose levels and take action accordingly. the device looks very promising to use by elders as well.
you have shared very important information. yes it’s better to monitor it on regular basis
I did not know about this device Neha, my mil and brother both are diabetic, I will surely use this for them buddy, it is so worthy