As diabetes continues to be a growing health concern, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has emerged as an effective tool for managing blood sugar levels. CGM devices provide real-time glucose readings and can alert patients to high or low blood sugar levels, allowing for more proactive management of diabetes.¹

This article explores the benefits of CGM and how it can help patients with diabetes manage their condition more effectively. We will also discuss the different types of CGM devices available and how to choose the right one for individual needs.

Benefits of CGM

CGM can provide a more complete picture of blood sugar levels. This allows for better management of diabetes and potentially reduces the risk of complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, and kidney damage.²

CGM devices can also help individuals with diabetes make more informed decisions about their diet, exercise, and medication management, leading to improved overall health outcomes. Moreover, CGM devices can provide valuable insights into how different lifestyle factors impact blood sugar levels, allowing patients to adjust and optimize their diabetes management in real-time. For individuals with type 1 diabetes, CGM can also help to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia-related complications and hospitalizations.³

In addition, CGM devices can help patients to identify trends and patterns in their blood sugar levels that may be difficult to detect with traditional glucose monitoring methods, such as self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG).⁴ For example, CGM can detect blood sugar spikes or drops that occur during sleep or after meals, which may be missed with SMBG.

This information can help patients and their health care providers make more informed decisions about medication dosages, diet, and exercise regimens. This information can help patients to better manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications.⁵

Moreover, CGM can improve the quality of life for individuals with diabetes by reducing the need for frequent finger sticks, which enables more flexibility in daily routine activities. CGM devices can also provide peace of mind for patients and their loved ones by alerting them to potential blood sugar emergencies, such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, which allows for prompt action to be taken.¹

Types of CGM devices

There are several types of CGM devices available on the market, including standalone CGM systems and integrated insulin pump/CGM systems. Standalone CGM systems consist of a small sensor placed under the skin that continuously measures glucose levels in interstitial fluid, which is the fluid between cells.⁶ This sensor communicates with a receiver or smartphone app that displays real-time glucose readings and can provide alerts for high or low blood sugar levels.⁶

The integrated insulin pump/CGM system combines CGM with an insulin pump, allowing for automatic adjustment of basal and bolus insulin doses based on the real-time glucose readings provided by the CGM sensor.^6,7

When choosing a CGM device, it is imperative to consider factors such as accuracy, reliability, ease of use, and cost. In addition, you should consider compatibility with other diabetes management tools, such as smartphone apps and electronic health records. This will ensure seamless integration into the patient's overall diabetes management plan.⁷

CGM devices should be used in conjunction with regular medical care and a diabetes management plan, including frequent blood glucose monitoring, medication adjustments, dietary modifications, and regular physical activity. In addition, patients need to receive proper training on how to use the CGM device and interpret glucose readings.⁷ Patients also need to learn how to respond appropriately to alerts and alarms from the device.

Proper education and training are crucial for the successful use of CGM devices. CGM devices have revolutionized diabetes management by providing real-time glucose readings and alerts, reducing the need for frequent finger sticks, and providing a more comprehensive view of glucose trends and patterns over time.⁷

It is also imperative for patients to regularly review their CGM data with their health care provider. This will enable them to identify any potential issues and make necessary adjustments to their diabetes management plan.⁸

Conclusion

In conclusion, CGM is a valuable tool for individuals with diabetes to better manage their blood sugar levels and improve their quality of life. It is essential to incorporate regular medical care and a diabetes management plan, including frequent blood glucose monitoring, medication adjustments, dietary modifications, and regular physical activity.

This will enable patients to effectively manage diabetes and achieve optimal health outcomes. By utilizing CGM devices, individuals with diabetes can gain valuable insights into their blood sugar levels and make informed decisions about their daily management of the disease.

Overall, choosing the right CGM device can greatly benefit individuals with diabetes in their efforts to manage their condition and improve their health outcomes. Therefore, health care providers should educate their patients about the benefits of CGM and assist them in selecting the most appropriate device for their individual needs.

About the Author

Leen Alyaseen, Class of 2024,Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University.

References

1. Messer C. Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Weighing the Pros and Cons. Verywell Health. Published September 28, 2015. https://www.verywellhealth.com/continuous-glucose-monitoring-the-arrival-of-dexcom-5-3289566

2. Ajjan RA. How Can We Realize the Clinical Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitoring? Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics. 2017;19(Suppl 2):S–27-S-36. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/dia.2017.0021

3. Lin R, Brown F, James S, Jones J, Ekinci E. Continuous glucose monitoring: A review of the evidence in type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetic Medicine. 2021;38(5). doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/dme.14528

4. Matsutani D, Sakamoto M, Iuchi H, et al. Glycemic variability in continuous glucose monitoring is inversely associated with baroreflex sensitivity in type 2 diabetes: a preliminary report. Cardiovascular Diabetology. 2018;17(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12933-018-0683-2

5. Patient Safety Network. Approach to Improving Patient Safety: Communication. psnetahrqgov. Published online March 10, 2021. https://psnet.ahrq.gov/perspective/approach-improving-patient-safety-communication

6. Continuous Glucose Monitoring - NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/managing-diabetes/continuous-glucose-monitoring.

7. Choosing a CGM | ADA. diabetes.org. https://diabetes.org/tools-support/devices-technology/choosing-cgm

8. Clinical Targets for Continuous Glucose Monitoring Data - Blog - NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Accessed March 17, 2023. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/professionals/diabetes-discoveries-practice/clinical-targets-for-continuous-glucose-monitoring-data.