What Is A Continuous Glucose Monitor? How To Choose The Right One?
Monitoring glucose levels is a part of the health and fitness routine of people with diabetes. Therefore, choosing the right blood glucose meter that is accurate and reliable is important. Glucose meters are small devices used to measure current blood glucose levels. Regular glucose level monitoring is important for diabetes control and detecting risky medical situations like hypoglycemia and low blood sugar. In addition, the food you eat affects your blood sugar level, making it crucial to check your glucose levels regularly throughout the day.
With advancements in technology, today, different types of glucose monitoring devices are available to check your blood glucose levels. However, it is necessary to do your research before choosing the right glucose monitoring device.
Types Of Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices
There are three types of glucose monitoring devices:
- Invasive
- Non-invasive
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
So, before choosing a glucose monitor device, you must understand the basics to know how it works. In this blog, we will discuss what a continuous glucose monitor is and how to choose the right one?
What Is Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)?
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices help you continuously monitor your glucose levels. These devices usually help you manage Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes with fewer fingerstick tests. Instead, you have to just insert a small sensor onto your skin to measure your glucose levels 24 hours a day. Then, a small transmitter connected to the sensor sends results to a device such as a wearable device or cell phone that displays your blood glucose data.
CGM can help you more effectively manage your health. However, learning how to use a CGM device smoothly takes time. It makes it easier to monitor your blood glucose levels over time. Most CGMs can alert you when your blood glucose levels increase or drop too low. In addition, the device allows you to set the alert parameters and personalized how you are notified. CGM devices have revolutionized diabetes care. These devices provide continuous, dynamic glucose updates every 5 minutes, while a traditional fingerstick provides just a single glucose reading.
The 4 Best CGM Systems
Today, four FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved CGM systems are available in the market. Two CGM systems now only require two fingerstick calibrations daily, while the other two require no fingersticks for calibration. The four leading CGM systems are:
- Dexcom G6
- Medtronic Minimed Guardian Connect
- Abbott FreeStyle Libre
- Eversense implantable CGM
Benefits Of Using A CGM
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is very helpful for people with diabetes. It can measure glucose levels 24 hours a day. However, you have to wear the device to check your blood glucose levels. It will measure your glucose levels and the results on your smartphone app. Using CGM eliminates the need for fingerstick tests. It alerts and alarms for high and low glucose levels.
In addition, a CGM device makes it easier to manage Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. It shows a complete picture of how your blood sugar levels change over time. This will help you better understand how factors such as food, activity, stress, and illness affect your blood glucose levels. In addition, CGM devices considerably reduce the fingerstick tests you need to do every day.
Conclusion
We hope you have understood what a continuous glucose monitor is and how it will help you measure your blood glucose levels. CGM devices are very helpful for people with diabetes. It helps you to keep track of your glucose levels constantly. Unlike traditional fingerstick meters, CGM devices provide a complete picture of how your blood sugar levels change over time. Currently, these devices are bringing better health outcomes for people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
