Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by high blood sugar levels that can lead to a range of complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, and blindness. Managing diabetes requires careful monitoring of blood sugar levels and making lifestyle changes to maintain healthy levels. One tool that has been increasingly used in recent years to help manage diabetes is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).
What is Continuous Glucose Monitoring?
Continuous glucose monitoring involves wearing a small sensor on the skin that measures blood sugar levels throughout the day. The sensor is connected to a transmitter that sends the data to a receiver or smartphone app, allowing the user to see their blood sugar levels in real-time and track trends over time. CGM can provide more detailed information about blood sugar levels than traditional blood glucose testing, which involves pricking the finger and testing a drop of blood.
How Does Continuous Glucose Monitoring Help Manage Diabetes?
CGM can help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels more effectively by providing more detailed information about how different foods, activities, and medications affect their blood sugar levels. By tracking blood sugar levels in real-time, CGM can also help people avoid dangerous highs and lows that can lead to complications.
CGM can also help people with diabetes make more informed decisions about their diet and exercise habits. For example, if someone sees that their blood sugar levels spike after eating a certain type of food, they can make changes to their diet to avoid those spikes in the future.
Improving Outcomes with Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Studies have shown that using CGM can lead to improved diabetes outcomes, including better blood sugar control and reduced risk of complications. One study published in Diabetes Care found that people with type 1 diabetes who used CGM had better blood sugar control and fewer episodes of hypoglycemia compared to those who used traditional blood glucose testing.
Another study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that using CGM led to significant reductions in A1C levels (a measure of blood sugar control over time) in people with type 2 diabetes. The study also found that CGM use was associated with improved quality of life and reduced diabetes-related distress.
Continuous glucose monitoring is a valuable tool for managing diabetes and improving outcomes. By providing detailed information about blood sugar levels in real-time, CGM can help people with diabetes make more informed decisions about their diet, exercise, and medication habits. Studies have shown that using CGM can lead to better blood sugar control and reduced risk of complications. If you have diabetes and are looking for ways to better manage your blood sugar levels, talk to your healthcare provider about whether continuous glucose monitoring may be right for you.
