Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology provides real-time glucose readings to people with diabetes. CGMs help diabetics track their glucose levels throughout the day and make informed decisions about their food, exercise, and medication intake. This advancement in technology can make living with diabetes easier to manage.
What are continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)?
A CGM is a small device that uses a sensor placed under the skin to check blood glucose levels every 5-15 minutes, providing real-time updates to a receiver or smartphone app.
Benefits of CGMs
CGMs offer many benefits for people with diabetes to help them live more independently. Board certified endocrinologist Dr. Srujana Yada says the real-time updates on blood sugar trends can not only provide guidance on treatment decisions, but also help patients make healthy choices.
“CGMs can tell patients how their blood sugar changes when eating different kinds of foods,” says Dr. Yada. “This can help them make appropriate changes in their diet and create an even more personalized treatment plan.”
CGMs can also help reduce the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
“Patients are notified by an alarm when they have high or low glucose levels, which helps them make treatment decisions rather than waiting too long,” explains Dr. Yada.
The instant data from CGMs can also improve patient care. “It helps doctors to see where exactly the blood sugars are running high – either fasting or mealtime sugars – and lets us change the regimen accordingly. CGMs help improve HbA1c and reduce variability.”
Who should have a CGM?
Patients who are candidates for a CGM include:
- All type 1 diabetes patients;
- Type 2 diabetes patients who are on multiple insulin injections; and
- Patients with hypoglycemic unawareness.
Patients who are not on insulin do not need a CGM.
Continuous glucose monitors are a valuable tool for people with diabetes. If you’re interested in learning more, talk with your doctor to decide if it is right for you.
Consult with an Endocrinologist in Austin, TX
At Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology, we are committed to helping people gain better control of their health and working with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that work best for their lifestyle. To schedule an appointment with one of our board certified endocrinologist, call (512) 458-8400 or request an appointment online.
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