✅ Benefits of CGMs

Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) are special devices providing real-time sugar levels. This allows individuals and health care professionals to view interstitial glucose responses to dietary intake, such as carbohydrate intake and physical exertion. While CGMs offer a faster, needle-free alternative to the traditional finger pricks, there is a 10-15 minute delay in reading compared to actual blood sugar levels. The CGM however shows a trend arrow that indicates the direction in which the blood sugar is trending at that time allowing for accurate preparation.

✅ As hinted before, CGMs are a blessing for almost all individuals with diabetes. They allow us to monitor blood sugars 24-hours a day. Unlike the traditional finger sticks, CGMs:
  • Minimize the risk of blood contamination that comes with finger sticks
  • Allow for blood sugar monitoring, using a device, at any given time of the day

Another amazing thing about CGMs is their ability to talk to insulin pumps to correctly administer insulin automatically based on CGM sugar readings and data. Many different pumps such as the Omnipod, Tandem, etc. communicate with specific CGMs that allow for real-time adjustment of insulin.

🤔 Is a CGM Right for You?

  • Do you have diabetes? Then a CGM would probably work well for you! There are a multitude of benefits that would make this a great option to add to your lifestyle.
  • Do you experience low blood sugar? CGMs can provide real-time alerts for low blood sugar, including urgent notifications that are unable to be turned off for dangerously low levels.
  • Do you experience high blood sugar? Alerts for high blood sugar can help you take timely action
  • Are you an athlete? Whether you’re an athlete or just enjoy working out, a CGM lets you monitor your sugar levels by just looking at your phone or watch at the gym, or on the sidelines during an important game without having to pull your glucose kit out and poke your finger.
  • Do you often find yourself in public? Having a CGM can eliminate the need to always carry a glucose meter or perform finger sticks in front of others.
  • Do you just HATE finger sticks? CGMs drastically reduce the need for finger pricks, allowing you to check your levels on your phone or watch. Finger pricks would then be reserved for only when your sugar levels are trending dangerously low.
  • Are you constantly curious about your sugar levels? With a CGM, you can monitor your sugar levels at every hour of the day if you wish, without the extra supplies or finger pricks.
  • Are you considering an insulin pump? Many CGMs pair with pumps to provide real-time glucose readings for insulin delivery when needed.
  • Do you want to see your glucose trends? CGMs show trend arrows to help you understand where your sugar levels are heading allowing you to better prepare where they will be at shortly
  • Interested in diabetes management through monitoring? A CGM helps you understand how different foods and activities affect your blood sugar allowing you to make adjustments without the need for medication at times.
Summary

CGMs can be incredibly beneficial for managing your blood sugar, offering you convenience and a multitude of other benefits compared to traditional finger pricks. They save time and reduce hassle by providing continuous monitoring throughout the day. If you think a CGM might be a good fit for your lifestyle, consult your endocrinologist to explore the next steps to determine if it’s the right choice for you