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Think about this: You just had a delicious meal, maybe rajma chaawal, dum biryani, or buttery pav bhaji. Sounds awesome, right? But if you have diabetes, you might wonder how this meal affects your blood sugar.
Usually, checking your blood sugar means using a glucometer, which involves a quick finger prick. But what if there was a better way? That’s where Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) comes in, and it’s a big deal for managing diabetes. It’s even better when you join a diabetes control programme that offers CGM sensors, making it easier to keep track of your blood sugar without the pain.
What’s Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)?
CGM is a small device that keeps an eye on your blood sugar all the time, for up to two weeks. You wear it on your arm or belly. It’s like having a tiny helper that watches your glucose levels day and night.
How CGM Works
This little helper has a sensor that checks your blood sugar in the fluid around your cells, giving you updates every few minutes. This means you can see what’s happening with your blood sugar in real-time, helping you manage your diabetes better.
Who Should Use CGM?
CGM is for anyone interested in detailed health monitoring. It’s especially useful for those with diabetes who need to monitor their glucose levels closely.
Why Monitor Blood Sugar?
Tracking helps manage glycemic control and prevent complications by understanding how different foods affect your blood sugar. This knowledge lets you make informed dietary choices and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Using a CGM Device
Simply apply a small sensor to your upper arm. The sensor sends data to a receiver or smartphone app, allowing you to see current glucose levels, trends, and where they’re headed.
Appropriate Age for CGM Use
CGM is user-friendly for all ages, with systems like the FreeStyle Libre cleared for use in children aged 4 and above.
Benefits of CGM
No More Finger Pricks: Say goodbye to painful testing.
Informed Choices: Make better diet and lifestyle decisions.
Understand Glycemic Variability: Monitor blood sugar spikes and make adjustments to stabilize levels.
Personalized Glycemic Response: Learn how different foods uniquely affect your blood sugar.
Limitations of CGM
Delayed Readings: CGM data can lag by 15-20 minutes compared to blood glucose levels.
Sensor Discomfort: Initial insertion may cause discomfort, but it’s generally comfortable afterward.
Cost: CGM systems can be expensive and may not always be covered by insurance.
Maintenance: Requires calibration and regular sensor replacement.
