Imagine a tiny guardian constantly monitoring your blood sugar levels. That’s the magic of a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). This medical device is a game-changer for individuals with diabetes, offering real-time blood sugar readings throughout the day and night. Unlike traditional finger pricks, which only provide a snapshot at a specific time, CGMs provide a continuous stream of data, empowering you to make informed decisions about your diabetes management.
How a CGM Works
A CGM uses a sensor inserted under the skin to measure your sugar level every few minutes. It continuously monitors your blood sugar levels in more or less real-time which eliminates the need for a finger prick. At the moment, there are numerous manufacturers of these devices, and how each CGM works varies.
For example, some devices require calibration with a finger prick reading on a daily basis. However, there are newer devices that are factory calibrated and do not require calibration.
Some devices show your blood sugar reading at all times on a receiver, smartphone or smartwatch, and an alarm goes off if your blood sugar is going up or down too quickly. Others require that you check your blood sugar by running the receiver or mobile phone over the sensor periodically. Where the CGMs are sited can also differ. Most commonly, CGMs are placed either over the abdomen or the upper arm.
Common Brands and Appearances
Several CGM brands are available, each with slightly different looks. Some popular options include Dexcom G6 and Abbott Freestyle Libre. These devices typically consist of two parts:
Sensor: A small, thin filament inserted under the skin, usually on the abdomen or upper arm.
Transmitter: A small disc attached to the sensor that wirelessly transmits blood sugar data to a receiver or your smartphone.
The receiver or smartphone app displays your glucose readings in a user-friendly format, often with graphs and trends. Some CGMs also offer alerts for high or low blood sugar levels, providing an extra layer of safety.
Embracing a CGM and Reaping the Rewards
Using a CGM is relatively straightforward. The sensor must be applied on the body (typically the back of the arm)and typically lasts 10-14 days before needing replacement. The CGM connects to a receiver or mobile app via NFC or Bluetooth, allowing you to track your blood sugar levels continuously.
CGMs offer a multitude of benefits for blood glucose level monitoring and diabetes management, which include:
- Improved Blood Sugar Control. With constant readings readily available, you can adjust your diet, exercise routine, and insulin dosage more effectively.
- Reduced Finger Pricks. Multiple daily finger pricks are no longer necessary. CGMs provide a pain-free and convenient alternative.
- Enhanced Awareness. CGMs help you identify patterns in your blood sugar fluctuations, leading to better overall diabetes management.
- Peace of Mind. Real-time alerts can prevent dangerous blood sugar drops or spikes, offering peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Important Considerations
While CGMs are a valuable tool, there are some things to keep in mind:
- Cost. CGMs can be expensive, and insurance coverage may vary.
- Technical Glitches. As with any device, technical issues can occasionally arise.
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Living Life with Confidence
While CGMs are a revolutionary tool as they offer relevant information and empower informed decision-making, especially for people with diabetes; exercise, proper nutrition, and guidance from medical professionals are still essential to manage your blood glucose and live a healthier, more confident life.
When interpreting your glucose levels from the CGM, it is important to look at them in the context of your health status, as well as the events surrounding their changes. For example, if you see a sudden increase in glucose level, it would be important to determine if it is related to a meal you just had, or if it is in relation to an intense exercise you did. The action you and your healthcare provider would take would be very different in these two situations.
These are among the common factors that contribute to changes in glucose levels:
- Food: Consumption of carbohydrates (starches and sugars) can cause your glucose to rise, especially if you consume a lot of refined carbohydrates such as white rice or white bread.
- Exercise: If you exercise without an adequate snack beforehand, your blood glucose may drop, as your muscles are using up glucose.
- Stress: Stress often raises blood glucose levels.
- Medications: Diabetes medications lower blood glucose. In addition, certain other types of medications can affect your blood glucose.
If you find that blood sugar levels are out of range, speak with your healthcare team to understand what may be the cause, and what you can do about it.
A Holistic Approach to Managing Your Blood Sugar Levels
It may be difficult to make sense of the rich data from your CGM – especially when you are new to it. While it is exciting to learn how your body responds to your daily habits and figure out ways to improve your blood sugar control, the whole process could sometimes be frustrating if you don’t know what the data means.
It would be best to have a discussion with your healthcare provider before you start monitoring so that you get the appropriate support and guidance throughout the process. You should also share your data with your healthcare provider to better understand your condition, and to get personalised advice on how to better manage your condition.
Programs with a holistic approach to diabetes treatment such as NOVI Magnum makes use of CGMs to help you get glucose levels reading in real-time to see the immediate impact of what you eat. But that is not all – you get a healthcare team of specialist doctors, dietitians and coaches to help you understand your body better.
With this data, your doctor and your dietitian will then create a holistic treatment plan covering medication, nutrition and fitness that best suits your unique health goals. So whether you need to eat better or exercise more, your coach will create an evidence-based, step-by-step program based on your preferences. Through continuous messaging support and reviews by your coach and doctor, you will be forming healthier habits before you know it.
A peer-reviewed study showed that patients who participated in the NOVI Magnum diabetes treatment program had a 0.9% reduction in HbA1c in three (3) months. A 1% reduction in HbA1c has significant positive implications for your health, including reducing the risk of diabetes-related deaths by 21%, lowering the risk of heart attacks by 14%, and decreasing the likelihood of amputation or death from peripheral vascular disease by 43%, among others.
While deciphering CGM data to help you manage your blood glucose levels can be a learning curve, remember that you don’t have to go it alone. Partner with your healthcare provider to unlock the full potential of this valuable tool. Their expertise and guidance will empower you to translate insights from your CGM into personalised strategies for optimal blood sugar management.
Christine Flor is a writer and communications specialist for NOVI Health. Dr. Kyle Tan is a Preventive Medicine Specialist and one of the Founders of NOVI Health. He has more than 10 years of clinical experience and has practised in the primary care, tertiary hospital and community settings. Dr. Tan is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.
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