Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of people every year. It can be difficult to manage and can even lead to serious health issues. One of the things that makes managing diabetes so difficult is having to test your blood glucose levels manually. Continuous glucose monitoring can make this process easier by allowing you to check them more often with just one prick!
In this article, they’ll discuss some of the different ways continuous glucose monitoring can help you in your daily life and how it works. They’ll also give you tips for choosing which type of monitor is best for you!
Help you sleep better
Diabetes is a serious condition, and it can be difficult to manage. One of the most important things you need to track is your blood glucose levels. This can be done through either finger pricks or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).
An insulin pump with CGM, i.e., Continuous glucose monitoring, is great for people with diabetes because it allows them to check their blood sugar levels throughout the day and night without using tools other than their smartphone.
If you have type 1 diabetes, this method will help you better manage your disease since you’ll know when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal and may need insulin shots or adjustments in medication dosages.
Reduce costs
Having to check your blood sugar level several times a day can lead to serious finger-pricking. Glucose meters are portable and easy to use, but they require expensive strips that need replacing often. Using a continuous glucose monitor instead of a traditional meter will save you money on the cost of strips, which can add up quickly if you have diabetes or use insulin injections regularly.
Since continuous glucose monitors provide real-time feedback about your blood sugar levels, they also help you know when it’s time for treatment. This means less wasted insulin and fewer emergency room visits due to severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Lead to healthier choices
A study published in Diabetes Care found that CGM use led to better adherence to medication, which can lead to lower blood sugar levels and fewer complications. Similarly, another study published in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics found that patients with Type 1 diabetes who wore CGMs showed improved glucose control compared with those who used a traditional fingerstick meter.
Diabetic experts like Tandem Diabetes say, “The insulin pump seamlessly integrates into your life like a sophisticated, modern smart device.”
Help you exercise more
With CGM, you can monitor your blood glucose levels during exercise and see how they change. For example, you can see how long it takes for them to rise or fall after exercise and if they reach a certain level, that might put you at risk of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). This helps you adjust your exercise routine so that it doesn’t interfere with your diabetes management plan.
No finger-pricking involved
Continuous glucose monitoring is an alternative to traditional methods of blood glucose testing. It can be used to replace finger-pricking and multiple daily injections, as well as multiple daily blood samples, draws or tests. Typically, patients wear a small sensor that’s attached to the skin via an adhesive for 12 or more hours a day. Blood glucose levels are measured every few minutes using a handheld device. The data is then stored and downloaded into your doctor’s computer program, where you can easily view it.