While Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM)have revolutionized the life of patients living with diabetes, they are growing in popularity among people who don’t have the disease.
There is increasing evidence and research that indicates Continuous Glucose Monitors can be used in both situations and here we explain why.
What is a Continuous Glucose Monitor?
Before we begin, let’s explore Continuous Glucose Monitors and discuss overall benefits.A Continuous Glucose Monitor is a device that takes blood glucose readings on set intervals. A small electrode that is the size of a quarter is placed under the skin and held in place by an adhesive. A transmitter attached to the electrode sends data to a separate unit allowing a patient to record and access valuable information that allows them to manage and help control their diabetes. A simple swipe produces a quick reading along with trend data to help patients identify where glucose levels are headed. CGMs can also track where glucose levels have been by providing historical data that tracks daily patterns, ranges and targets. A Continuous Glucose Monitor also alerts patients with levels are trending too high or too low. It creates of peace of mind that did not exist with traditional methods used in the past.
Depending on the severity of the diabetes diagnosis, patients could have to check their levels several times throughout the day. Continuous Glucose Monitors give patients the freedom to live a more active and less painful way of life. Prior to the creation of CGM devices, the traditional and main method of checking levels involved a blood glucose monitor and painful fingersticks.
Continuous Glucose Monitor Benefits
CGMs offer many benefits to diabetes patients. But, as you read through these benefits, start thinking of the implications for non-diabetes patients. What about athletes or anyone wanting to live a healthier lifestyle? CGMs also have far reaching effects for those suffering from other conditions that need to keep blood glucose levels in check. The benefits of a Continuous Glucose Monitor could also help to prevent serious health complications caused by sustained levels of high blood glucose.
- ● Data Collection – CGMs collect information and identify patterns that can be shared with healthcare professionals and caregivers to help avoid dangerous situations. Depending on the monitoring system, this data can be stored for up to 3 months.
- ● 24/7 Monitoring – Continual monitoring keeps patients safe and allows them to monitor levels anytime and anywhere. CGMs can send alerts to patients, healthcare providers, and family members if levels are too high or too low providing an extra level of security.
- ● Identification and monitoring of extremes in blood glucose levels and assessments of nocturnal glucose patterns.
- ● Time in Range “TIR” of blood glucose results to determine if patients are meeting desired targets.
- ● Provides an analysis of the overall treatment plan and the data needed to identify if changes to the plan and diet are needed.
- ● Serves as a teaching tool for patients and healthcare providers to learn how factors, such as diet, exercise, and medication, can affect glucose levels.
- ● CGMs are advanced, user-friendly, discreet and are continually evolving to make it easier for patients living with diabetes.
- ● Ease of Use – CGMs eliminate the need for inconvenient and painful fingersticks. CGMs can be worn during exercise, while bathing and allow for participation in regular daily activities.
How Do Continuous Glucose Monitors Fit Into A Daily Routine?
Currently, the use of CGMs are thought of solely for patients living with diabetes. But, we as a health-conscious society are already monitoring weight, heart rate, caloric intake and steps per day. Why not add one more thing to monitor to that list? CGMs usage for non-diabetes patients is a relatively new concept that has not been adopted by health insurance companies. Without insurance coverage, CGMs can be costly, but its easy to see the benefits and health implications for non-diabetes patients.
There are currently four FDA-approved Continuous Glucose Monitor Systems on the market today – Dexcom, Medtronic, FreeStyle Libre and Senseonics. While not common in non-diabetes patients, this alternate form of usage could have major implications for these brands. This is definitely an up-and-coming hot topic, and it will be interesting to see the future of CGMs unfold.
Continuous Glucose Monitor Resources
For information on Continuous Glucose Monitors and to stay informed be sure to check out the Quest Health Solutions website. We are Quest Health Solutions and one of the leading suppliers of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems, currently licensed in 48 states. We strive to be a one-stop, shop for all CGM needs and take great pride in providing the tools, supplies, services and diabetes education. For more information, contact us at 1-877-888-7050 Ext. 1011 or email ben@questhealthsolutions.com or schedule an appointment today.