Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Important Things to Know

Continuous glucose monitoring constantly tracks blood sugar levels, commonly known as blood glucose, throughout the night and day. Blood glucose level is always readily visible to a person. They can also examine their glucose variations over a few hours or days to spot trends. People can manage their diet, physical activity, and medicines more effectively throughout the day by monitoring their glucose levels in real-time.

Technology advancements have substantially increased the consistency and accuracy of ongoing glucose monitoring systems, which makes them a crucial component of diabetes management. Thus, these factors are fostering market growth. In addition, according to a research report by Astute Analytica, the Asia Pacific ContinuousGlucose Monitoring Market is likely to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.22% over the projection period from 2023 to 2031.

How does a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) operate?

A tiny sensor is implanted beneath a person's skin, typically on their abdomen or arm, to enable a CGM to function. The sensor determines their interstitial glucose level, which is the amount of glucose present in the fluid among the cells. Every few minutes, the sensor checks the level of glucose. A monitor receives the data wirelessly from a transmitter.

The monitor could be a standalone device that people carry in their pocket or handbag, or it might be a component of an insulin pump. Some CGMs transmit data straight to a tablet or smartphone.

Are continuous glucose monitoring devices simple to utilize?

CGM devices are complicated, tiny machines. Understanding their technical features does take some time upfront.

For instance, People need to understand how to use:

• Properly assemble the sensor.
• Calibrate the device using blood glucose measurements from a fingerstick (for some CGM devices).
• Set alarms on devices.
• Data should be transferred to a phone or computer (for later analysis).
• Respond to and modify to person's care plan based on the information gathered.

Use of a CGM requires specific requirements:

A person might need to test the CGM twice a day. Using a common glucose meter, they will test a drop of blood. Both devices should provide roughly the same glucose reading.

Depending on the model, the CGM sensor needs to be changed every 3 to 7 days.

When a CGM warning regarding high or low blood glucose sounds, it's crucial to act for safety. If the glucose level is out of range, a person should get help or follow their treatment plan.

What benefits might CGM provide for managing diabetes?

Lead to more specialized healthcare: The full picture of how diabetes affects people cannot be fully conveyed by CGM. People are informed of when glucose increases or decreases, not why. However, the supplier can install CGM data from their device and analyze it for patterns and trends. Using the information they gathered, they can then personalize care.

Detect highs and lows: Most CGM devices will inform people if their blood glucose levels increase or decrease by a predetermined amount. People can rapidly make adjustments using this knowledge. A person may be able to cure or prevent highs or lows before they become a serious issue.