Everything You Need to Know About Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices

Managing diabetes can be challenging, especially when you have to constantly monitor your blood sugar levels. Thanks to modern technology, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices have made it easier for people living with diabetes to track their glucose levels round the clock. CGMs are becoming more popular among those diagnosed with diabetes, but there is still room for knowledge and understanding of CGMs.

What are Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices?

CGMs are devices that measure glucose levels continuously and display the results on a screen for easy monitoring. Unlike traditional glucose meters that require a finger prick or blood sample, CGMs measure glucose levels through a sensor placed under the skin that records glucose levels in tissue fluid every few minutes.

How Do Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices Work?

CGMs have three components: the sensor, transmitter, and receiver. The sensor is a tiny electrode that is placed under the skin and records glucose levels every few minutes. The transmitter is a device that is attached to the sensor and sends the readings wirelessly to the receiver device. The receiver is a device that displays the glucose level reading in real-time. The receiver can be a standalone device, a smartphone app, or a smartwatch.

Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices

CGMs offer several benefits for people living with diabetes. A major advantage of CGMs is that they provide real-time data, enabling users to make informed decisions about their diet, exercise, and medication needs. CGMs can also detect blood sugar fluctuations that finger sticks cannot detect, which is especially helpful during sleep. This helps lower the risk of low blood sugar episodes, which can be life-threatening.

Brands and Cost of CGMs

The most popular brands of CGMs include Dexcom, Abbott, and Medtronic. The cost of CGMs varies, but they can be quite expensive. The devices themselves can cost between $500 to $1000, and that does not include the cost of the sensors, which need to be replaced every few days and can cost as much as $50 each. However, some insurance plans cover the cost of CGMs, so it is important to inquire about coverage through your health insurance provider.

Should You Use Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices?

CGMs might not be for everyone. If you are able to monitor your blood sugar levels adequately with conventional glucose meters, then it might not be necessary for you to use a CGM. However, if you are tired of the finger pricks, and want real-time data, then a CGM might be the right choice for you.

Overall, continuous glucose monitoring devices offer an impressive solution for people living with diabetes who want to better manage their health and minimize the risk of low or high blood sugar episodes. CGMs provide real-time data, and the modern technology allows users to know their glucose levels anytime, anywhere. While CGMs can be costly, there are sufficient health insurance policies available to help with the cost. If you're considering using a CGM, speak to your healthcare professional about it. They can provide more information about what CGM options are available, and you both can decide what's the best course of action for your diabetes management plan.

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