What is continuous glucose monitoring?
Continuous glucose monitoring automatically tracks blood glucose levels, also called blood sugar, throughout the day and night. You can see your glucose level anytime at a glance. You can also review how your glucose changes over a few hours or days to see trends. Seeing glucose levels in real time can help you make more informed decisions throughout the day about how to balance your food, physical activity, and medicines.
How does a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) work?
A CGM works through a tiny sensor inserted under your skin, usually on your belly or arm. The sensor measures your interstitial glucose level, which is the glucose found in the fluid between the cells. The sensor tests glucose every few minutes. A transmitter wirelessly sends the information to a monitor. The monitor may be part of an insulin pump or a separate device, which you might carry in a pocket or purse. Some CGMs send information directly to a smartphone or tablet and can read the glucose levels out loud.
Our pharmacy team is extremely knowledgeable about the devices and their accessibility. Please call to learn more. Also, the following links a webinar that we hosted about CGM devices with the University of Pennsylvania’s Diabetes Education Center: https://www.accessiblepharmacy.com/blindness-diabetes-webinar-dexcom-vs-freestyle-libre/
For more information, you can find additional resources here: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/managing-diabetes/continuous-glucose-monitoring