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Simple Uses for CGM's: Blood Glucose & More
Simple Uses for CGM's: Blood Glucose & More
What is CGM?
CGM stands for Continuous Glucose Monitoring. A CGM is a device that measures blood glucose levels at regular intervals around the clock. As the name implies, it has the ability to continuously check blood sugar levels throughout the day to allow for better lifestyle management and choices.
Recently, a mobile device is the most convenient method of choice because it allows a person to track their own blood glucose at any time; day or night.
Once tracked the device can read whether glucose levels are high or low, and give additional data that can prevent further medical conditions.
More advanced Continuous Glucose Monitoring devices send data wirelessly to your smartphone, making it easier to use.
Who uses a CGM Device?
Anyone can benefit from having a CGM device. The various physical changes a person can undergo during a lifetime increases their chances of needing to use it. However, those with Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes are more likely to use these devices.
Often times, “physical changes” become blood glucose risks that contribute to the diagnosis of diabetes.
A few risk factors that contribute stem from family genes, medication, diet, exercise, and pregnancy. Preventive care is the best way to prevent these factors from affecting your health.
Both adult and child diabetics use these devices because, at some stage of life, they have been diagnosed with a medical condition by a medical professional. For example, type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Using a CGM device, (Continuous Glucose Monitoring device) is the simplest and most convenient way for diabetics to check the normalcy of blood glucose levels and prevent further health complications.
Benefits of Using CGM Devices
The Continuous Glucose Monitoring device is an easy device to set-up that will make tracking your blood glucose a lot easier!
Not only are they simple to use, but they can also track real-time data to your smart device without the use of a fingerstick.
The data will help you make better, more informed decisions about your blood glucose results because it will detect trends in your blood glucose levels.
How CGM's Work
Here’s how Continuous Glucose Monitoring devices work.
There’s a tiny sensor that you can attach to your arm or belly. The location depends on what the manufacturer of the device recommends.
While your glucose level is measured the information is gathered. Meanwhile, the transmitter will send the collected data to the receiver.
Depending on the model you purchase, the receiver location may vary.
In most cases, the receiver will be connect to the pump. Yet, it could be a separate purchase altogether.
According to the National Institutes of Health, “...some models can send information right away to a second person’s smartphone—perhaps a parent, partner, or caregiver. For example, if a child’s glucose drops dangerously low overnight, the CGM could be set to wake a parent in the next room.”
No matter which you buy, the Continous Glucose Monitor allows you to take your device wherever you need to go.
CGM Device: Blood Glucose
Continuous Glucose Monitors are always on whether you’re eating, showering, or working out, so it's important to care for them as you perform your daily activities.
These devices are constantly collecting information. Every few minutes, a CGM device gives you insight about your glucose even if an exercise or meal affected it.
You will have life-saving information that requires little to no set up on your part.
It's professionally recommended to test a drop of blood on a separate standard blood glucose meter.
Check that the reading is the same on both devices. Make sure you read your device for any special features.
Caring for your CGM Device
Depending on your individual physical activity, it might be helpful to complement your device with Continous Glucose Adhesive Patches or CGM Patches.
Continuous Glucose Adhesive Patches are extremely useful to a CGM device. It keeps the sensor secure if you do more than an average amount of movement. Sometimes simple activities like taking a shower wear down the adhesive around the sensor, so many people like to use patches.
Additionally, if you're looking for a diabetic-friendly traveling organizer to keep your supplies in one place and your insulin cool, check out our Medicool Diabetic Travel Organizer.
As always, choose what’s best for your needs based on the advice given by a medical professional. Read closely in any product description to ensure that you are buying exactly what you need, and if you have any questions about a product on our site, let us know. We're happy to assist!
Stay tuned for a new premium CGM adhesive patch coming soon to ExpressMed.com. Subscribe to our newsletter to learn more and be the first to know when it arrives.
By Christy Love