Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM) is a glucose monitoring device that reflects the blood glucose level by detecting the glucose concentration in the subcutaneous interstitial fluid (i.e. the glucose in the fluid between the cells).
The CGMS works through a tiny sensor under the skin, usually on your arm or belly. The sensor measures the glucose levels and tests glucose every few minutes, and sends the signal to a wireless receiver through a transmitter. These continuous glucose data can be visualised as numbers and graphs, and can help you make more informed decisions throughout the day about how to balance your food, physical activity, and medicines. The CGM can also be used with an insulin pump when necessary to regulate the amount of insulin input.
Benefits of CGMS
- Fewer finger pricks and more convenient glucose monitoring.
- Can detect fluctuations in glucose levels in between finger pricks, such as hypoglycaemia at night, hyperglycaemia between meals, etc.
- The graphic on the real-time CGMS screen shows whether your glucose level is rising or dropping — and how quickly it does so. This allows timely intervention to prevent high or low blood glucose.
- By looking at the CGMS report, it allows you and your medical team to find out causes of blood glucose fluctuations, and helps to adjust your diet, insulin dosage, and exercise accordingly.
Potential problems with CGMS
- The glucose readings of the CGMS tend to lag behind that of blood glucose as they are measuring interstitial glucose, not blood glucose.
- Local skin irritation.
- Too many individual alarm settings or alarm fatigue.
- Blood glucose data overload, resulting in psychological pressure, and even conflict between children and parents in the choice of diet or daily activities.
To apply for CGM support please apply here.