GLUCOSE SENSORS (CGM)

Glucose Sensor – These devices allow for measuring glucose levels in the fluid beneath the skin. They do not measure blood sugar directly, but provide a functional extrapolation to a patient’s blood sugar. Typically, a sensor is placed into the skin and stays in place for one to two weeks, measuring glucose status every few minutes. It is important to note some systems do not require daily finger-sticks, but some still make it necessary to perform several finger-sticks daily so the sensor system may be properly re calibrated. The sensor may be programmed to give an alarm if sugars are above or below a selected threshold, so a great utility for the sensor is in patients who have unawareness of low sugars.

Why Endocrinologists Want You To Use a CGM Sensor System –
While a quarterly A1c remains a primary goal, the greater data set from a CGM allows for a more in depth and quicker analysis of the patient’s diabetic fluctuations. Checking finger-sticks 4x daily or more is painful and misses much needed data. A CGM allows for better targeting of medication choices resulting in better blood sugar control, avoiding hypoglycemia, and obtaining a better A1c quicker.