In celebration of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) and improved health outcomes
As you already know, managing diabetes effectively can be challenging, but advancements in technology are making it easier for individuals to keep their blood sugar levels in check. One such innovation is the Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM). CGMs offer several benefits over traditional methods of glucose monitoring, such as fingersticks. We cannot say enough about how valuable a CGM is, especially for its ability to support better health outcomes. Let’s take you through some of the key CGM benefits our clients have experienced. Finally, an end to painful fingersticks. One of the most significant advantages of using a CGM is the reduction in the need for fingerstick tests. Traditional glucose monitoring methods require frequent finger pricks to measure blood sugar levels, which can be painful and inconvenient. CGMs, such as the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3 and Dexcom G7, use a small sensor inserted under the skin to continuously measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. This means fewer finger pricks and less discomfort for users, making glucose monitoring a less daunting task. Imagine how much easier this makes glucose monitoring for children and their parents; the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3 systems are approved for children aged 4 years and older. Accurate and accessible data for daily nutrition choices CGMs provide real-time data on glucose levels, allowing users to see how their blood sugar fluctuates throughout the day. This continuous stream of information helps individuals make more informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle. By understanding how different foods and activities affect their glucose levels, which is different for everyone, users can tailor their nutrition choices to maintain better control over their blood sugar. This proactive approach to diabetes management can lead to more stable glucose levels and reduce the risk of complications. Help your healthcare providers by sharing historical data Another significant advantage of CGMs is the ability to store and share historical data with healthcare providers. Devices like the Abbott FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom G7 collect detailed information over time, creating a comprehensive picture of a person’s glucose patterns. This data can be shared with doctors and diabetes specialists, who can use it to make more accurate and personalized treatment recommendations. By providing healthcare providers with a wealth of information, CGMs enable a collaborative approach to diabetes management, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to the individual’s needs. Consider what International Diabetes Center (IDC) Medical Director Amy Criego, MD said about sharing CGM data with healthcare providers, “CGM data provides a wealth of information. But without easy access, clinicians can’t fully leverage this information for their discussion with patients and clinical recommendations. We demonstrated that there’s an effective way for clinicians to both view and track this data over time in the EHR, which we expect will improve how they’re able to support their patients.” Does this really amount to better health outcomes? Absolutely. The benefits of using a CGM—less painful monitoring, better data for nutrition choices, and the ability to share historical data with healthcare providers—all contribute to more effective diabetes management. With continuous glucose monitoring, individuals can maintain tighter control over their blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of both short-term and long-term complications associated with diabetes. Studies have shown that CGMs can lead to improved glycemic control, which is crucial for preventing issues such as neuropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular diseases. Richard Bergenstal, MD, Executive Director of the IDC attests to the correlation between CGMs and improved health outcomes, “Integrating CGM data into the EHR is a step in the direction of more efficient and effective diabetes management.” Ready to learn more about CGMs? Contact our team at 857-400-0044. We are dedicated to supporting your diabetic needs in support of your best life.
