The accuracy of blood glucose readings is serious and can deeply impact diabetes management.
It can even lead to a life-or-death situation.
For a diabetes patient, blood glucose monitoring is the prime tool that determines if levels are within a safe range and can trigger action when needed.
But with different ways to measure, how do you know which way is the right way to measure blood glucose levels.
There are two main ways to measure levels.
First, the tried and true, traditional method.
The Blood Glucose Monitor
Blood Glucose Monitors (BGM) first arrived on the scene back in the 70’s. They have been used for years as a reliable method to check the blood glucose levels in patients living with diabetes. A Blood Glucose Monitor tests the concentration of glucose in the blood through a fingerstick to draw blood. Then uses a test strip that interacts with a digital meter to identify blood glucose levels. It is important to note that Blood Glucose Monitors measure glucose levels at a particular moment in time and focus on a single number.
The Continuous Glucose Monitor
Then, a little over 20 years ago the Continuous Glucose Monitor arrived on the scene and changed everything.
A Continuous Glucose Monitor takes glucose readings continuously with a small electrode placed under the skin that is held in place by an adhesive. A transmitter attached to the electrode sends data to a separate unit or smart device and allows a patient to record and access valuable information and trends on a continual 24/7 basis. CGMs do not require fingersticks to measure glucose levels which makes monitoring easier and less painful.
While Continuous Glucose Monitors exceed Blood Glucose Monitors in terms of technology, they haven’t completely replaced Blood Glucose Monitors. There are still times when patients need to test blood glucose levels with a fingerstick and for that reason they can work in tandem quite well when necessary. One of the biggest differences in monitors is that a Blood Glucose Monitor measures blood glucose at a particular moment in time. That is helpful, but it doesn’t tell where blood glucose is going or what it’s going to do next and that makes it difficult to anticipate next steps.
Within 15 minutes, a Continuous Glucose Monitor serves as a guide towards what’s next and helps to manage what’s coming. Continuous Glucose Monitors have revolutionized the world of diabetes management because they give users control and power over the disease. CGMs collect data, analyze the information and forecast future trends providing peace of mind to everyone involved. Continuous Glucose Monitors take the guesswork and fear of the unknown out of the equation. CGMs offer a complete monitoring system that gives patients living with diabetes the freedom they deserve while making it easier for healthcare providers to perform their job in the process.
How Accurate are Continuous Glucose Monitors Compared to Blood Glucose Monitors?
While a CGMs significantly reduces the number of fingersticks required, there are certain times when they are needed to verify levels. Unlike a Blood Glucose Monitor, a CGM sensor actually takes readings from your interstitial fluid and not directly from the blood. Because the readings are from two different places, there is a natural lag between blood glucose levels in the interstitial fluid and glucose levels in the blood. Therefore, it’s normal, and should be expected, for the sensor readings and BGM readings to be different but for the most part they should be close.”
Using both a BGM and CGM in tandem helps patients gain even more control. One of the biggest pros of the Continuous Glucose Monitors is they give patients, healthcare providers, caregivers and loved ones, peace of mind. CGMs work 24/7 to keep patients safe and in control – even while sleeping. Alarms can be set to alert users when glucose is too high or too low with a preset tone, adjustable volume and vibration option. When in danger, this alarm will let patients and loved ones know something is wrong.
Take the Next Step
There is no doubt that Continuous Glucose Monitors have transformed the lives of diabetes patients while helping healthcare providers better treat and manage the disease in the process. To learn more about this valuable tool, contact Quest Health Solutions to find out next steps. We’re one of the leading suppliers of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems and currently licensed in 48 states, and we strive to be a one-stop shop for all CGM needs. We also offer free, CGM Fulfillment Solutions to diabetes care specialists and take great pride in providing the tools, supplies, services and knowledge to educate patients and healthcare professionals. To learn more or to find out how a Continuous Glucose Monitor can be part of the solution, contact us 1-877-888-7050 Option 3, Ext. 1011, email ben@questhealthsolutions.com or schedule an appointment today.
1. (2020) Novi-Health. Guide to Using Abbott FreeStyle Libre available at Click Here accessed on 26 October 2021.