Managing diabetes requires daily attention and not just once per day.
Diabetes creates a series of decisions that must be dealt with throughout the day.
Every bite of food must be carefully considered.
Daily exercise, sleep, medications, schedules and stress levels can all affect diabetes.
When one or more of these factors teeters out of balance, it can wreak havoc on the entire diabetes management process.
Much of it is unknown and can change on a daily basis.
What was ok yesterday may not be ok today.
Certain factors can be controlled but many others can’t.
It’s this fear of the unknown that makes managing diabetes difficult, but it doesn’t have to be.
Incorporating a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) into the mix can ease some of the uncertainty and help patients and healthcare providers better manage diabetes.
Here are a few reasons why.
Continuous Glucose Monitor Details
First, it’s important to understand how a CGMs works. A small electrode is placed under the skin and is held in place by an adhesive. A transmitter attached to the electrode sends data to a separate unit and takes readings on set intervals allowing a patient to record and access valuable information to help manage and control diabetes.
Patients can easily track daily patterns, ranges and targets and receive alerts when trending too high or too low. Prior to CGMs, the main way to test glucose levels was through frequent and painful fingersticks. Continuous Glucose Monitoring systems have helped to create an easier, less painful way to manage diabetes and have eliminated much of the guesswork.
Continuous Glucose Monitors Provide Security
A CGM provides security in the sense that you have a constant companion to help monitor blood glucose levels and keep you safe. Continuous Glucose Monitors, like the FreeStyle Libre, take the guesswork out of where glucose levels are at and where they are headed.
Continuous Glucose Monitors are Simple to Use
They are discreet and private and can be worn on the abdomen or upper arm depending on the brand. A CGM user can check their blood glucose levels anytime and anywhere with ease. Patients simply swipe their sensor to get a reading within seconds. Results can even be read through clothing.
Continuous Glucose Monitors Provide Real Time Results
Continuous Glucose Monitors provide consistency by capturing real-time data that can be stored and tracked to help identify trends. They can also identify patterns that can be shared with healthcare professionals and caregivers to help avoid dangerous situations.
Depending on the device, this data can be stored for up to 3 months which allows for better diabetes management overall. Most Continuous Glucose Monitor brands are compatible with smart phones and allow users to constantly be aware. “Recent data shows that patients using a smartphone app in tandem with CGM systems, like the FreeStyle Libre, actually spend more time in range.”
Continuous Glucose Monitors Allow an Active and Healthier Lifestyle
Diabetes patients can lead a healthy, active lifestyle thanks to a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. Swimming, running and all other forms of exercise are possible while wearing a CGM. A CGMS can help by monitoring how each activity affects glucose levels and can let users know when it’s time to slow down and rest.
Continuous Glucose Monitors Provide Peace of Mind
A CGMS provides 24/7 peace of mind and can send alerts when levels are too high or too low. They can even alert family members, healthcare professionals and loved ones to help keep things in check. Even while sleeping, alarms can be set so that patients and caregivers are always in the know and stay prepared.
How to Find the Right Continuous Glucose Monitor
The three most popular monitoring systems on the market today are the Dexcom, Medtronic, and the Freestyle Libre. There are similarities among the devices, but the Freestyle Libre is our top pick. The FreeStyle Libre is convenient, easy to use, provides patients more freedom and gives healthcare providers more control.
The Freestyle Libre is becoming more readily available through various channels. The qualifying process, however, can be daunting for both the patient and provider. At Quest Health Solutions, we can guide you through the entire process. We are not only one of the leading suppliers of Continuous Glucose Monitors in the market today, but we also offer CGM Fulfillment Solutions. Our experienced team will handle all of the paperwork, insurance verification, billing and authorization calls so that healthcare providers do what they do best – treat patients! To learn more about the Freestyle Libre and our CGM Fulfillment Solutions, contact Quest Health Solutions at 1-877-888-7050 Ext. 1011, email ben@questhealthsolutions.com or schedule an appointment today.
1. (2022) Abbot.com. More Time in Range With Our Diabetes Care App. Available at Click Here accessed on 15 January 2022.