Managing diabetes and controlling blood glucose levels have reach heightened levels of effectiveness thanks to recent advances in technology and the Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM).
Prior to the creation of the CGM, the primary method to check blood glucose levels was the use of a Blood Glucose Monitor.
Technology Firsts
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.
Fast-forward about thirty years later and advances in technology gave us the Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM). Like everything else, technology just makes things better and Continuous Glucose Monitors have surpassed the ability of Blood Glucose Monitors. However, both continue to be used by patients and healthcare providers. It’s important to understand their differences first before deciding which monitoring system is the best option.
A Blood Glucose Monitor or Meter 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 Next Generation
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. There are 3 major Continuous Glucose Monitor brands on the market today, the FreeStyle Libre, the Dexcom and the Medtronic. At Quest Health Solutions, our top choice in the market is the FreeStyle Libre and here’s why.
The FreeStyle Libre
“In September 2017, the FDA approved a Freestyle Libre for personal use by patients. The system’s disposable sensor is applied to the back of a patient’s arm and can be worn up to 14 days. Providers and patients use a handheld device to download the blood glucose information stored in the sensor. The information can then be used by providers to make therapy changes to improve patients’ glycemic control. Alternatively, patients can use the data in daily life to get on-demand glucose readings without having to perform a fingerstick to obtain blood for use with a glucose meter. The Freestyle Libre uses subcutaneous, wired enzyme glucose sensing technology to detect glucose levels in interstitial fluid. It automatically measures glucose every minute, and readings are stored in 15-minute intervals. The Libre Reader is held near the sensor when a glucose reading is needed. The reader device will then display the past 8 hours of glucose information, including current glucose, a trend graph, and a trend arrow. The arrow indicates the direction and velocity of the patient’s current glucose level. This technology is factory-calibrated, and patients do not have to calibrate with blood sample glucose meter readings.”
With the FreeStyle LibreLink app, which is now approved by the FDA, managing diabetes is even easier. Users can now hold their smartphone near the FreeStyle Libre sensor to instantly capture real-time glucose levels to get an accurate picture of levels and where they are headed. The app also includes a series of reports that highlight trends and patterns to help keep levels under control.
“The FreeStyle LibreLink app is compatible with NFC-enabled smartphones running Android OS 5.0 or higher and iPhone 7 or later running iOS 11 or later.”2 We live in a world that is used to obtaining information 24/7 at the touch of a fingertip. The FreeStyle Libre and the LibreLink app does just that and streamlines how diabetes patients receive information. Living with diabetes is not easy, but information is power. The technological advances available today have helped diabetes patients better manage and control glucose levels.
The FreeStyle Libre Choice
The Freestyle Libre is becoming more readily available through various channels, but the qualifying process can be daunting. 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. (2018) US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health. FreeStyle Libre Glucose Monitoring System available at Click Here accessed on 6 November 2021.
2. (2019) Abbott. Android APP Joins FreeStyle Libre Family available at Click Here accessed on 6 November 2021.