Is Continuous Glucose Monitoring Worth It?
Continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) may not make life with diabetes any easier. But they can definitely improve health, if you can deal with the hassle and expense. So how do you know if such a system is right for you? As many readers already know, CGMS give a nearly continuous readout of glucose levels in tissue fluid, the wet stuff that oozes out when you have a scrape or a burn. To read these levels, you insert a long-lasting sensor under your skin, a process that feels similar to a needle stick. The sensor is made of material like the filters used in dialysis. It measures glucose levels and radios the results, via a connected transmitting device, to a small receiving device about the size of a pager. This sounds nice — much more information without all the needle sticks. Unfortunately, you still have to do fingertip blood checks 2–4 times a day to keep the monitor calibrated. And the information you get from the meter is only valuable if you know how to use it. Originally, CGMS was for your doctor. You got a continuous 72-hour readout of blood sugar levels, with a nice graph to go with it. If you conscientiously wrote down what you ate, your exercise, and medicines, your doctor would learn a lot about your body’s use of food and insulin. The doc could adjust insulin dosages and other aspects of your care. Then you gave the monitor back. Studies showed this treatment reduced A1C levels by 0.4% to 1.0% or so. Many people with diabetes wanted this capability for themselves, so they could regularly adjust their own treatment and self-management. Now thousands of people use CGMS continuously. But how well do they work? Advantages According to manufacturers’ data, “You can easily and discreetlyview your current glucose values continuously throughout the Continue reading >>
Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is a means of measuring glucose levels continuously in order to gain insight into patterns and trends in glucose levels throughout the day and night. A Continuous Glucose Monitoring System sensor is worn separately to the pump, inserted under the skin, and measures the level of glucose in the interstitial fluid (fluid in the tissue). The sensor is disposable and changed according to manufacturer recommendations. The cost of CGM including consumables (sensors) is around $5,000 per year. CGM can sound an alarm if the glucose level is changing rapidly. A “hypo” or the trend towards a “hypo” can trigger an alarm alerting the user or family/carer to treat immediately. "Hypo" refers to hypoglycaemia, when the blood glucose level has dropped too low. Alerts can prevent a hypo before it happens and is particularly useful overnight when parents and children are in separate rooms. During the 2016 Federal Election, the Government committed to subsidise continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology to assist children and young adults under 21 years of age who face extra challenges managing their type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Australia strongly advocated for CGM funding and has been working constructively with the Federal Government and the Department of Health to ensure the initiative is implemented successfully. The Diabetes Australia funding submission can be read here. The Australian Government is now providing access to subsidised continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) products through the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS). Visit the NDSS website to find out more. There are several continuous glucose monitoring systems available in Australia for people living who require insulin to manage their diabetes. These include: Continue reading >>
Fda Approves First Continuous Glucose Monitoring System For Adults Not Requiring Blood Sample Calibration
Release The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System, the first continuous glucose monitoring system that can be used by adult patients to make diabetes treatment decisions without calibration using a blood sample from the fingertip (often referred to as a “fingerstick”). The system reduces the need for fingerstick testing by using a small sensor wire inserted below the skin’s surface that continuously measures and monitors glucose levels. Users can determine glucose levels by waving a dedicated, mobile reader above the sensor wire to determine if glucose levels are too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia), and how glucose levels are changing. It is intended for use in people 18 years of age and older with diabetes; after a 12-hour start-up period, it can be worn for up to 10 days. “The FDA is always interested in new technologies that can help make the care of people living with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, easier and more manageable,” said Donald St. Pierre, acting director of the Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health and deputy director of new product evaluation in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “This system allows people with diabetes to avoid the additional step of fingerstick calibration, which can sometimes be painful, but still provides necessary information for treating their diabetes—with a wave of the mobile reader.” People with diabetes must regularly test and monitor their blood sugar to make sure it is at an appropriate level, which is often done multiple times per day by taking a fingerstick sample and testing it with a blood glucose meter. Typically patients use results of a traditional fingerstick test to make diabetes Continue reading >>
Why Perfectly Healthy People Are Using Diabetes Monitors
TIME Health For more, visit TIME Health. For about a month, Tabb Firchau, an entrepreneur living in Seattle, has been wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), a federally approved medical device that tracks blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. The CGM patch has a small needle that probes the inside of his arm, and a sensor that tracks changes to his blood sugar in real-time. The data is then sent to his smartphone. Firchau bought his CGM off eBay for about $300. “I track almost everything, from sleep to exercise,” says Firchau. “I’ve been trying to learn why some days I feel fantastic, and other days I don’t. I had a cinnamon roll recently and my blood glucose doubled in 60 minutes. The monitor helps you understand the costs of the decisions you are making.” He couldn’t get one from his doctor, because Firchau doesn’t actually have diabetes. Rather, he’s part of a small but growing group of people who are wearing CGMs to track—and then hack—what goes on in their own bodies. And if enterprising startups like Sano Intelligence, which Gizmodo wrote about in February, are successful, a CGM marketed to the general public may not that be far off. A healthy person wearing a diabetes device may seem odd, but in the quantified-self movement, people like Firchau say it makes sense to track their blood sugar, especially given all the recent attention to the risks associated with overconsumption of sugar and processed carbohydrates, like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Everyone’s blood sugar levels change throughout the day, and especially after they eat, but those fluctuations are important to track for people with diabetes, since their body doesn’t regulate blood sugar on its own. For people without diabetes, however, the pancreas natura Continue reading >>
How Does A Continuous Glucose Monitor Work?
Glucose meters are a great tool, but sometimes you need to keep a closer eye on your blood sugar levels. That's where a device called a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can help. This FDA-approved system tracks your blood sugar levels day and night. It collects readings automatically every 5 to 15 minutes. It can help detect trends and patterns that give you and your doctor a more complete picture of your diabetes. The data can help you find ways to better manage your condition. Several devices are available for adults and children. You need a prescription from your doctor to get one. CGM measures the amount of glucose in the fluid inside your body. Different devices collect the information in different manners using tiny sensors. In some cases, the sensor is placed under the skin of your belly in a quickly and painless fashion or, it can be adhered to the back of your arm. A transmitter on the sensor then sends the information to a wireless-pager-like monitor that you can clip on your belt. The monitor displays your sugar levels at 1-, 5-, 10-, or 15-minute intervals. If your sugar drops to a dangerously low level or a high preset level, the monitor will sound an alarm. In the past, only doctors could see the readings CGM systems collected. Now anyone can use the devices as part of at-home diabetes care. You can download data on your computer, tablet, or smartphone to see patterns and trends in your sugar levels. The information can help you and your doctor make the best plan for managing your diabetes, including: The number of meals and snacks you need each day CGM doesn’t replace traditional home monitors. You’ll still need to measure your blood sugar with a regular glucose meter a few times a day to help the monitor stay accurate. Most monitors still require a f Continue reading >>
The Eclipse® Icgm® System
Product About UsDiabetes Care Market The ICGM® system is designed to dramatically impact the lives of people with diabetes by offering the benefits of continuous glucose monitoring while minimizing user burden, reducing maintenance, and preserving a nearly undisturbed body image. • The system requires no needle insertion, no through-the-skin sensor and no skin-adhered components that need to be changed every few days or every week. • The innovative system is designed for stability and is expected to require only infrequent calibration by SMBG finger-stick. • The fully inserted sensor is expected to reside for one year (or longer) in the subcutaneous tissue and will free individuals from the burden of maintaining obtrusive skin-attached components, that can be sufficient impediment to normal active lifestyles. The user-centric GlySens solution is intended to provide easy, unobtrusive, worry-free glucose monitoring and empower individuals with real-time information, while freeing them to live life on their own terms. The Eclipse ICGM System is comprised of an insertable glucose sensor paired to an external receiver (display device). The sensor is designed for exceptional longevity occupying a small space in the subcutaneous tissue. It combines a novel differential measurement technique that is designed to reduce secondary artifacts with careful engineering for reduced foreign body response. The mobile display is designed to offer at-a-glance, real-time glucose information highlighting trends, with alerts regarding hypo- or hyperglycemic excursions. The display device also is designed to store historic blood glucose values and make these data available to download for retrospective trend analysis. It is anticipated to be compatible with other diabetes devices in ord Continue reading >>
How Much Does Continuous Glucose Monitoring Cost?
back to Overview Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) cost and insurance coverage. Does that phrase make your head spin? These were hot issues in response to our last article where I asked about your experience with CGMs. Like anything we’re considering, the financial impact is a big part of the decision-making process. But because the cost depends so much on your insurance coverage, it can be confusing to find out how much you’ll end up paying. And maybe it’s just me, but I don’t like talking to my health insurance company. It feels complicated and I’m rarely confident in the information I get. Additionally, the information changes depending on when during the benefit year I call. What’s the importance of a benefit year? Typically (in the U.S.), health insurance policies are done on an annual basis, and things like deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, which act like thresholds, are reset. You’ll usually find your cost to be lower later in the benefit year after they’ve been met (even $0 in some cases). For many, the benefit year is the same as a calendar year, so the end of the year might be a smart time to ask about your coverage again. You might be in for a pleasant surprise for the holidays! More to consider? We also have to keep in mind that each employer’s policy can be different, even with the same insurance company. So even though you and your neighbor both have health insurance from the same company, your individual coverage may be different because you work for different employers. An opportunity? But rather than thinking of all this complexity as a barrier and feeling intimidated by it, I believe it creates an opportunity to leverage companies like Dexcom. They have people whose full-time jobs are to dive into our insurance plans and uncov Continue reading >>
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems
CCS Medical provides Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems as a companion tool for diabetes management. A personal CGM helps track your body's glucose levels in real time, 24 hours a day. We offer all the top brands: Dexcom, Medtronic and Animas. LEARN MORE Discover the benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Because your blood glucose levels are visible continuously with CGM, you can see how various activities affect you and then make immediate adjustments. Testing with CGM can also warn about impending highs and lows and can help improve your A1c level. Our specialists can help you learn more about Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems and find out if it is right for you. Certified Diabetes Educators are available to answer your questions about glucose testing, blood sugar levels, nutrition and exercise. REORDER NOW Existing patients, click to log in or register your CCS Medical account NEW TO CCS MEDICAL? New patients, call or click to get started today! 1.888.MEDICAL (633.4225) Continue reading >>
Comparison Of Current Continuous Glucose Monitors (cgms)
Comparison of Current Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) A continuous glucose monitor , also called CGMs, reveals short-term trends in the blood sugar as they happen. You can see the direction your blood sugar is taking in the last 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, or 24 hours, depending on what times the monitor offers. Various companies have already released continuous monitors, with more companies developing theirs every day. Significant differences in accuracy can be seen in one individual when two different continuous glucose monitors are worn at the same time . FDA approved in June 2006 (monitor) and February 2007 (MiniLink Transmitter) and available for purchase STS system FDA approved in March, 2006. Upgraded since and available for purchase 2 hours after insertion, within next 6 hours after first, then every 12 hours. Will alarm if calibration value not entered. 2 hours after insertion, again 6 hours after first, then every 12 hours. Will alarm if calibration value not entered. Yes, 8 different thresholds users can set for different times throughout day and night, different sounds for each alarms, loud backup alarm Yes, one high, two low (user set limit + 55mg/dl alarm) Yes, differents sounds for each alarm, loud back up alarm Continue reading >>
Continuous Glucose Monitoring
What is continuous glucose monitoring? Continuous glucose monitoring automatically tracks blood glucose levels, also called blood sugar, throughout the day and night. You can see your glucose level anytime at a glance. You can also review how your glucose changes over a few hours or days to see trends. Seeing glucose levels in real time can help you make more informed decisions throughout the day about how to balance your food, physical activity, and medicines. How does a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) work? A CGM works through a tiny sensor inserted under your skin, usually on your belly or arm. The sensor measures your interstitial glucose level, which is the glucose found in the fluid between the cells. The sensor tests glucose every few minutes. A transmitter wirelessly sends the information to a monitor. The monitor may be part of an insulin pump or a separate device, which you might carry in a pocket or purse. Some CGMs send information directly to a smartphone or tablet. Several models are available and are listed in the American Diabetes Association’s product guide . Special Features of a CGM CGMs are always on and recording glucose levels—whether you’re showering, working, exercising, or sleeping. Many CGMs have special features that work with information from your glucose readings: An alarm can sound when your glucose level goes too low or too high. You can note your meals, physical activity, and medicines in a CGM device, too, alongside your glucose levels. You can download data to a computer or smart device to more easily see your glucose trends. Some models can send information right away to a second person’s smartphone—perhaps a parent, partner, or caregiver. For example, if a child’s glucose drops dangerously low overnight, the CGM could be Continue reading >>
Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Everything You Need To Know
Continuous glucose monitors or CGMs can be a lifesaving device for people with any type of diabetes. They continually check your blood sugar 24 hours a day and alert you you before you begin experiencing low or high blood sugar levels. They can reduce the number of times you have to check your blood sugar each day which is welcome news for everyone with diabetes! Insurance coverage is changing this year with Medicare jumping on board also, so this is the time to learn about this awesome piece of technology available to you. I know there are a lot of questions surrounding the use of continuous glucose monitoring, so we will break it all down here for you! What is a CGM and how does it work? Is it right for me? Will I still have to check my blood sugar? What choices do I have currently on the market? Will my insurance cover a CMG? How much will it cost? Can I travel and play sports with a CGM? In this article I will answer all your questions. What Is Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)? A continuous glucose monitoring system or CGM is a system that does just what it sounds like, it monitors you glucose (blood sugar) continuously…well, every 5 minutes, 24 hours a day! You are able to see what your blood sugars are with a receiver; the data is transmitted from a sensor which is inserted right beneath your skin which is attached to a transmitter which sends the data to the receiver. Now, the newest system are even integrated with a Smartphone; with this advancement you can check your data right from your cell phone. For parents with children, this technology is peace of mind, allowing them to check their child’s blood glucose level any time-day or night. There are two different types of systems: The first is a personal continuous glucose monitoring system that you wear a Continue reading >>
Continuous Glucose Monitoring
With Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM), you get a more complete picture of your glucose levels, which can lead to better treatment decisions and better glucose control. Without diabetes, your body tracks glucose levels all day and night to ensure the right amount of insulin is released at the right time. To successfully manage diabetes, a monitoring system is needed to consistently check your glucose levels. The most common glucose monitoring solutions are blood glucose meters and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. Sensor overtape not shown in depiction How Does CGM Work? CGM is a way to measure glucose levels in real-time throughout the day and night. A tiny electrode called a glucose sensor is inserted under the skin to measure glucose levels in tissue fluid. It is connected to a transmitter that sends the information via wireless radio frequency to a monitoring and display device. The device can detect and notify you if your glucose is reaching a high or low limit. The latest Medtronic CGM systems can actually alert you before you reach your glucose limits. CGM systems usually consist of a glucose sensor, a transmitter, and a small external monitor to view your glucose levels. MiniMed insulin pumps have built-in CGM so the information can be conveniently seen on your pump screen. The CGM monitor or insulin pump is small, discreet, and easy-to-wear. It can be attached to your belt, hidden in your pocket, or placed under your clothing. This component will show your current glucose levels and your historical glucose trends. It also notifies you before you reach your low or high glucose limits and if your glucose level rises or falls too quickly. The CGM transmitter is a small, lightweight device that attaches to the glucose sensor, gathers your glucose data, Continue reading >>
Comparison Of Continuos Glucose Monitoring Systems (cgms)
Which CGM is the best? At DiabetesLab, we analyzed your opinions, and here is a summary. Accuracy of different systems CGM accuracy is measured as MARD (mean absolute relative difference between CGM readings and blood glucose readings). This is an error metric – lower MARD is better. CGM system MARD Dexcom G5 Dexcom 505 AP (USA) 9% officially 1 Dexcom G4 original algorithm 13.00% officially 2 12.60% in the test by IDS Medtronic Enlite 13.60% officially 3 18.66% in a test by IDS Abbott Freestyle Navigator 2 11% officially Abbott Freestyle Libre 11,4% 4 References: 1 J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2015 Mar;9(2):209-14. doi: 10.1177/1932296814559746. Epub 2014 Nov 3. 2 Diabetes Technol Ther. 2013 Oct;15(10):881-8. doi: 10.1089/dia.2013.0077. Epub 2013 Jun 18. 3 Diabetes Technol Ther. 2014 May;16(5):277-83. doi: 10.1089/dia.2013.0222. Epub 2014 Apr 7. 4 Diabetes Technol Ther. 2015 Nov;17(11):787-94. doi: 10.1089/dia.2014.0378. Epub 2015 Jul 14. Dexcom G4 and G5 With the latest algorithm update, Dexcom became the most accurate CGM system on the market. FDA-approved sensor life is 7 days, but most people would restart sensor when it expires it tends to track accurately on the 2nd and 3rd week.The most recent version of the system, Dexcom G5, is already shipping in the Unites States and the United Kingdom. There is a new app Dexcom Clarity which spots glucose insights. G5 has features such as displaying CGM data directly on a smartphone, without having to keep a Dexcom receiver around. Data can be transmitted to iOS devices and Apple watches (USA) or a variety of other devices worldwide thanks to Nightscout‘s do-it-yourself projects. There are still things to tweak in G5; here is a review. Current versions available on the market: Dexcom G4 Platinum, a classic stand-alone system, Continue reading >>
Continuous Glucose Monitoring
FreeStyle and related brand marks are trademarks of Abbott Diabetes Care Inc. in various jurisdictions.Abbott is a global healthcare company devoted to improving life through the development of products and technologies that span the breadth of healthcare. The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system is designed to liberate patients from the hassles of glucose monitoring. Every day, we are constantly striving to innovate and improve our blood glucose meters to make sure we provide you with products you can rely on to effectively manage your diabetes. Diabetes is a lifelong condition where the amount of glucose in your blood is too high due to your pancreas either not producing any insulin, or not enough insulin, to help glucose enter your bodys cells or the insulin that is produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance). Diabetes doesn't have to stop you from living the life you want. With help from your care team and careful management, you can be in control of your diabetes and ensure it doesn't control you - allowing you to stay healthy, active and live life to the fullest. Home > Living with Diabetes > Managing and Monitoring > Continuous Glucose Monitoring Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems consists of a small disposable sensor inserted into the skin, a transmitter connected to the sensor by a sensor mount wirelessly transmits results to a receiver and displays results. A standard blood glucose monitoring system measures the level ofglucose in your blood on one particular occasion. This may help you tokeepyour blood glucose levels under control and make adjustments to your diet,activity or diabetes medication doses. Some people however have problems managing their blood glucoselevels and experience significant highs and lows. This may Continue reading >>
What Is (cgm) Continuous Glucose Monitoring?
A CGM is an FDA-approved device that provides continuous insight into glucose levels throughout the day and night. The device displays information about glucose direction and speed providing users additional information to help with their diabetes management. Studies have shown that CGM systems may help reduce your A1C and reduce your risk for hypoglycemia, whether you are on insulin injections or pump therapy.2 The Dexcom G5 Mobile Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System is FDA-approved to help minimize the guesswork that comes from making decisions based solely on a number from a blood glucose meter reading, for better diabetes management.* Continue reading >>
