Living with Type 1 diabetes can feel like balancing on a tightrope where you’re
constantly trying to keep your blood sugar in range. But what if you had a tool that made
the balancing act a little easier? That’s where continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)
come in.
What Is a CGM?
A continuous glucose monitor is a small device that tracks your blood sugar levels all
day and night. It’s made up of:
A sensor: This component is inserted under your skin, either on your arm or
abdomen, and measures glucose levels in the fluid between your cells.
A transmitter: This component sends data from the sensor to a receiver or app
on your phone.
A reader or app: This displays your blood sugar numbers, trends, and alerts.
Unlike finger sticks, which give you a single blood sugar reading, CGMs provide a
constant stream of information about your glucose levels.
How Do CGMs Help Type 1 Diabetics?
1) CGMs offer real-time tracking
With a CGM, you can see your blood sugar levels anytime without reaching for a
lancet. This real-time data helps you make quick decisions about insulin, food, or
activity.
2) CGMs can help predict highs and lows
CGMs show where your blood sugar is headed with arrows and trends. For
example:
A steep downward arrow means your glucose is dropping fast and it might be
time for a snack!
A steady upward trend might signal it’s time to check your insulin dose.
3) CGMs offer custom alerts
CGMs can alert you if your blood sugar gets too low or high, even while you’re
sleeping. No more waking up to a scary low blood sugar in the middle of the
night.
4) CGMs offer better overall blood glucose control
Studies show that using a CGM can help people with Type 1 diabetes spend
more time in their target blood sugar range, have reduced A1C levels, and
experience fewer dangerous lows. (1, 2)
Popular CGMs for Type 1 Diabetes
Some of the most common CGMs include:
The Dexcom G7, which offers excellent accuracy, customizable alerts, and a slim
design.
The Freestyle Libre 3, which is compact, affordable, and easy to scan for
updates.
And The Medtronic Guardian Connect, which integrates with some insulin pumps
for seamless management.
Your doctor can help you decide which one is best for your lifestyle and needs.
Tips for Making the Most of Your CGM
Set custom alerts: Personalize your high and low glucose alerts so they fit your
lifestyle.
Look for patterns: Use the trends to tweak your insulin doses, meal timing, or
snacks.
Keep fingersticks handy: While rare, you might need to double-check a reading
with a traditional glucose meter.
The Bottom Line
For people with Type 1 diabetes, a CGM can feel like having an extra set of eyes on
your blood sugar, day and night. A CGM isn’t meant to replace insulin but it can be an
incredible tool to help you live your life with more freedom. Talk to your healthcare
provider about whether a CGM is right for you!
References
1. Mary E. Lacy, Katherine E. Lee, Omer Atac, Kory Heier, John Fowlkes, Anna
Kucharska-Newton, Daniela C. Moga; Patterns and Trends in Continuous
Glucose Monitoring Utilization Among Commercially Insured Individuals With
Type 1 Diabetes: 2010–2013 to 2016–2019. Clin Diabetes 15 July 2024; 42 (3):
388–397. https://doi.org/10.2337/cd23-0051
2. Weinstein JM, Kahkoska AR. Association of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Use and
Hemoglobin A 1c Levels Across the Lifespan Among Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes in
the US. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(7):e2223942.
doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.23942
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