I’ve been utilizing CGM for over 5 years and have been prescribing it for simply as lengthy. I’ve seen the know-how’s excessive factors and limitations. Although it isn’t excellent, IT IS the very best factor to occur to PWD within the final 50 plus years. Even so, I usually hear frustrations from sufferers concerning CGM accuracy, alarm fatigue, and adhesive points. I needed to share a few of the issues I’ve realized.
Accuracy
That is the place I get probably the most complaints. Bear in mind, CGM and blood glucose meters are measuring various things. BG readings are taken from blood and CGM readings are taken from subcutaneous fluid. A small margin of error is to be anticipated. If there are massive discrepancies between the 2, wash fingers, and repeat the take a look at. I usually discover that my blood glucose readings are extra correct after hand washing.
CGM might be most correct throughout instances of secure glucose, corresponding to whereas fasting or earlier than meals. That is due to this fact the very best time to calibrate (if wanted). Calibrating throughout fast modifications can result in additional CGM inaccuracies. I NEVER suggest calibrating after meals, train, or a bolus of fast appearing insulin. Why? As a result of CGM is not going to be correct throughout these instances. I repeat….tight accuracy isn’t anticipated. CGM readings will at all times lag behind blood glucose readings throughout fast charges of change. In my view, that is most vital to account for throughout correction of hypoglycemia. Take final night time for instance; after dinner I used to be alerted of a postprandial low within the 60’s. I corrected it with two glucose tablets (8g whole). After quarter-hour, my CGM nonetheless learn <70mg/dL, nevertheless as a substitute of taking extra glucose, I examined my blood sugar utilizing my meter. My meter readings confirmed a BG of 93mg/dL. Had I corrected my CGM “low” once more, I might have overcorrected and ultimately change into hyperglycemic. As a result of I knew in regards to the lag time I did a fingerstick, was assured that my glucose had normalized, after which merely waited for my CGM to catch up (which it shortly did). CONTINUED… [ad_2] Source