Diabetes Management
Continuous Glucose Monitoring: How Does it Help?
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By Apollo 24/7, Published on - 30 November 2020, Updated on - 28 August 2023
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How does a continuous glucose monitor work?
- Real-time: The glucose levels can be checked at any time, and the results can be downloaded.
- Retrospective: The glucose levels cannot be seen in real-time, and the results can only be downloaded and analysed.
Advantages of continuous glucose monitoring
- Glucose levels can be tracked throughout the day and night.
- Glucose levels can be checked during the night when the levels are generally not tested.
- A rise or drop in glucose levels can be tracked, which will help people with diabetes to take early action.
- CGM helps to reduce the number of finger-prick tests.
- CGM can help improve the levels of HbA1c as it helps to tailor the insulin dose more carefully.
- It helps patients to reduce hypoglycemia (low glucose) events, as they can notice a downward trend even before the sugar levels sharply drop.
- The device can be used to set triggers and alarms for very high and low glucose spikes.
- CGM helps evaluate and measure the effects of diet and exercise on sugar levels.
- It aids in determining the effectiveness of the treatment plan at a detailed level.
Things to remember while using a continuous glucose monitor
- The sensor needs to be replaced every 3 to 7 days, depending on the model used. Whenever the sensor is changed, the transmitter has to be attached to the new sensor.
- Some devices need to be calibrated by checking the blood glucose on a glucose meter twice a day.
Recommended Read: The Best Exercises for Controlling Blood Sugar Levels
When is continuous glucose monitoring recommended?
Continuous glucose monitoring is suggested for adults if:
- They have had more than one incidence of severe hypoglycemia in a year with no known cause.
- They are unaware of hypoglycemia events.
- They have high blood sugar.
- They have an extreme fear of hypoglycemia.
- They have a high HbA1c level despite testing their glucose several times a day.
Continuous glucose monitoring is suggested for children if:
- They experience frequent, severe hypoglycemia.
- They demonstrate fits and anxiety.
- They are unable to recognize or even communicate with others about hypoglycemia symptoms. It could be because of developmental or neurological issues.
- They are under school age.
- They are athletes playing high levels of sport.
- They are unable to manage diabetes because of other issues such as anorexia or steroid treatment.
- They have very high blood sugar levels even after adjusting insulin doses.
Conclusion
You can also manage your diabetes like a pro with Apollo 24|7's 12-week empower programme.
Diabetes Management
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Diabetes Management
How To Bring Down The HbA1c Level?
To lower the HbA1c levels, diabetics should dollow a diet with low glycemic index foods and manage portion sizes. They should engage in regular exercise to manage weight and improve insulin sensitivity. Diabetics should also consume a fiber-rich diet to regulate blood sugar levels. Besides, taking prescribed oral hypoglycemic medications and monitoring blood glucose levels at home can bring down HbA1c levels.
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How Does Diabetes Affect the Kidneys?
Diabetes can harm the kidneys through a condition known as diabetic nephropathy. Prolonged high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels and filtering units in the kidneys. This leads to reduced kidney function, protein leakage in urine (albuminuria), and potentially end-stage renal disease.
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5 Essential Products Every Diabetic Should Have
The first thing to own for any individual diagnosed with diabetes is a blood glucose meter. Besides, a glucometer, test trips and lancets are the most important things required to monitor blood sugar levels. The next important thing is insulin or emergency medication supplies to prevent hypoglycemia. A diabetic should also keep a glucagon emergency kit to manage severe hypoglycaemia. A medical identification bracelet that alerts others of an individual's condition in emergencies is also important. These items are essential for effective diabetes management and safety.