Effective management of diabetes requires regular blood glucose monitoring. It can be done effortlessly using a glucometer. However, people seldom use it since the prick is painful. In spite of owning a glucometer at home, the frequency of measuring blood sugar levels is as low as once or twice a month on an average in the general population and no more than once or twice a week among uncontrolled diabetics. Thus, given the present situation wherein adherence to a proper regimen is low, painless glucose measurement with continuous glucose monitoring or CGM comes into existence.
Over the past few years, there have been numerous innovations in glucose monitoring methods. The most recent advancements have centered around a non-invasive system of blood glucose level measurement that can be contracted and connected to devices such as phones. Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices also give considerable glycemic benefits on individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Ongoing improvements in accuracy and accessibility of CGM devices have encouraged an increased adoption of this technology.
Manual monitoring of glucose levels after eating is not easy as different foods impact the body differently. Various studies show that CGM devices enable people to smartly manage their glucose levels. If the blood sugar goes up, the CGM device can suggest ways to bring it to normal either by balancing the calorie intake, or by subtle exercises such as brisk walking or jogging.
The CGM data is collected and used to plan and generate a more personalized diet plan. With the use of standardized calorie tracking methods, one can manage their weight more effectively than from conventional diet plans. Therefore, with data backed information it can help tackle metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disorders, and obesity.
CGM devices also enable one to understand how different foods and activities affect their sugar levels and what could be done to reduce blood glucose or use of medication. It promoted improvements in glycemic control and lifestyle behavior change in adults with type 2 diabetes emphasizing on the importance of diet, physical activity and behavioral therapy in the management of diabetes.
CGMs can monitor fasting and random glucose levels and show how one reacts to specific food combinations. Food, lifestyle and daily activities like sleep, stress, etc., play an essential role in management of diabetes. Therefore, continuous glucose monitoring and glucose tracking combined with your daily activities and food habits can keep one accountable for reaching their health goals. It can be used in gestational diabetes, improve therapy management in end stage renal disease, help control stress induced hyperglycemia and facilitate patient monitoring by reducing patient and healthcare provider contact and can benefit public health emergencies like COVID-19. Use of technologies such as digital therapeutics is the right way to drive towards better health behaviors and better health outcomes.