Manually Checking Blood Sugar Levels vs Continuous Glucose Monitoring

While researching the industry I have seen a lot of people in the community wondering if a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is right for them.  Well, the short answer is…..   Ask your Doctor.   I know that is not the answer you want to hear, but your doctor and you need to discuss the pros and cons of your therapy and come to an agreement on what is best for your situation.

With that said, there is a high percentage of diabetics that can gain valuable insights from using a CGM.   Does it mean that I never have to take a manual reading while using the CGM?  No, but the main reason for still doing a few manual tests is to help calibrate your device.   The technology in the past few years in this industry have improved greatly, but the main purpose of a CGM is to show you trends that then you can share with your endocrinologist.   The readings can differ between the manual test and a cgm, but if applied correctly and calibrated the two should have very similar readings.

Data is power and knowing how different foods, different activities, and even times of the day wreak havoc on your BS levels is the best way from being a defensive player into being proactive about your life.

Dexcom G5 Mobile Device

One of the products that are getting the most traction in the market is the new Dexcom G5 Mobile device.   This involves three simple components.

1. A small sensor that measures glucose underneath the skin.
2. A transmitter that is applied to the top of the sensor that sends data wirelessly to the receiver.
3. A receiver that can be an additional device or a smartphone application.

So what is your next step, and how do you learn more about this or other CGM tools.   Well as I mentioned before, talk with your doctor, but first, do some research.   I suggest that you head over to http://www.dexcom.com/support  and look at their frequently asked questions about the Dexcom G5 Mobile CGM system.   You will find most of the answers that you are looking for.   Additionally, I have spoken with their Dexcom CARE team who has been very knowledgeable and are not there just to sell you something.  You can reach them at 1-888-738-3646 M-F 5:30 am – 8:00 pm PST.

I also wanted to point you in the right direction for insurance questions.   There have been some big breakthroughs in what is covered lately, and they all seem positive for us.   I would suggest that you speak to one of the CARE agents, but there are also some facts shown here for Medicare.  http://www.dexcom.com/faq/medicare

Please leave me comments and let me know what your journey has been like, and if there is anything you would like to see in an upcoming post.

Nate