CGMs have transformed diabetic management. These devices provide real-time Glucose Monitor to support informed health decisions. To ensure accuracy and lifespan, CGM users must know how to utilize and maintain them. We’ll cover CGM usage, maintenance, and how to maximize its use in this blog.
What is a Continuous Glucose Monitor?
A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) tracks glucose levels 24/7. CGMs deliver real-time glucose measurements, unlike fingerstick testing. This helps diabetics control blood sugar.
A CGM measures interstitial fluid glucose levels with a tiny sensor beneath the skin. These readings are sent to a receiver or smartphone app for monitoring. Users can avoid harmful glucose variations with CGMs that notify them to high or low levels.
How to Properly Use Your Continuous Glucose Monitor
1. Setting Up Your CGM
Using your CGM begins with ensuring it is correctly configured. This involves installing the sensor and transmitter, and then matching them with the smartphone app or receiver.
- Insert the Sensor: Carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions to put the sensor into your skin. Most sensors are placed in the upper arm or abdomen.
- Attach the Transmitter: The app or receiver gets the sensor data from the transmitter. Make sure it is firmly fastened.
- Sync the Device: Once inserted, connect the sensor and transmitter with your receiver or smartphone app to start getting glucose readings.
2. Calibrating Your CGM
Many continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) require calibration to ensure accurate readings. Usually, calibration consists of running a conventional fingerstick test and inputting the findings into the CGM system.
- Follow Calibration Instructions: The manufacturer will give you detailed guidance on how to set up your gadget. These rules must be followed to guarantee that your CGM reads correctly.
- Test Regularly: Check your blood sugar with a fingerstick test to confirm accuracy even if your CGM is calibrated.
3. Using the Glucose Data
You may start using the data once your CGM is configured and calibrated. The readings will appear on your smartphone app or receiver, allowing you to track your glucose levels throughout the day. This data might guide decisions on medication, exercise, and food.
- Monitor Trends: With its constant data, the CGM lets you examine trends across time. To understand how specific foods or activities affect your glucose levels, be aware of these tendencies.
- Adjust Treatment Plans: Based on your readings, work with your healthcare team to adjust your diabetes management plan. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) provide valuable insights into how your body responds to insulin, meals, and exercise.
Best Practices for Maintaining Your Continuous Glucose Monitor
1. Keep the Sensor Clean and Dry
Proper maintenance of your continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor is crucial for ensuring its longevity and accuracy. It’s important to keep the sensor clean and dry to prevent malfunctions.
- Clean the Sensor Area: Gently clean the area around the sensor with mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage the sensor.
- Protect from Water: Most CGMs are water-resistant, but it’s still a good idea to avoid submerging the sensor in water for extended periods. If you plan to swim or bathe, consider using a waterproof cover for extra protection.
2. Replace the Sensor Regularly
CGM sensors have a limited lifespan and require periodic replacement. Most sensors last anywhere from 7 to 14 days, depending on the device and manufacturer.
- Know the Expiration Date: Your CGM will notify you when it’s time to replace the sensor. Make sure to replace it before it expires to maintain accurate readings.
- Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Each CGM model has different instructions regarding sensor replacement. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid complications.
3. Check for Skin Irritation
Skin irritation is a common issue for individuals using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). The adhesive used to hold the sensor in place can sometimes cause redness or discomfort.
- Monitor Skin for Irritation: Regularly check the area where the sensor is placed for signs of irritation, redness, or swelling.
- Use Skin Barriers: If you experience irritation, consider using skin barrier wipes or creams designed for CGM users to reduce discomfort.
4. Battery Maintenance
The transmitter and receiver of your continuous glucose monitor (CGM) require regular charging to function properly. Ensuring that these devices are charged and ready for use is an important part of CGM maintenance.
- Charge the Transmitter and Receiver: Make sure to regularly charge the transmitter and receiver according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A dead battery will cause the system to stop working.
- Use Charging Stations: Many CGMs come with a dedicated charging station. Use the provided charging equipment to ensure the devices are fully charged and ready for use.
Troubleshooting Common CGM Issues
Inaccurate Readings
At times, your CGM could show false glucose readings. Various factors, including incorrect calibration or sensor malfunctions, can cause this issue. Ensure the equipment is properly calibrated to resolve this issue.
If the readings remain incorrect, perform a conventional fingerstick test to verify the findings. If the problem persists, consider relocating the sensor. Poor sensor location can result in erroneous data. Relocating or replacing the sensor may help restore accuracy.
Sensor Failure or Discomfort
Should your CGM sensor be malfunctioning or uncomfortable, you must handle the problem right away. Start by looking at the sensor placement to make sure it is correctly inserted and firmly connected to your skin.
Should you need, take the sensor out and replace it. Sometimes the glue holding the sensor in place could cause discomfort. Should this take occur, think about applying a barrier or adhesive booster to guarantee the sensor remains comfortably in position and to minimize skin discomfort.
Loss of Connection
Sometimes, the link between your CGM’s transmitter and receiver can be lost, blocking your access to real-time data. Should you go through this, make sure the Bluetooth connection is stable and the transmitter and receiver are correctly linked.
Should the problem continue, consider restarting both the transmitter and receiver to reestablish the connection. A new connection lets you return to correctly monitoring your glucose levels and can fix transient disturbances.
Wrap Up
Effectively using a continuous glucose monitor requires more than simply sensor insertion. You must constantly check your glucose levels, keep your equipment up to date, and calibrate your device. Accurate readings and a better experience will be guaranteed by correct sensor and receiver maintenance as well as debugging of typical problems. Knowing how to use and maintain your CGM can help you maximize this useful technology to control your diabetes more efficiently.
To get the finest in glucose monitoring solutions, look at UroStat’s selection of CGMs. Their premium goods are meant to enable you to easily remain on top of your diabetes control.
