What role do continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) play in diabetes care?

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) play a crucial role in diabetes care by providing real-time blood glucose readings. This technology allows patients to constantly track their glucose levels throughout the day and night, offering immediate insights into how their levels change in response to food, exercise, stress, and insulin. The real-time data allows for more informed decision-making regarding diet, activity, and medication, leading to improved glycemic control.

In contrast to having only periodic checks, CGMs offer a continuous stream of information, which is particularly valuable for patients who require tight glucose management. These devices can alert users to rising or falling glucose levels, enabling timely interventions to prevent hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. This proactive approach contributes to better long-term health outcomes in individuals living with diabetes.

While CGMs provide invaluable data for management, they do not predict blood glucose levels; rather, they measure them as they occur. Additionally, CGMs are not exclusively used for insulin delivery; their primary function is monitoring. Although they significantly reduce the frequency of traditional blood glucose testing, they do not completely eliminate the need for blood tests in all scenarios, such as calibrating the device or verifying readings during periods of rapid glucose changes.