If you have diabetes , you probably spend a large part of your day checking your blood sugar levels. In fact, keeping your blood glucose levels within a target range is a very important step in managing your diabetes . Most of the time, checking your sugar in this way means pricking your finger with a small needle and taking a drop of blood. But now technology has advanced so much that this task is very easy, high-tech devices have come into existence.
Generally, you can divide the devices you have to check your blood sugar into two types. One is the glucometer that we all know. The other is the CGM, which stands for Continuous Glucose Monitor. Which one you choose depends on your cost, ease of use, and your doctor's recommendation. So whether you are new to checking your sugar or are thinking of changing your current method, it is very important to be aware of these facts.
Let's learn the basics about the glucometer and CGM.
Many of us check our blood sugar levels for diabetes by pricking our finger and testing the blood drop with a glucometer. This method only gives us a snapshot of your blood sugar level at that moment . It's like a 'snapshot' reading. But if you look at it this way several times a day, you can get a somewhat bigger picture of how well your blood sugar is being controlled.
But CGM is completely different. It doesn't measure your blood sugar directly. Instead, it measures the glucose level in the interstitial fluid under your skin. For this, a small sensor is inserted under the skin, either on your stomach or in your arm. This sensor is attached to the skin with something like a patch.
Imagine, this little sensor is collecting information about your sugar levels every 5 minutes, 24 hours a day. It's like a movie, you can watch your sugar levels go up and down throughout the day.
This collected data can be sent directly to a receiver, such as a phone, a smartphone app, or if you use an insulin pump.
Speaking of accuracy, which is best?
When you check your blood sugar, the most important thing is how accurate the reading is. In fact, the result obtained from a fingerstick glucometer is still considered the most accurate reading. In countries like the United States, the FDA has set strict standards for these glucometers.
There are several things that can affect the accuracy of a CGM reading. Things like the calibration of the device, the chemistry of the sensor, and changes in your body chemistry can all affect it. Therefore, your doctor may recommend that you get a blood test from your fingerstick before making any changes to your treatment (e.g., insulin dose ) based on a CGM reading.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a glucometer and CGM?
Both of these devices have their pros and cons to consider. Let's look at these in a table.
| Glucometer - fingerstick method | |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
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| CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) - Sensor Method | |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
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You also have to think about cost and insurance coverage.
Cost is a big factor when choosing between these two devices. Glucometers are generally inexpensive. However, the test strips used with them continue to cost money. When you check your blood sugar as often as your doctor recommends, the cost of these strips can be significant.
CGM devices are a bit more expensive. Also, the sensors used for them need to be replaced every 7-14 days, which also incurs a separate cost.
If you have health insurance, it is important to find out what kind of coverage your insurance company provides for these devices and their associated items (test strips, sensors). You may only be covered for certain models.
The best thing about this is to discuss all of this openly with your doctor. He or she will help you choose the method that best suits your health, lifestyle, and finances.
Take-Home Message
- The reading obtained from a fingerstick glucometer is still considered the most accurate method for measuring current glucose levels.
- A CGM gives you a big picture of how your sugar levels change throughout the day, and alerts you if your sugar levels get dangerously high or low.
- Before deciding which method is best for you, carefully consider its advantages, disadvantages, cost, and ease of use.
- The most important thing is to discuss this with your diabetes doctor before making a final decision. He or she will give you the best advice for your health condition.
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