If you have diabetes, how many times a day do you have to prick your finger to check your blood sugar level? Sometimes this can seem like a bit of a hassle, right? But you know how important it is to properly manage, that is, control, your disease. Only by properly monitoring your blood sugar levels can you know exactly how much insulin your body needs.
Why should we be so concerned about blood sugar levels?
Simply put, blood sugar levels that fluctuate frequently are not good for our bodies. If blood sugar levels are high for a long time, it can damage vital organs like our eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. Also, a sudden drop in blood sugar levels is dangerous. If not treated in time, it can be life-threatening.
Diabetes is a disease that affects everyone differently. The way you eat, drink, take medication, and exercise can affect your blood sugar levels can be very different from how they affect someone else. Our bodies sometimes behave in ways we don't expect. That's why it's important to regularly check your blood sugar levels.
We all know the 'fingerstick' method.
This is the method that many people use to control their diabetes. A small device pricks the tip of the finger with a small needle, a drop of blood is placed on a strip, and the blood sugar level is measured with a glucose meter. This is a good method, but it has a small limitation.
That is, with this method we can only know the amount of sugar in the blood at the time the blood was taken . It's like a photo taken at a single moment.
It's difficult to get a complete picture of how your blood sugar levels have changed throughout the day, after eating, and while you're sleeping. That's why doctors recommend checking your blood sugar several times a day.
So what is this CGM? (Continuous Glucose Monitor)
CGM is an abbreviation for "Continuous Glucose Monitor." As the name suggests, this device continuously measures and displays your blood sugar levels throughout the day, day and night, without pricking your finger.
Imagine, instead of having to prick your finger and check your blood sugar 4 times a day, this CGM device can give you about 288 readings a day! That means you can know how your sugar levels are about every 5 minutes.
The biggest advantage of this is that you can clearly see not only your blood sugar level at one time, but also the patterns and trends of your blood sugar levels throughout the day. For example, you can see very valuable information like how quickly your blood sugar rises after eating a certain food, whether your blood sugar drops at night while you sleep, and what happens when you exercise. This information can be viewed by you and your doctor, which can be very helpful in making treatment decisions.
How does a CGM work?
This is not as complicated as you might think. There are three main parts.
1. Sensor: This is a small, thin, needle-like device. It is usually inserted under the skin of your upper arm or stomach. It is not painful. This sensor continuously measures the glucose level in the fluid under your skin.
2. Transmitter: This is a small device that is connected to the sensor. The sugar level data measured by the sensor is sent wirelessly to the next section through this transmitter.
3. Receiver or smartphone app: This is where the data sent from the transmitter is displayed. It can be a separate small device (receiver), or it can be an app on your smartphone. Some people have an insulin pump, and that can also receive this data.
You can view the data you receive this way at any time. Some CGM systems can also be configured to send information to you and your doctor on a regular basis.
| Feature | Fingerstick | CGM method |
|---|---|---|
| How to provide data | Only shows the sugar level at one moment. | Shows sugar levels throughout the day (every 1-5 minutes). |
| Data size | Multiple readings per day (e.g. 2-4 times). | 288 or more readings per day. |
| Patterns and trends | It is difficult to identify. | Clearly shows patterns and trends in sugar levels. |
| Warnings | No. You can only tell by looking. | There are alarm facilities before sugar levels get too high or too low. |
| Convenience | You have to touch your finger every time. | Changing the sensor every few days or 1-2 weeks is sufficient. |
Should I switch to a CGM?
This is a really good question. While CGM is a technology that can be very helpful in diabetes management, it may not be necessary or suitable for everyone. These devices are more expensive than a regular glucose meter.
Therefore, the best person to decide which method is best for you is your treating doctor. It is wise to discuss with him or her how much a CGM would benefit you, taking into account many factors, such as your diabetes status, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Take-Home Message
- Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential to control diabetes.
- The traditional fingerstick method only provides the blood sugar level at that moment.
- A CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) device allows you to monitor changes in your sugar levels throughout the day, both day and night.
- The data from a CGM can help you and your doctor identify patterns in your sugar levels and better manage your diabetes.
- Always talk to your doctor for advice before making any changes to your treatment regimen or using a new device like a CGM.
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