COPING WITH CGM Challenges
Diabetic Living Australia|September - October 2020
If you’ve started using a CGM, you may have encountered a few challenges. DL diabetes educator Dr Kate Marsh discusses the highs and lows of CGM technology
DR KATE MARSH
COPING WITH CGM Challenges

Following recent changes to the Australian Government’s subsidised continuous and flash glucose monitoring via the National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS), more Australians with diabetes are now using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices. While there are many benefits to this technology – such as having access to 24/7 readings and trend arrows, the reduced need for fingerprick glucose checks, and alerts to inform the wearer of out-of-target readings – the devices are not without their problems.

ACCURACY

It can be frustrating when your CGM device and blood glucose meter show quite different readings. There are a few reasons this might happen, but the main one is what’s called lag time. CGM devices measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid (the fluid between your cells) rather than the blood. Glucose travels to the blood first and then to the interstitial fluid, which means CGM and blood glucose levels normally won’t be exactly the same. When glucose levels are stable, the readings should be close, however, there will be a greater difference when your levels are rising or falling quickly. When rising quickly, your blood glucose reading will likely be higher than the CGM. When dropping quickly, your blood glucose reading will likely be lower than the CGM.

For devices that need calibrating, the accuracy also depends on calibrating correctly. This means following the directions from your device manufacturer as to when and how often to calibrate (each device is different), using the same blood glucose meter for all calibrations, washing your hands before a calibration fingerprick reading and only calibrating when blood glucose levels are between 2.2 and 22.2mmol/L – the devices can’t be calibrated above or below this range.

This story is from the September - October 2020 edition of Diabetic Living Australia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September - October 2020 edition of Diabetic Living Australia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM DIABETIC LIVING AUSTRALIAView All
A whole new world
Diabetic Living Australia

A whole new world

Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as an adult can be a challenging and confusing time. In this extract from the JDRF's new book, Straight to the Point, they explain what's going on and what to say to people who make uninformed comments about your condition

time-read
8 mins  |
March - April 2023
5 Days 5 Dinners
Diabetic Living Australia

5 Days 5 Dinners

Weeknights are sorted with these fresh, flavoursome mains, packed with veg!

time-read
7 mins  |
March - April 2023
Fantastic Feta
Diabetic Living Australia

Fantastic Feta

This soft, white cheese with Greek origins is versatile and packs a flavour punch, with only a small amount needed to jazz up a dish

time-read
5 mins  |
March - April 2023
My story: "I'm proud of the fact that I've gotten hold of my health"
Diabetic Living Australia

My story: "I'm proud of the fact that I've gotten hold of my health"

When Natalie Rixon, now 33, discovered she had prediabetes soon after she'd turned 20, it was a shock and a relief all rolled into one. What she did next changed her future.

time-read
3 mins  |
May -June 2023
INTERPRETING YOUR cgm DATA
Diabetic Living Australia

INTERPRETING YOUR cgm DATA

A continuous glucose monitor is a wonderful source of information but do you really know what you're looking at?

time-read
4 mins  |
May -June 2023
7 NEED-TO-KNOW FACTS ABOUT...diabetes & kidney disease
Diabetic Living Australia

7 NEED-TO-KNOW FACTS ABOUT...diabetes & kidney disease

Diabetes is the most common cause of Chronic Kidney Disease. Learn more about this condition and how to protect yourself from developing it.

time-read
2 mins  |
May -June 2023
GET OFF THE diet ROLLERCOASTER
Diabetic Living Australia

GET OFF THE diet ROLLERCOASTER

Dietitian Lyndi Cohen wants you to take a deep breath and think about your weight, and health, in a whole new way.

time-read
2 mins  |
May -June 2023
WHAT IS Wegovy?
Diabetic Living Australia

WHAT IS Wegovy?

Meet Wegovy, the new once-weekly weightloss injection that research shows helps people lose significantly more body weight than those using diet and exercise alone.

time-read
2 mins  |
May -June 2023
MEDICATION & CONSUMABLES
Diabetic Living Australia

MEDICATION & CONSUMABLES

Insulin is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

time-read
3 mins  |
May -June 2023
DOLLARS AND DIABETES
Diabetic Living Australia

DOLLARS AND DIABETES

When you have type 1 diabetes, it's important to see a variety of health professionals regularly to keep your health on track.

time-read
1 min  |
May -June 2023