Continuous Glucose Monitoring System: What a patient should know

Dr Manish Bothale explains the advantages of continuous glucose monitoring system.

- Dr Manish Bothale

Ms Y is 22 years old with Type 1 Diabetes since age 14. She is a student at a business school. Recently her schedule has become busier due to her rigorous studies and business travelling. She often suffers from repeated episodes of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose). She has never faced this challenge and has become hesitant to administer adequate insulin doses in fear of low blood glucose levels. This has led to higher blood glucose levels and an increased risk of long-term complications associated with Diabetes such as damage to eyes and kidneys. She is becoming increasingly frustrated with her Diabetes management and is unsure of what to do next.

Not so uncommon

Unfortunately, this is a common situation. The management of Diabetes can easily be disrupted as changes in everyday life have a profound impact on blood glucose control. Even small changes in people's lives such as forgetting to eat or increased activity throughout the day can have a major impact on blood glucose levels. Often these changes are unrecognised by the patient leaving them confused as to why their glucose levels have drastically changed. Recent advances in Diabetes technology such as the continuous glucose monitor (CGM) are aimed at helping people with Diabetes better track their glucose levels and adjust their insulin regimen quickly and easily. This technology is extremely valuable, especially in India, where Diabetes is one of the biggest health issues facing the country.