Traditional forms of glucose monitoring provide some information for achieving glycemic goals, but can be insufficient for intensive management. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) provides immediate, ongoing feedback that the user can apply towards reaching desired goals.

The CGM system uses a tiny sensor inserted under the skin to check glucose levels in tissue fluid and display updated glucose information every few minutes. The system also produces trend graphs and alarms to warn the user of pending high or low glucose levels. CGM serves as a valuable learning tool, showing patients the immediate impact of lifestyle and medicinal decisions to improve glucose variability.

Do you think the additional information provided by CGM supports the self-management of diabetes?

Information about the moderator

The discussion will be moderated by Dr Maria Lidia Ruiz (MD, Director of School of Certified Diabetes Educators of the Argentine Society of Diabetes; member of the IDF Consultative Section on Diabetes Education).

References

1) Klonoff, D.C. (2005) Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Roadmap for 21st century diabetes therapy. Diabetes Care. 28(5):1231-1239

2) Ellis, S.L., et al. (2007) Use of continuous glucose monitoring to improve diabetes mellitus management. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 36(Suppl 2):46-68

3) Garg SK, Voelmle M, Gottlieb PA. (2010) Time lag characterization of two continuous glucose monitoring systems. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 87:348-353

4) Blevins TC. (2010) Professional continuous glucose monitoring in clinical practice 2010. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 4:440-456