Are you a senior living with diabetes? Are you struggling to manage your condition and stay on top of regular monitoring? You’re definitely not alone. Many seniors like yourself face the same challenge, searching for ways to keep their blood glucose levels in check while still enjoying life. One solution that can be incredibly helpful is Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). This method of tracking could potentially revolutionize the way seniors with diabetes approach monitoring and understanding their health. By providing real-time access to data and allowing them to better understand their body’s needs, CGM could help make a major difference in keeping up with this crucial part of diabetic care – if used properly. In this blog post we will explore how continuous glucose monitors work, what the potential benefits are for seniors who use them, and some tips on getting started with adopting CGM as part of one’s self-care regimen.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) for seniors living with diabetes.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is a relatively new technology that is used to track blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. The device consists of a small sensor that is inserted just below the skin, and a transmitter that sends data to a receiver that can be worn on a belt or carried in a pocket. The receiver displays blood sugar levels in real time, as well as trends over time, which can help people with diabetes better manage their blood sugar levels.
CGM is especially beneficial for seniors living with diabetes, as it can help them avoid dangerous blood sugar spikes and lows. In addition, CGM can also help seniors feel more confident in their ability to manage their diabetes, which can lead to improved overall health. If you are a senior living with diabetes, ask your doctor if CGM may be right for you.
How Does a CGM work and what are its benefits?
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is a technology that has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it offers several benefits for people with diabetes. CGM consists of a small sensor that is inserted just below the skin, and a transmitter that sends data from the sensor to a receiver. This data includes blood sugar levels, as well as trends and patterns that can help people with diabetes better manage their diabetes.
One of the biggest benefits of CGM is that it can help prevent dangerous blood sugar spikes and lows. By providing real-time information about blood sugar levels, CGM can help people adjust their insulin doses or food intake as needed. CGM can also be helpful for people who are pregnant or have type 1 diabetes.
Overall, CGM is an effective tool for managing diabetes, and offers a number of benefits for people who use it. If you are interested in using CGM to better manage your diabetes, talk to your doctor about whether it is right for you.
How to Get Started Using a CGM
First and foremost, you’ll need to consult with your doctor to see if a CGM is right for you. Once you’ve been cleared for use, your doctor will help you choose the right CGM for your needs and provide instructions on how to use it.
There are a few different types of CGMs available on the market, so it’s important to do your research and find the one that fits your lifestyle and needs. Some devices are worn constantly like a watch, while others need to be calibrated by pricking your finger. Whichever device you choose, make sure to read the instructions thoroughly and follow them closely.
Your doctor may also recommend attending a training session offered by the CGM manufacturer or a diabetes educator. These sessions can be helpful in teaching you how to use the device and troubleshoot any problems you may encounter.
Once you’ve gotten started using your CGM, it’s important to monitor your blood sugar regularly and make changes to your treatment plan as needed. Be sure to keep your doctor updated on how the CGM is working for you and let them know if you have any questions or concerns.
4 Key Considerations when using CGM to manage Diabetes
When it comes to managing diabetes, CGMs can be an incredibly valuable tool. Some key considerations when using a CGM include:
- Make sure you understand how to use the CGM and calibrate it properly. This is especially important if you are pregnant or have a child who is using a CGM.
- Be aware of how the CGM readings can affect your treatment plan. For example, if your blood sugar is high but your CGM reading says it is low, you may need to adjust your insulin dose.
- Make sure to keep track of your CGM readings, as well as your blood sugar levels, so that you can see how the two correlate and make changes as needed.
- Work with your doctor to make sure that the CGM is right for you and to figure out what settings work best.
To sum up, it’s important to remember that Continuous Glucose Monitoring is a great way for seniors living with diabetes to stay up-to-date on their blood glucose levels and make necessary lifestyle changes to keep diabetes in check. CGM is an easy, cost-effective solution for monitoring long-term trends in blood glucose such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia episodes, and it can provide valuable data for both doctors and patients alike. Knowing where to start with CGM can be intimidating — but if you reach out to your medical team or insurance provider, they can help point you in the right direction. As we’ve seen through this blog post, there are lots of ways that CGM can be used to help seniors living with diabetes lead healthier lifestyles — so get started today! For more information on how Continuous Glucose Monitoring works and how seniors can benefit from this incredible tool, be sure to read more here.
