How does CGM work and what are its benefits?

Question

Hello doctor,

My husband was recently diagnosed with diabetes, and his latest HbA1c test result is 6.8. I am concerned about managing his condition effectively. We have heard about continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and how they can help with blood sugar management. How do CGMs work, and what advantages do they offer over traditional fingerstick tests? Also, what lifestyle changes and diabetes management strategies should we implement to lower his HbA1c and maintain better blood sugar control?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

CGM (Continuous glucose monitoring) works by monitoring your tissue's blood glucose at frequent intervals to give you graphs about your daily blood sugars. It prevents frequent finger pricks and qualitatively gives a good understanding of blood sugar. It provides a pictorial presentation of sugar fluctuations and response to intervention. They help manage all diabetes patients irrespective of HBA1C level.

Lifestyle Changes:

1. Including more salads and green leafy vegetables in the diet. It helps to modulate your gut activity and improves your glycemic profile.

2. Cutting down on carbs and eating a balanced diet.

3. Eating meals at regular times every day. An erratic schedule of meals worsens the gut health.

4. Breathing exercises and meditation help decrease stress and improve gut health. Daily exercise with meditation is very fruitful to improve your symptoms.

5. Adequate sleep and sleeping schedule should be maintained. An erratic sleep schedule too worsens gut health.

If you still face problems after following the above measures, I suggest you consult a specialist.

Hope it helps.

Thank you.