By Jessica Gray – Diabetes Educator at Active One
Are you struggling to manage your diabetes or just sick of pricking your finger? You’ll be pleased to know, there is a better way! Have you ever wondered what happens to your blood glucose levels overnight, while exercising or after different foods you eat, but do not want to get up or stop what you are doing to do a finger prick?
About Continuous Glucose Monitoring
This relatively new technology called Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) can provide you with all those answers. It monitors your glucose levels 24 hours a day, giving you (and your Diabetes team) all the information needed to better plan your medication doses and guide you in making your lifestyle choices.
The monitor itself is discreet (about the size of a 20-cent piece) and only weighs a few grams. It has a sensor attached which sits under the skin (our Diabetes Nurse Educator inserts the device) and your phone receives data via blue tooth connection. It has an alarm system in place to warn you if your glucose levels are too low or too high, giving you the confidence to simply get on with your day. There is no need to remove the sensor at any time (even to go for a swim) and it lasts between 10 and 14 days depending on the model you choose.
Research Demonstrates the Benefits of CGM
A new study from the University of Gothenburg which tracked users over a number of years, shows that using CGM to continuously monitor blood glucose levels (BGLs) has many positive health benefits and showed that patients wearing them had overall better diabetes management and lower HbA1c.
The results, published in the scientific journal Diabetes Care demonstrated;
An average blood glucose (HbA1c) fell by 4 mmol/mol during the trial period. Even when patients were receiving less support from the studies healthcare team.
A reduction in the duration of low blood glucose levels, below 3.0 mmol/mol (hypoglycaemia), by approximately 70%.
Less fluctuations in people’s blood glucose levels overall. They were also less apprehensive about being unaware of hypos.
CGM technology supported people’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
Funding Available for CGM
The following individuals can access funding for CGM:
Children and young people aged under 21 years with type 1 diabetes
People with type 1 diabetes aged 21 years or older who have valid concessional status
Women with type 1 diabetes who are actively planning pregnancy, pregnant, or immediately post-pregnancy
Children and young people under 21 years with conditions very similar to type 1 diabetes who require insulin.
It is also approved for patients with T2 Diabetes on insulin, but you would need to pay in full or claim on health insurance. It is also approved for T2 patients on insulin.
Our Active One Offer:
For the next 3 months (Summer) we are offering FREE access to a CGM monitor for 2 weeks. Initial and follow up sessions with Jessica would attract the usual consultation fees. Jessica would educate you on the use of the device, insert it and a follow up with a session to analyse your results. This sensor information is crucial in identifying any key changes (medication and lifestyle) required to assist you in improving the management of your diabetes.
Testimonial
“Since wearing the Libre 2 sensor I have been able to get on top of my blood glucose readings and time my exercise better. I was having hypos daily before and sometimes at night which was very frightening for me. Now when I go low it alarms and I can prevent feeling horrible. I know feel in charge and control” - Bruce C
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