Of course, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Continuous glucose monitors play acritical role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels1.
They provide real-time monitoring of glucose levels, which supports improved management and healthier outcomes.
The best continuous blood glucose monitors:
What is blood glucose?
Blood glucose, commonly known as blood sugar, is a key health indicator.
It acts as the primary fuel source for our cells, especially those in the brain.
It is also created by our liver in a process called gluconeogenesis.
After eating, our blood glucose levels increase, signaling the pancreas to produce insulin.
Monitoring blood glucose levels is especially important for individuals with diabetes.
What is a continuous blood glucose monitor?
This advanced tool helps people, particularly those with diabetes, actively manage their blood sugar levels.
This information is extremely beneficial in making decisions about food choices, exercise routines, and medication dosage.
Always consult with a health care provider to determine the best management plan for your needs.
Unlike traditional devices, the Libre uses interstitial fluid for glucose measurement, eliminating the need for finger pricks.
People love the FreeStyle Libre for how convenient and easy to use it is.
A few complain that the sensor causes irritation on sensitive skin.
The sensor is worn on the abdomen and transmits data every five minutes.
Results can be viewed in the corresponding app.
The subcutaneous sensor must be inserted by a medical professional, but it lasts for up to 90 days.
This monitor provides continuous updates every 5 minutes.
One qualm is that direct sunlight may cause the sensor to provide inaccurate alerts.
The system alerts you 10 to 60 minutes before a high or low.
However, it comes with one significant limitation: This gear is not recommended for children under 14 years.
The AI-driven technology gives recommendations tailored to each person’s unique needs.
We consulted medical professionals and diabetes educators to gain expert insights into the best continuous glucose monitors.
Real-world user experiences provided valuable insights into the comfort, ease of use, and reliability of each CGM.
We also looked at whether insurance or assistance programs could help offset these costs.
Who should use a continuous blood glucose monitor?
People withType 1 diabetescan greatly benefit from CGMs.
These devices provide real-time data and trend information, alerting users to sudden changes in blood glucose levels.
This information can be vital in making timely decisions about insulin administration.
Some can even pair with insulin pumps for a streamlined diabetic management plan.
CGMs are also beneficial for individuals withType 2 diabetes, particularly those who require insulin therapy.
Women diagnosed withgestational diabetes, a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, can also find CGMs useful.
While beneficial, CGMs are not for everyone.
Here are some important criteria to consider:
Accuracy
Again, accuracy can vary between models.
To determine accuracy, check the Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) value of the CGM machine.
A lower MARD signifies a higher level of accuracy.
Price
The cost of CGMs varies based on the brand and specific features.
Ease of use and comfort
Consider the size, insertion process, and wearability of the CGM.
Some models are more comfortable or discreet than others.
Depending on your lifestyle and tech-savviness, these could be significant factors.
If you have trouble recognizing symptoms of hypo- or hyperglycemia, these features might be particularly valuable.
What is a normal blood sugar range?
It is important to consult a health care provider to set personalized targets.
What are signs of abnormal blood sugar?
Abnormalities in blood sugar levels can manifest in a variety of ways.
What are the risks of abnormal blood sugar?
Chronichyperglycemia, often associated with diabetes, can lead to long-term complications affecting various organs and systems.
Tips for managing healthy blood sugar levels
Managing blood sugar levels is a careful balancing act.
How accurate are continuous blood glucose monitors?
MARD is the average of the absolute error between the CGM readings and the reference blood glucose measurements.
A lower MARD percentage signifies a higher level of accuracy.
Most modern CGMs have a MARD that falls between 9% and 12%, making them quite reliable.
CGMs measure glucose in the interstitial fluid (fluid between the cells), not directly in the bloodstream.
Despite these considerations, CGMs are an impactful tool for many people in managing blood glucose levels.
Still, CGMs do not entirely replace the need for traditional finger-prick measurements.
FAQ
Is the Libre 3 more accurate than the Libre 2?
What is the accuracy of Libre CGM?
Do you need a prescription for a blood glucose monitor?
In most cases, you don’t need a prescription to purchase a blood glucose monitor.
However, for insurance to cover the cost, a prescription from a health care provider is typically required.
How can you improve your blood sugar?
The takeaway
Blood glucose monitors are revolutionizing the way we understand and manage our health.
They offer insight into blood sugar levels and enable us to take proactive steps toward better health and well-being.
To delve deeper, learn about howblood sugar can affect your metabolismto support your overall health goals.
