Continuous glucose monitor is a revolutionary device in the field of medicine. This device helps with diabetes management to a larger extent. CGM glucose monitor helps provide valuable insights into the blood sugar levels of patients and gives a comprehensive overview of the overall health of patients. This has a lot of advantages over traditional finger-pricking devices that only give the value for a one-time glucose level and are simply not a match for a CGM glucose monitor. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes all over the world, medical professionals are rapidly moving towards more technologically advanced devices and empowering their patients to switch to Continuous glucose monitors that will help them have better control over their condition. This device is very easy to use. Below we have mentioned the easy steps that you can follow to use this effective device.
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO USE CGM GLUCOSE MONITOR
- PLACING THE SENSOR ON YOUR SKIN
This is the first step towards a seamless glucose monitoring routine. The Continuous glucose monitor comes with a sensor that can be worn from 10-14 days and it continuously monitors the blood sugar levels. To ensure the proper installment of a sensor, wipe the part of the skin on which you will install the sensor with an alcoholic wipe. Allow it to dry off naturally and do not touch it. Once it is completely dry, remove the applicator cap off of the sensor gently place it on the part of the body you want to place it (arm or abdomen), and press the adhesive part firmly into place. Secure the sensor in place by applying some over patch on it. Make sure that the sensor is placed properly to ensure accurate blood glucose readings.
- ATTACHING THE TRANSMITTER IN PLACE
After you can securely attach the sensor to your skin, the next step is to attach the transmitter to the sensor housing. This transmitter, part of the CGM glucose monitor, acts as a communication hub that transmits the glucose data (wirelessly) to the app that you may have installed on your mobile phone or other gadgets. So it is crucial to place it correctly. For this, you simply have to align the transmitter with the sensor on your skin and attach it there. It will make a click sound that will ensure that has snapped into its place. This indicates the transmitter connection is secure. Healthcare data migration involves transferring patient records and information from one system or platform to another, often for better management and accessibility of medical data.
- INSTALLING THE APP ON YOUR MOBILE PHONE
The data collection method depends on the type of CGM glucose monitor you are using. In some, you may have to set up a dedicated receiver that will keep a record of all your readings. In other cases, you can simply install an app on your mobile phone or any other gadget and your blood glucose readings will be transferred to the mobile app. For this, you will follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturers of Continuous blood glucose monitors and see how they ask you to attach the transmitter with the app or receiver. This will ensure seamless data transfer.
- CALIBRATION (REQUIRED IN SOME CASES)
Calibration is needed according to ISO standard rule. CGM glucose monitor devices require calibration that helps ensure accurate glucose monitoring and management compared to regular laboratory test. The percentage of CGM values can be close to those laboratory glucose reading but difference of within 20% mg/dl can occur.
This step is usually required when CGM readings is inconsistent with the symptoms. The sensor is typically changed after every 10-14 days. Continuous blood glucose monitor devices come in varying packages. Some have 3 sensors; some have 6 and some have 9 sensors.
- DATA COLLECTION AND MONITORING
Once you have installed the CGM glucose monitor device perfectly, you can start getting the readings. Typically Continuous blood glucose monitor gives a reading after every 5 minutes. The data is recorded in your mobile app or receiver. The app also tells you the direction and rate of glucose change. You can personalize the machine and make the app give you alerts for hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic conditions. This helps maintain optimal levels of blood glucose.
- INTERMITTENT SENSOR GLUCOSE (ISIG) CHECKS
In some cases, it is required for the patients to perform intermittent sensor glucose (ISIGI) checks that help establish the accuracy of your continuous glucose monitoring cgm. In this, you mainly have to record the sensor reading from your mobile and you receive a reference glucose reading.
