Certified Diabetes Educator answers questions about how diabetes technologies improve living with T1D

Living with type 1 diabetes (t1d) means dealing with the daily challenges of keeping blood glucose levels in control. One good way to maintain good health with diabetes is through the use of a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). A CGM alleviates the need for multiple daily injections, making life with diabetes more manageable and ultimately helping you stay healthy and feeling well.

In this video, Debbie Brown, a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist with Edgepark, explains the benefits of continuous glucose monitoring if you're living with t1d and the ease of ordering diabetes supplies through Edgepark.

What is a continuous glucose monitoring device, and how does it work?

A CGM device measures your blood sugars consistently throughout the day, while a blood glucose monitor gives more of a snapshot. "This offers a bigger picture for those with t1d to make better diabetes management decisions and be proactive rather than reactive," says Debbie.

People who have switched from a blood glucose monitor to a CGM often note a significant improvement in blood glucose readings. The ability to be able to constantly monitor blood glucose readings and know if levels are on the rise, holding steady, or trending low can be a game-changer in how one manages their diabetes care. The CGM features alerts that notify the user if there is a drastic change in blood glucose readings, and that can offer additional peace of mind for the user and their family members. Many people who have switched to a CGM also notice an improved A1C almost immediately.

What are the three components of a CGM device?

The three components of a CGM are the sensor, the transmitter, and the receiver. Debbie explains, "The sensor goes into your skin; it is not painful and about the size of an eyelash. The transmitter goes on top of the sensor and helps to transmit data to the receiver, or your phone, and that helps you to make better decisions for your diabetes."

The sensor is simple to attach to your body and most last ten days before needing to be changed. The transmitter easily snaps into place and typically lasts up to 90 days. Best of all, it takes less than five minutes to change. Another great benefit of CGM technology is the convenience of an app on your smartphone that displays blood glucose readings so you know your levels at a moment's notice. Arrows on the display let you know if you are trending high or low so you can make adjustments, which is also helpful for maintaining good health.

What is an insulin pump, and how does it work?

"An insulin pump is a way to deliver insulin for a person living with t1d continuously instead of having to give multiple injections throughout the day," says Debbie. "It has a basal insulin delivery that's continuous and acts as a long-acting insulin. It also has a bolus insulin that is delivered at mealtimes." An insulin pump offers a lot more flexibility and control of diabetes care.

One of the biggest advantages of CGM's for insulin pump wearers is the ease of being able to bolus on the run. It also allows the user to discreetly give themselves an insulin dose at the table when dining out by using a receiver about half the size of a cell phone. Insulin pumps have a reservoir that houses the insulin. They offer an infusion set that you put onto your body with tubing, which you change every two to three days. There's also an option for a pump that doesn't have tubing if you prefer it.

How do I order an insulin pump or a CGM device?

Ordering an insulin pump or CGM is easy with Edgepark. "Speak with your physician to choose the right insulin pump or CGM for your needs. Once you have decided, you can place that order on Edgepark.com, and Edgepark will take it from there," says Debbie. Edgepark will verify your insurance, collect the prescription from your doctor, and ship your supplies directly to your doorstep. Edgepark will also notify you via email whenever you're due for an order with convenient reminders.

See this article for more information on insulin pumps and CGM management.