Matching the best CGM to your lifestyle

There are a number of continuous glucose monitor (CGM) devices available on the market these days, which can make choosing the right one tricky. But ultimately, the best CGM for you is the one you can easily access and will use routinely.

In the last three decades since my own diagnosis, diabetes technology has come a long way. Instead of testing my urine or pricking my finger, I'm now able to use a CGM to check my glucose. Seeing graphs and trends of my numbers has helped me take a proactive approach to my diabetes care — and I can do it all from my smartphone.

Understanding CGM options for different lifestyles

CGMs are medical devices that automatically track blood sugar levels, allowing people with diabetes to see their glucose trends (and changes) in real time. Compared to the "blood sugar snapshots" provided by finger pricks, CGMs give "streaming video" of glucose control.

The device's sensors measure glucose levels in interstitial fluid via a component inserted under the skin. These values are transmitted every five minutes to an external monitor, like a phone application or compatible insulin pump.

The insights that CGMs provide can allow you to make important adjustments to your management plan, and many systems come equipped with alarms that will alert you to out-of-range blood sugar levels. This acts as a "safety net" for emergency events like hypoglycemia.

Access to CGMs through insurance is increasing all the time, which will help make using these systems even more affordable. If you are living with diabetes and checking your blood glucose several times a day, a CGM could be just a prescription away! Here's what you need to know, depending on your lifestyle.

For athletes looking to stay fit

CGMs are powerful tools for both professional and casual athletes.

• CGMs provide valuable data that can influence training regimens.
• Athletes can look at their CGM graph before training and use the trend arrows to determine if they need to eat, correct their blood sugars, or if they're stable.
• Seeing blood sugars at a glance can help athletes fine-tune nutrition and workout regimens.
  
  

For athletes, every CGM option is a good one, and systems like the Dexcom G6 CGM and the Medtronic Guardian Connect CGM may be especially helpful as they are paired with insulin pumps that have artificial pancreas systems included.

For travelers wanting ease of access

For people who are on the road often for work or pleasure, a CGM can ease the stress of travel.

• CGMs make it easier to move through time zones.
• Trend arrows on CGM graphs can help frequent fliers avoid low and high blood sugars by making proactive decisions when it comes to in-flight snacks.
  
  

Depending on your preferences, just about every available CGM system could be a good fit for your travels!

For professionals in need of efficiency

Whether you're chairing a board meeting or answering service calls, a CGM can help keep you focused on the task at hand without worry.

• Keeping blood sugars in range and under control improves productivity.
• CGMs can be checked during a work shift to ensure you don't need to make adjustments to medications or food.
• The CGM trend arrows help head off issues before they become problematic.
  
  

The FreeStyle Libre 14-Day System is a scan system, meaning the sensor is scanned using an external device and trend arrows and results are plotted on a graph. This is a great fit for a working professional, as the absence of alarms is more discreet in an office environment.

For parents, caregivers and elders who want security

If you are the parent of a child with diabetes, you may want to consider a CGM with a remote access monitor. In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of integrated CGM devices in children as young as two years old.

For parents of children with diabetes, CGMs can:

• Streamline diabetes management
• Enhance the health and safety of users.
• Reduce the amount of stress you experience as a caregiver.
  
  

For example, the Dexcom Follow app pairs with Dexcom's CGM, allowing you to see the glucose trend graph of your child's diabetes.

If you're a parent who has diabetes, a CGM can:

• Help you best control your numbers.
• Provide a sense of security in your ability to give care.
• Help your loved ones rest assured your diabetes management is being kept in check.

If you're over 65 and living with diabetes, a CGM can be especially useful.

• CGMs can help you know if you're experiencing hypoglycemia unawareness (i.e. the inability to feel low blood sugar symptoms).
• Remote monitoring provides a safety net for caregivers.
• Coverage for CGM devices for seniors has taken steps forward in recent years.
  
  

The FreeStyle Libre 14-Day System can be a tremendous resource, with streamlined insertion and excellent insurance coverage. Additionally, any CGM with alarm features or remote-following capability may be useful for caregivers.

Whichever device you deem to be the best CGM for you, remember that access, cost and personal preference will play into your decision-making process as much as lifestyle. So embrace the technology and research your options to improve your diabetes management and overall well-being.

Looking to streamline your T1D management? Learn more about the CGMs available through Edgepark and how to order through your insurance.