Diabetes Care in the Modern Age: A Comprehension on CGM and Diabetic Patch Sensors
Healthcare | Nov, 2023
Diabetes has become an increasingly common disease that has become prevalent over the years. The hormone “Insulin” which regulates sugar metabolism, is either not produced enough (type-1 diabetes) or the body is not able to efficiently use the insulin produced (type-2 diabetes). While type-1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in childhood and requires lifelong insulin therapy to manage blood sugar levels, type-2 diabetes can develop at any age and can be managed with either lifestyle changes or oral medications.
Over the years, various researches have been undergoing across the world regarding wearable skin-patches that deliver precise amounts of insulin as per the individual’s blood sugar level. These collective efforts over the years have collaborated towards the development of diabetic patch sensor, also known as Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). It is a medical device designed to monitor and track blood sugar levels continuously throughout the day and night and consequently, has become an important tool in diabetes management.
Choosing the Right Diabetic Patch Sensor (CGM): 4 Major Factors
Choosing the right diabetic patch sensor is considered a significant decision for individuals with diabetes. CGM systems tend to vary in features, cost, and compatibility and is therefore essential to consider a few factors before deciding:
- Insulin Delivery Compatibility
If an individual plans to use an insulin pump, it is important to ensure that CGM system is compatible with the insulin delivery device. In addition, some CGM systems tend to integrate efficiently with insulin pumps to create a closed loop system, which simplifies diabetes management.
Diabetic patch sensors’ wear duration tends to range from 7 to 14 days. Typically, all the sensors that fall between these durations can be considered for use. Though longer wear durations may be more convenient for some users, it is recommended to talk to a medical practitioner and select a system that aligns with your preferences.
Accuracy is a significant factor that is considered while choosing a CGM system. Reputation surfaces up as a primary factor while deciding to choose on accuracy factor. A reputed brand is known for its success and customer’s trust and when it comes to prioritizing health, people do not hesitate on quality in majority of the cases. In addition, research and reviews from other users can also help in making the correct buying decision.
It’s important to know that some CGM system brands make their clinical trail data available that can provide additional insights into their performance and safety. It’s suggested to review published clinical studies and data for a more comprehensive understanding of CGM system’s capabilities.
