Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Continuous glucose monitoring is a powerful tool in diabetes management for providers and patients alike.
Summary
What Is Continuous Glucose Monitoring?
Continuous glucose monitoring is a method of constantly checking a person's glucose level. Continuous glucose monitors subcutaneously measure interstitial glucose concentrations. Fingerstick tests only measure glucose levels at a point in time and can miss dangerous highs and lows. A1C tests only show average glucose levels for a 2 to 3 month period. Neither is intended to show daily high and low patterns and trends.1
Continuous glucose monitoring provides a continuous 24-hour display of glucose levels, which can significantly reduce A1C levels compared to fingersticks alone. 2-5
Who Can Benefit From Continuous Glucose Monitoring?
- People who experience dangerous lows and highs
- People who suffer from hypoglycemia unawareness
- People who desire better control
- People with elevated A1C levels
How Does Medtronic Continuous Glucose Monitoring Work?
- Glucose sensor is inserted under the skin
- Glucose levels are measured every 5 minutes, 24 hours a day
- MiniLink® wireless transmitter sends readings from glucose sensor to glucose monitor
- Fingersticks are required to calibrate the system and before making treatment decisions adjusting insulin delivery when calibrating glucose sensor
See the clinical benefits of continuous glucose monitoring.
Contraindications
Successful operation of CGM device requires adequate vision and hearing. Use of a continuous glucose monitoring system is not recommended for patients whose impaired vision or hearing does not allow full recognition of the monitor signals and alarms, or who do not have a caregiver that can perform this function for them.
Warnings/Precautions
Continuous glucose monitor users should be educated to program and operate the monitor and respond to alarm conditions prior to attempted use of the system.
The current and voltage signals shown in the monitor are to be used only for finding potential problems with the Continuous Glucose Monitoring System and do not indicate current glucose value. Infection and/or site irritation may result from improper insertion and maintenance of insertion site.
Safety Information
Patients should always discuss potential risks and benefits with a physician. Please review the product manual prior to use for detailed instructions and disclosure.
For complete safety information, including contraindications, warnings/complications, and potential complications, see product label or visit the Indications, Safety, and Warnings page.
References
- Derr R, Garrett E, Stacy G, et al. Is HbA1C affected by glycemic instability? Diabetes Care. 2003;26(10):2728-2733.
- Kaufman FR, Gibson LC, Halvorson M, et al. A pilot study of the continuous glucose monitoring system: clinical decisions and glycemic control after its use in pediatric type 1 diabetic subjects. Diabetes Care. 2001;24(12):2030-2034.
- Ludvigsson J, Hanas R. Continuous subcutaneous glucose monitoring improved metabolic control in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes: a controlled crossover study. Pediatrics. 2003;111(5 pt 1):933-938.
- Deiss D, Bolinder J, Riveline JP, et al. Improved Glycemic control in poorly controlled patients with type 1 diabetes using real-time continuous glucose monitoring. Diabetes Care. 2006; 29(12):2730-2732.
- Bode BW, Gross TM, Thornton, KR, et al. Continuous glucose monitoring used to adjust diabetes therapy improves glycosylated hemoglobin: a pilot study. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 1999;46(3):183-190.
