Blood sugar levels must be constantly monitored and controlled when living with diabetes to avoid immediate and long-term consequences. Daily insulin injections or a combination of long-acting and fast-acting insulin injections before meals are part of traditional diabetes
management strategies. However, due to technological advancements, people with diabetes can now access innovative technologies like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) that make managing their illnesses easier.
Monitoring of Continuous Glucose
A wearable gadget called a continuous glucose gauge (CGM) measures and monitored blood sugar levels in real-time. CGMs use the interstitial fluid to assess blood glucose levels using tiny sensors implanted beneath the skin. This approach delivers a continuous stream of data rather than simply a snapshot of glucose levels at one point in time, and it is
substantially less invasive than conventional fingerstick-based monitoring.
Using a CGM instead of conventional blood glucose monitoring has several advantages, such as:
1. Greater accuracy: Because CGMs may alert users to high or low blood glucose levels
and offer real-time measurements, they tend to be far more precise than conventional testing
methods.
2. Better glycemic control: Because CGMs offer more comprehensive data on blood sugar
patterns and trends throughout the day, users can maintain appropriate glucose levels with
the aid of CGMs.
3. Simpler to use: Using a CGM eliminates the need for frequent manual blood glucose
checks throughout the day.
4. Lower risk of complications: One major complication of diabetes is low blood sugar or
blood sugar levels. CGMs can help lower this risk.
Glucose Pumps
An insulin pump is a compact, portable device that works similarly to the pancreas to supply glucose to a person’s body. A rapid-acting insulin is administered to the body via insulin pumps through a tiny plastic tube put beneath the skin. With customized insulin doses
according to the user specific requirements, the insulin pump continuously infuses the user with insulin throughout the day.
Using an insulin pump instead of conventional insulin injections has several benefits.
1. More adaptability: People who use an insulin pump can modify their insulin doses
following their everyday activities and eating routines. For instance, people might take fewer insulin doses if they intend to exercise or more significant amounts of insulin if they eat a
high-carb meal.
2. Lower risk of hypoglycemia: Insulin pumps can deliver insulin more accurately than conventional insulin injections, reducing the chance of hypoglycemia.
3. Better blood sugar regulation: Insulin pumps continuously administer insulin, which can
aid in sustaining stable blood sugar levels all day.
How do insulin pumps and CGMs interact?
Both CGMs and insulin pumps are devices that can make managing diabetes more candid, but combining the two can provide even more advantages. Real-time glucose information from CGMs can be utilized to modify insulin pump parameters and make
better choices regarding insulin administration. For instance, if a CGM reveals that a user blood glucose levels are often higher in the afternoon, the user can change the settings on their insulin pump to provide more insulin at that time. The risk of hypoglycemia for the user can also be decreased by integrating CGMs with insulin pumps. When blood sugar levels are too low, CGMs can send alerts, and insulin
pumps can be set up to halt dispensing insulin automatically if the user glucose levels are too low.
In addition to these advantages, many CGMs and insulin pumps are now connected to smartphone apps, enabling users to retrieve their glucose levels and information about insulin delivery on their phones. These apps can also provide alerts and reminders when it time to take insulin or check blood sugar levels. Even sharing glucose data with healthcare
professionals is possible with some apps, which can assist professionals in making better treatment choices.
Conclusion
Although managing diabetes can be complicated, technology has developed novel instruments like CGMs and insulin pumps that can ease the burden of managing the disease and enhance glycemic control. Insulin pumps deliver continuous insulin infusions, which
streamline diabetes treatment. In contrast, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) provide real-time glucose monitoring and can assist users in making better-educated decisions regarding insulin administration. Combining CGMs and insulin pumps can offer additional
advantages, such as a lower risk of hypoglycemia and better blood glucose management. Additionally, users may benefit from increased accessibility and convenience thanks to incorporating smartphone apps in diabetes care. Technological advancements have made it
easier to control diabetes, and incorporating these technologies into treatment regimens can significantly enhance the quality of life for those with the disease.
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