CGM

Here is an introduction to CGM from our good friends at Input - please take some time to have a look at the Input web site which is a font of knowledge. 

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) gives information about your glucose levels every few minutes. You can easily track whether your glucose is high or low. You can also see how your glucose levels vary. For example you can track what happens while you are sleeping, after you eat, when you exercise, or when you are feeling unwell. The information is particularly helpful if you take insulin as you can match your insulin more easily to your needs.

There is a growing body of research that suggests CGM can help reduce A1C without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. (See our research section for more information). In October 2011 the Endocrine Society issued a new clinical guideline. They concluded that there is high quality evidence that CGM can be a beneficial tool to help maintain target blood glucose levels, and limit the risk of hypoglycaemia in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes who are at least eight years old, and in adults with type 1 diabetes as well if used on a daily basis.

CGM is a relatively new technology. Results are not 100% accurate, and consequently it is important to also use blood stick testing. CGM is more expensive than existing systems which monitor blood glucose, and is not generally available on the NHS.