Frequently Asked Questions - Introduction to CGMS
- What is continuous glucose monitoring?
Continuous Glucose Monitoring is a relatively new technology which allows a person to measure blood sugar levels in the human body every five minutes, twenty-four hours a day, and wirelessly transmit the data to a handheld device thus creating a maximum of 288 blood sugar checks each day.
Because the blood sugar checks are automated, alarms can also be set based on predefined thresholds for high and low levels which when exceeded alarm the user via an audible warning. Even while asleep, wearers of the CGMS can then be alerted to out of range blood sugar levels and take corrective action.
- What is diabetes?
Diabetes (diabetes mellitus): a condition characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from the body's inability to use blood glucose for energy. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas no longer makes insulin and therefore blood glucose cannot enter the cells to be used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, either the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the body is unable to use insulin correctly.
- What is blood glucose monitoring?
Blood glucose monitoring is a process by which a person periodically checks their blood for its sugar content using a portable diagnostic device. Depending on many factors, this point in time measurement is then used in combination with several choices of actions which can be taken to influence blood sugar levels in the future to be within the person's target range. This series of measurements, assessment and actions together comprise blood glucose monitoring.
- How do I obtain a continuous blood glucose monitoring system (cgms)?
This technology is also becoming available in many countries around the world, each with their own requirements and regulations.
USA