Question

You have been asked to implement a new blood glucose monitoring software application. Provide a communication plan that includes who, what, when, and how.

Answer 1

Ans) Continuous glucose monitoring automatically tracks blood glucose levels, also called blood sugar, throughout the day and night. You can also review how your glucose changes over a few hours or days to see trends.

How:
- A CGM works through a tiny sensor inserted under your skin, usually on your belly or arm. The sensor measures your interstitial glucose level, which is the glucose found in the fluid between the cells.

- The sensor tests glucose every few minutes. A transmitter wirelessly sends the information to a monitor.

The monitor may be part of an insulin pump or a separate device, which you might carry in a pocket or purse. Some CGMs send information directly to a smartphone or tablet.

Drawing of a continuous glucose monitor. A transmitter patch on the belly covers a tiny glucose sensor under the skin. The transmitter sends data to a small receiver with a viewing screen, which is clipped to a belt. The CGM receiver shown here is part of an insulin pump.
A tiny CGM sensor under the skin checks glucose. A transmitter sends data to a receiver. The CGM receiver may be part of an insulin pump, as shown here, or a separate device.
CGMs are always on and recording glucose levels—whether you’re showering, working, exercising, or sleeping. Many CGMs have special features that work with information from your glucose readings:

An alarm can sound when your glucose level goes too low or too high.
You can note your meals, physical activity, and medicines in a CGM device, too, alongside your glucose levels.
You can download data to a computer or smart device to more easily see your glucose trends.
Some models can send information right away to a second person’s smartphone—perhaps a parent, partner, or caregiver. For example, if a child’s glucose drops dangerously low overnight, the CGM could be set to wake a parent in the next room.

Currently, one CGM model is approved for treatment decisions, the Dexcom G5 Mobile. That means you can make changes to your diabetes care plan based on CGM results alone. With other models, you must first confirm a CGM reading with a finger-stick blood glucose test before you take insulin or treat hypoglycemia.

Special Requirements Needed to Use a CGM
Twice a day, you may need to check the CGM itself. You’ll test a drop of blood on a standard glucose meter. The glucose reading should be similar on both devices.

You’ll also need to replace the CGM sensor every 3 to 7 days, depending on the model.

For safety it’s important to take action when a CGM alarm sounds about high or low blood glucose. You should follow your treatment plan to bring your glucose into the target range, or get help.

A woman holding a blood glucose test meter and a smartphone used to log results. On the table is a finger-prick tool, called a lancet, which is used to draw a drop of blood.
CGM glucose readings need to be checked against a standard glucose meter twice a day.

Who can use a CGM?
Most people who use CGMs have type 1 diabetes. Research is underway to learn how CGMs might help people with type 2 diabetes.

CGMs are approved for use by adults and children with a doctor’s prescription. Some models may be used for children as young as age 2. Your doctor may recommend a CGM if you or your child:

are on intensive insulin therapy, also called tight blood sugar control
have hypoglycemia unawareness
often have high or low blood glucose
Your doctor may suggest using a CGM system all the time or only for a few days to help adjust your diabetes care plan.

What are the benefits of a CGM?
Compared with a standard blood glucose meter, using a CGM system can help you

better manage your glucose levels every day
have fewer low blood glucose emergencies
need fewer finger sticks
A graphic on the CGM screen shows whether your glucose is rising or dropping—and how quickly—so you can choose the best way to reach your target glucose level.

Over time, good management of glucose greatly helps people with diabetes stay healthy and prevent complications of the disease. People who gain the largest benefit from a CGM are those who use it every day or nearly every day.