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The iPro 2 continuous glucose monitor is coming to The Bahamas. Contact Family Medicine Center

A continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) is an FDA-approved device that records blood sugar levels throughout the day and night. There are several approved devices — Medtronic’s MiniMed device, DexCom, and the Navigator, for example — that can provide up to 288 blood sugar measurements every 24 hours. The system is used to measure an average blood sugar for up to three days, while the person with diabetes continues daily activities at home.

How Continuous Glucose Monitoring Works in Diabetes

First, a tiny glucose-sensing device called a “sensor” is inserted just under the skin of your abdomen. The insertion is quick, and is usually not painful. It’s very similar to insertion of an insulin pump catheter. Tape is used to hold it in place.

Results of at least four finger stick blood sugar readings taken with a standard glucose meter and taken at different times each day are entered into the monitor for calibration. Any insulin taken, exercise engaged in, and meals or snacks consumed are both entered into a paper-based “diary” and then recorded into the monitor. They are recorded by pushing a button to mark the time of the meals, medication, exercise, and other special event you wish to record.

After three days, the sensor is removed at the doctor’s office and the information stored in the CGMS is downloaded into a computer. You and your doctor or diabetes health care team can then review your blood sugar levels in relation to the other data collected and make any necessary adjustments in your diabetes management plan. The information will be presented as graphs or charts that can help reveal patterns of glucose fluctuations. More information from WebMD