What is CGM? (Continuous Glucose Monitoring)

Diabetes

Globally, patients diagnosed with diabetes increase each year. According to the WHO, more than 422 million people have diabetes. In Bulgaria, an EU member state, more than 500,000 people are diagnosed with diabetes. Over time, diabetes can be dangerous to your health. If not managed carefully, diabetes can cause damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves. Insulin and other supplies are critical for people living with diabetes. To understand diabetes better, learn about the different types of diabetes below.

4 Types of Diabetes

• Type 1 diabetes: An autoimmune disease, which results in little or no insulin produced by the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells. The immune system attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas. 1 in 10 diabetes patients have Type 1 diabetes.
  
• Type 2 diabetes: Occurs when the organism becomes resistant to insulin, and sugar builds up in the blood. The pancreas does not produce enough insulin and/or cells respond poorly to insulin and take in less sugar.
  
• Prediabetes: Occurs when blood sugar is higher than it should be, but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
  
• Gestational diabetes: High blood sugar during pregnancy. Insulin-blocking hormones produced by the placenta cause this type of diabetes.

Every patient with diabetes should have a BGM (Blood Glucose Monitor) to control blood sugar levels. Patients with diabetes need to check glucose levels regularly with their BGM. Finger pricking may be painful and may expose some patients to the risk of infection from diseases such as hepatitis B. To avoid finger pricking and improve their glycemic control, diabetics may benefit from CGM use.

Continuous Glucose Monitor

CGM can be a very helpful aid for diabetic patients. A Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system includes a minimally-invasive glucose sensor, a transmitter and a receiver. A CGM sensor is inserted in the skin and monitors glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. CGM systems usually last for up to 14 days. The CGM sensor should be changed after each session. CGM systems measure glucose levels continuously and in real time. CGM sensors eliminate to a great extent painful finger pricking. CGMs connect to a smartphone application or a PDM, where you can monitor glucose levels.

Continuous glucose monitoring system emerged in 1999. The first long-term blood glucose measurement system was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Over the years, the companies Dexcom, Medtronic, Abbott and Eversense have developed the technology and with subsequent developments achieved greater accuracy and sensor life. CGM sensors now last up to 14 days and measure blood sugar every 2 minutes. 

CGM System

A CGM system for continuous glucose monitoring is compact, waterproof, and barely noticeable through clothing. A CGM system consists of:

• a sensor which is inserted in the body, measures glucose levels and used up to 14 days.
• a transmitter, which is either integrated into the sensor or is available separately for long-term use. The transmitter sends data from the sensor to a smartphone device.
• a smartphone where an application is required to connect with a CGM sensor. The application monitors and stores glucose data. Applications come with Glucose Alerts for High/Low readings and Rapid Rise/Fall of glucose levels. Some models support separate PDMs (Personal Diabetes Managing device).

Pros

• Up to 14 days
• Real time glucose monitoring
• Glucose Alerts for low/high glucose levels.
• Better glycemic control when used regularly
• Glucose data is stored for a long period of time.
• Easy to use mobile applications for 24/7 monitoring and alerts.
• Reimbursed by National or Private Health Funds in some countries.
• Remote view application (Medtrum TouchCare)

Cons

• Expensive if not reimbursed.
• Inaccurate if inserted or calibrated inappropriately
• Must be used carefully to meet the life-expectancy.
• Does not entirely replace blood glucose meter (BGM)
• Additional adhesives or an armband needed to protect from falling off.
• Additional attention and care is required for the sensor, e.g. being careful how you sleep, exercise, avoiding contact sports, etc.

We are looking forward to even more advanced and durable glucose monitoring solutions in the future. At this point, CGMs can make a diabetic's life easier. Almost any patient with diabetes can use CGM sensors to measure glucose levels in real time. 

Medtrum TouchCare A7+

Medtrum TouchCare A7+ is a CGM system for up to 14 days use. It measures your glucose levels every 2 minutes. This CGM system comes with handy applications, including a remote view application. The TouchCare CGM requires calibration every 24 hours and is reimbursed in several EU countries.

In September 2021, the NHIF in Bulgaria approved the Medtrum TouchCare A7+ system for reimbursement and it is now free for patients meeting certain criteria. Helmed Bulgaria is the official representative of Medtrum Technologies Inc. in Bulgaria.