Painless Blood Glucose Monitoring Solutions for Diabetes
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They carefully examine all references and facts to provide up-to-date and reliable information, aiming to break myths and empower you in your health journey.
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Dr. Vineet Nair
Dr. Vineet is the Chief Medical Officer at Fitterfly, a digital therapeutics start-up focused on improving the metabolic health of India. He has over 10 years of experience in patient care, clinical research, management consulting, and digital health.
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For people living with diabetes, regularly checking blood glucose levels is crucial for effective management. Finger prick tests can be done as needed, usually 1 to 3 times a day, depending on the number of readings required.
While this approach is manageable, frequent pricks can still feel uncomfortable and bothersome. Also, if you need to check multiple readings at regular intervals or over continuous days, relying on finger pricks alone can become challenging.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is the answer to address these issues in one solution. It offers a pain-free way to keep track of glucose levels. Unlike finger pricks, CGMs continuously monitor blood glucose throughout the day and night, providing more comprehensive insights and reducing the need for daily pricks.
In this blog, we’ll focus on CGMs as the most accessible solution available today. Let’s begin with what CGM is.
Whatsapp GroupWhat are CGMs?
A Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGM) is a wearable device that tracks your blood glucose levels all day and night without needing regular finger pricks. Although CGM is minimally invasive, it only requires a single insertion of a tiny, thin filament just under the skin, usually around your arm or abdomen.
This filament is so small and gentle that you won’t even feel any pain during insertion. Once in place, it checks the glucose in the fluid around your cells every few minutes. This constant monitoring gives you valuable insights into how your body reacts to food, exercise, and other daily activities.
With a CGM, you can see patterns in your blood glucose and adjust your lifestyle to keep levels steady, making diabetes management easier and more effective.
Here is a video that will give you in-depth knowledge about CGM and how using it helps.
How Can You Truly Leverage Your CGM Readings to Improve Your Health?
Many people struggle not only with interpreting CGM readings but also with understanding what specific actions to take based on those insights. For instance, was it the extra roti at lunch, the fruit you had after, or the upma at breakfast that caused a spike?
Beyond food, even factors like stress, sleep, and physical exercise can affect blood glucose levels, all captured by CGM but often challenging to act on without guidance.
This is where Fitterfly’s Diabetes program steps in. Our Nutrition Coaches analyse your CGM data to pinpoint exactly what might be causing your spikes and offer practical solutions, like modifying a favourite dish to make it more blood-sugar-friendly so you don’t have to sacrifice it entirely.
Our Fitness Coaches also provide helpful insights, such as how a 15-minute walk after lunch can stabilise blood glucose levels. Then, our Mental Wellness Coaches guide you on managing stress and improving sleep quality, ensuring all aspects of your health are addressed.
In short, simply wearing a CGM is just the start; using its data to make targeted diet and lifestyle adjustments is where real improvement begins.
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What are the Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)?
For people with diabetes, monitoring blood glucose levels is essential to staying healthy, not just about reading numbers. Here’s how CGM can help:
1. Less Need for Finger Pricks
CGMs use a small sensor applied to your skin to give you glucose readings all day with minimal discomfort. This means you can avoid the repeated finger pricks while still effectively monitoring your glucose levels.
2. Smarter Food Choices
CGM allows you to see how your blood glucose responds to different meals, helping you identify foods that keep your levels steady. At Fitterfly, our nutrition coaches use this information to personalise your diet, so you can enjoy balanced meals that work for you.
3. Glucose Data Monitoring
CGMs send data directly to your phone so you can track your glucose levels all day* and make quick decisions about your meals or insulin doses. This helps you react to changes as they happen.
*There is a lag of 5-10 minutes between each glucose reading.
4. Stress Management
Stress can cause sudden spikes in blood glucose, and CGM helps you track these changes. Fitterfly’s Success Coaches provide support with simple techniques, like breathing exercises or quick yoga sessions, to help you manage both stress and glucose levels.
5. Safer Exercise
CGM shows how your body responds to physical activity, helping you avoid low blood glucose levels during or after exercise. Fitterfly’s fitness coaches use this data to adjust your exercise routine, so you can work out confidently without worrying about unexpected dips.\
6. Improved Glucose Control
With continuous tracking, CGM helps you identify patterns in your glucose levels, allowing you to catch highs or lows before they become a serious issue. This proactive approach supports more stable blood glucose control.
7. Enhanced Medication Management
CGM data provides valuable insights that help doctors adjust your medication precisely, which is especially beneficial for managing diabetes in children or older adults, whose needs may vary more frequently.
8. Prevention of Long-Term Complications
By spotting patterns in glucose fluctuations, CGM can help prevent long-term health issues, such as heart disease or kidney problems, that are linked to unstable blood glucose levels.
How to Choose a Finger-Prick-Free Glucose Monitor?
In India, the only available Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is the FreeStyle Libre, manufactured by Abbott. This device has become a go-to choice for continuous glucose monitoring, offering a convenient and effective solution for people with diabetes.
FreeStyle Libre has several key features that make it a convenient and practical choice for diabetes management. Some of its standout features include:
1. Intermittent Monitoring
FreeStyle Libre provides glucose data with a slight delay of around 5-10 minutes, as it measures glucose in the interstitial fluid rather than directly in the blood. While it doesn’t offer real-time alerts for high or low glucose levels, it allows you to monitor trends effectively by scanning the sensor with your NFC (Near Field Communication) – enabled smartphone or reader.
2. Accuracy and Reliability
FreeStyle Libre is trusted for its reliable glucose readings, making it a helpful tool for managing diabetes. For personalised guidance, consult your doctor on its suitability for your needs.
3. Ease of Use and Wearability
The sensor is applied to the back of the upper arm and remains in place for up to 14 days, providing a convenient and minimally invasive option for ongoing monitoring.
4. Water Resistance
The FreeStyle Libre sensor is water-resistant*, which allows you to continue activities like showering or light swimming without needing to remove it. However, for extended or vigorous activities in water, such as swimming laps, users may experience some sensor adhesion issues.
*The sensor should not be submerged deeper than 1 metre (3 feet) or for longer than 30 minutes. The adhesive is made to keep it securely in place for up to 14 days.
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What are the Limitations of Continuous Blood glucose Monitors?
Although CGMs offer many advantages, they do have some limitations:
Common Problems
- Availability and Cost: CGMs may not be affordable for everyone, with costs starting at around ₹5,000 for a single sensor (without the reader) and going up to approximately ₹10,000 for a sensor with the reader included.
- Sensor Replacement: Most sensors require replacement every 14 days, which can be inconvenient for users who prefer low-maintenance options.
- Sensor Adhesion Issues: Activities that involve a lot of moisture or movement, such as intense exercise, swimming, or sweating, can sometimes cause the sensor to loosen or detach, which may interrupt monitoring.
- Over-Reliance on Alerts: While alerts can be helpful, some users may become too dependent on them, which might lead to stress over minor fluctuations.
Technical Problem
- Inconsistent Readings During Rapid Changes: CGMs might lag slightly during rapid blood glucose shifts, such as after eating or during intense exercise, leading to minor discrepancies.
- Tech Glitches: Connectivity issues, including syncing problems with devices and delayed data updates, can disrupt real-time monitoring.
- Data Interpretation Needs: The influx of real-time data can be overwhelming, making it challenging for users to interpret trends without professional guidance.
- Sensor Application Skill: Although improved, applying a CGM sensor still requires care; incorrect placement can lead to inaccurate readings.
Check out the video below to learn how to apply the Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Sensor step-by-step for yourself or someone else.
Who Should Use Blood Glucose Monitors Without Finger Pricks?
Anyone with type-1 and type-2 diabetes can benefit from blood glucose monitors without finger pricks, especially those who want to monitor their glucose levels continuously and painlessly. CGMs are particularly useful for individuals needing frequent monitoring, those who fear needles (needle phobia), and older adults and children who may not be very compliant with finger pricking.
These devices provide real-time insights, making them ideal for managing frequent blood glucose fluctuations. Additionally, CGMs can be valuable for people with prediabetes, helping them track glucose trends effectively.
Tips to Make Glucose Monitoring Easier
1. Switch to a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)
With a CGM, you don’t need to worry about constant finger pricks. It keeps an eye on your blood glucose all day and night, giving you real-time updates and even alerting you if something’s off—so you can relax knowing it’s got your back.
2. Build It Into Your Daily Routine
Even though your CGM is doing the hard work for you, it helps to check your glucose trends during key moments, like before meals or workouts, to stay in tune with your levels.
3. Stay Organised with Your Supplies
Keep your CGM sensors, reader, and chargers* in one place so you’re prepared when it’s time to change the sensor or update your device.
*For non-NFC-enabled smartphones, users can check glucose readings using the reader provided with the sensor kit. The reader needs to be charged periodically. A battery icon on the reader shows battery life, and with regular use, it lasts about 7 days before needing a recharge. When the battery is low, a “Low Battery” warning appears, allowing roughly one day of use remaining. Users can still scan their sensor while the reader is charging.
4. Use the App to Spot Patterns
Most CGMs come with apps that show you exactly how your blood glucose behaves over time. Make checking your app a habit, it’s an easy way to understand what’s working (or not) in your routine.
5. Stay Positive and Focus on Progress
Monitoring with a CGM makes life easier, so celebrate the small wins, like when your levels stay in range. It’s all about feeling more in control and less stressed about managing your diabetes.
How We at Fitterfly Can Help You?
At Fitterfly, we understand how important it is to manage your diabetes painlessly. With our Diabetes Prime program, you will receive a free CGM sensor and all the required blood tests needed to monitor your diabetes and overall health.
Our Nutrition, Fitness, and Success coaches work together to help you use these technologies effectively, providing tailored advice to keep your blood glucose in check. With real-time data from your CGM, our experts guide you in making lifestyle changes that improve your health.
To learn more about Fitterfly Diabetes Prime Program, just give us a missed call at 08069450746, and one of our experts will get back to you.
This blog provides general information for educational and informational purposes only and shouldn't be seen as professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a glucose meter that doesn’t require blood?
Yes, bloodless sugar testing devices like Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are available. These devices use sensors to track blood glucose without drawing blood.
Are non-invasive glucose metres effective?
Yes, CGMs are highly effective for monitoring glucose trends in real-time, though they may have minor inaccuracies during rapid blood glucose changes.
Can you test sugar levels without blood?
Yes, glucose monitors without pricking like CGMs, allow you to test your glucose levels without needing blood samples.
Are bloodless glucose monitors accurate?
While CGMs are generally reliable, minor variations can occur, especially when blood glucose levels change rapidly.
Is a CGM painful?
No, CGMs are designed to be worn on the skin and offer needle-free sugar testing, making them a painless alternative to traditional methods.
How can you check sugar levels at home without a machine?
Although devices like CGMs provide the most accurate results, a balanced diet and awareness of symptoms can help you manage your blood glucose. However, using a device is still the best approach.
How to check blood glucose painlessly?
You can check your sugar levels painlessly by using non-invasive glucose monitors like CGMs, which do not require finger pricks.
Is there a device to check blood glucose without pricking your finger?
CGMs are designed to avoid finger pricks while offering continuous glucose monitoring.
