CGM vs Traditional Monitoring: A glucose monitoring comparison Methods

For a diabetic person, keeping track of blood sugar is key to managing their health. The usual way, using blood glucose meters (BGMs), has been around for a while. The old traditional glucose testing  uses a small device with test strips for measuring blood sugar levels through a finger-pricked blood sample. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is becoming more popular because it offers many advantages. In Malaysia, about 18% of the population deals with diabetes. Managing this often requires using insulin to keep blood sugar levels in check.

BGMs give results from blood drops and need the person to test their blood several times daily. It involves a small prick on the finger. This can be uncomfortable and bothersome. Users typically test their blood before eating, before activities, at night, and sometimes after meals or in the middle of the night.

On the other hand, CGM systems track blood sugar consistently by checking levels in the interstitial fluid every five minutes. Users wear a sensor all the time, changing it every 10 to 14 days. As opposed to BGMs, CGM gives continuous readings, freeing people from lots of finger pricks. This makes managing diabetes easier and more efficient.

When you see CGM and traditional glucose monitoring, you can see a few differences. CGMs and BGMs both aim to give accurate blood sugar readings. But CGMs check skin fluid, not blood directly. Because of this, their reading might not catch sudden changes as quickly.

CGMs come with a glucose sensor, a radio transmitter, and a reader. The sensor usually lasts up to a week. These devices can be linked to phones, PCs, or other gadgets. This sharing of data aids both patients and doctors in making better choices and managing diabetes.

At first, CGMs can be more expensive than traditional methods because users need to buy a new sensor every week. Traditional BGMs are cheaper to start with and maintain because the strips are less costly. Plus, many insurance plans cover the older, traditional devices, making them more accessible. CGM devices might be harder to get through insurance. Still, the CGM benefits, like ease of use and continuous monitoring, outweigh the cost.

Key Takeaways

• Those with diabetes need to keep an eye on their blood sugar regularly.

• Using BGMs for testing means sticking your finger often, which is not fun.

• CGM systems avoid the need for frequent finger pricks, offering readings all the time.

• These CGMs provide strong, reliable results and spot trends in blood sugar levels.

• Despite being more expensive, the advantages of using CGMs are clear for managing diabetes.

Importance of Blood Glucose Monitoring for Diabetes Management

For managing diabetes well Blood glucose monitoring is the key. It allows people to check their blood glucose levels. They can then make smart choices about their health. In the United States, about 34 million have diabetes. Most have type 2 diabetes. Those with diabetes need to check their blood sugar often. This helps to keep them healthy and avoid bad health problems.

Risks of High Blood Sugar

Having high blood sugar for a long time can harm your blood glucose levels and the body. Which can hurt the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels. High sugar levels, also known as hyperglycemia, can cause serious problems like losing vision, kidney damage, and nerve issues. In bad cases, very high sugar can be life-threatening.

Risks of Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar is also dangerous. It can make someone feel confused, dizzy, have seizures, or an irregular heartbeat. Before CGM devices, mild low blood sugar happened 4.75% of the time. With CGM devices, this went down to 0.78%. Similarly, severe low blood sugar went from 3.01% to 0.2%.

Maintaining Blood Sugar in the Normal Range

Keeping blood sugar normal avoids diabetes problems and keeps healthy. When people started using CGM devices, their average blood sugar dropped from 286 mg/dl to 158 mg/dl. The time spent with good blood sugar went up from 18% to 74%. CGM devices check blood sugar from up to eight hours before. They also show if blood sugar will get low 20-30 minutes before it does.

Parameter

Before CGM

After CGM

Mean HbA1c

11.21%

7.04%

Average Blood Glucose

286 mg/dl

158 mg/dl

Mild Hypoglycemia Events

4.75%

0.78%

Severe Hypoglycemia Events

3.01%

0.2%

Time in Target Range

18% (SMBG)

74% (CGM)

Folks started checking their own blood sugar at home about 40 years ago. This was a big change for looking after diabetes. Since then, many have gotten better at managing their blood sugar thanks to home checks. Although CGM is great, many with type 2 diabetes find home checks better and cheaper. But, even if they use CGM, they still need to check their blood sugar now and then.

Traditional Blood Glucose Monitoring with Glucometers

Blood glucose meters are the go-to for checking blood sugar. They give a quick look at glucose levels, aiding diabetes care. We’ll dive into how these tools work, how often to test, and their downsides.

How Glucometers Work

Here’s how a glucometer gets your blood sugar reading. You'll prick your finger, putting blood on a test strip. The strip is then read by the meter in a few seconds, showing your glucose level.

Frequency of Testing with Glucometers

How much you test depends on your diabetes type and treatment. Type 1 diabetics might need to test 4 times each day using test strips. If they use a pump or injections, it might be up to 10 tests. For type 2, it’s usually less often, as their doctor suggests. They check before meals, before and after exercise, and at other key times.

Drawbacks of Glucometers

While glucometers are accurate, they have challenges. Testing can hurt and be a hassle, so some avoid it. Also, you must keep your equipment clean and your strips stored right to ensure correct readings. Keep in mind that a test only shows your level at that moment, not how it changes all day.

Advantages of Glucometers

Disadvantages of Glucometers

Accurate results

Frequent finger pricks can be painful

Quick and easy to use

Inconvenient, leading to reduced testing

Relatively affordable

Requires proper maintenance and storage

Widely available

Only provides a snapshot of glucose levels

Even with downsides, fingerstick tests are the gold standard for accuracy. Yet, continuous glucose monitors offer a way around these issues. Let's see how, next.

Introduction to Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is changing how people with diabetes check their blood glucose. Instead of needing to prick their fingers, CGM uses tiny wearable sensors. These sensors check sugar levels all the time in the skin’s fluid layer. This gives users glucose readings right away, allowing them to manage their diabetes better.

How CGMs Work

CGM systems include a small sensor put under the skin, usually on the belly or arm. This sensor checks sugar levels in the fluid under the skin every few minutes, giving lots of readings each day.

Then, it sends this information to a device or app. This device shows the current sugar level, trends, and warns about low or high sugar levels.

Sometimes, CGMs need to be checked against traditional fingersticks to make sure they are accurate. But, some newer models, like the Dexcom G5, can work alone without this calibration.

Benefits of Continuous Monitoring

The biggest plus of CGM is getting current sugar data all day and night. This helps users see their sugar level patterns. It also helps them make smart choices for managing their diabetes. CGMs warn about sugar level changes before they happen so users can act fast.

Many studies show that using CGM can really improve diabetes care. One review of 22 articles found that using CGM helped lessen A1c levels more than usual care. CGM also helps people spend more time with healthy sugar levels, which is great for their health.

For some groups, CGM is especially helpful. This includes people who don't feel symptoms of low sugar levels and those with type 2 diabetes. It's also a useful teaching tool for doctors, making it a versatile part of diabetes care.

To sum up, CGM is a big step forward in diabetes care. By showing current sugar levels and helping users understand their patterns, CGM allows for more proactive diabetes care. This leads to better health results.

CGM vs. Traditional Monitoring: Key Differences

There are key differences between CGM and BGM when it comes to glucose monitoring. BGMs check your blood sugar right away. CGMs, on the other hand, check your glucose every few minutes. But, CGM readings can be a bit behind, about 5 to 15 minutes, because they measure fluid near your cells. BGMs need a small blood sample from a finger prick. CGMs check glucose levels in fluid around the cells without any finger pricking.

CGMs need their sensors changed every 7 to 14 days. This is different from BGMs, which can be used anytime based on your diabetes care plan. With CGM, you see your glucose levels live and get clues about where they’re heading. This gives ongoing details about your glucose. But BGM only tells you your sugar levels at that moment. You need to keep pricking your finger during the day for more readings.

Both BGMs and CGMs have to be accurate, as set by the FDA. But, CGMs might take up to two hours to start, using BGM’s readings to get there. CGMs are great for the elderly, who might forget to check their glucose often. They offer a way to monitor all the time without hurtful finger pricks.

Now, let’s talk about costs. Generally, CGMs are pricier than BGMs. But for many, the amount of information and ease they bring is well worth the extra money. For example, devices such as Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre can show glucose readings from the last eight hours. They can also keep up to 90 days of your data, making them very appealing. CGM devices might be harder to get through insurance coverage.

Feature

CGM

BGM

Measurement Method

Interstitial Fluid

Blood

Frequency of Testing

Continuous, every few minutes

As needed, multiple times per day

Finger Pricks

Fewer, sensor replaced every 7-14 days

Multiple daily finger pricks

Data Provided

Real-time glucose levels and trends

Snapshot of glucose levels at specific times

Cost

Higher upfront cost but more data

Lower cost but limited data

Looking after your own blood glucose can help lower A1C levels. It’s true for both insulin users and some with type 2 diabetes who don’t use insulin. Doctors have tested the FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom G4 Platinum. They looked at home use and situations where they raised glucose levels on purpose. This gives us an idea of how well they work in real life.

The choice between CGM and BGM depends on what you need, like, and can spend.

People who often have high or low sugar or who might not notice when their sugar is low might find CGMs more helpful. It’s always smart to talk with a healthcare pro. They can help you figure out the best way to watch your glucose, especially if your needs are different.

Advantages of CGM over Traditional Glucometers

CGM systems have changed diabetes care by making it better to check blood sugar. They are better than regular glucometers because they can help improve how well you control your blood sugar. This, in turn, reduces the risks of heart and blood vessel problems. The FDA in the U.S. has okayed the use of five CGM devices. Currently, four of them are available for use.

Convenience and Ease of Use

CGMs are very convenient to use. They work all day and night, checking your blood sugar without the need to poke your finger. This makes checking your blood sugar a much more comfortable and easy task.

Fewer Finger Pricks

CGMs use a different method to check your blood sugar without needing blood. Because of this, you won't have to poke your finger as often, which is great news for those who don't like it or find it painful. Plus, because a CGM is always checking, it can warn you if your blood sugar is getting too low or too high.

Identifying Patterns and Trends in Blood Sugar

With a CGM, you get a ton of information about your blood sugar levels. This info helps you see trends and patterns, making it easier to manage your diabetes. It's also useful for your healthcare team to adjust your treatment as needed. A study from 2011 said CGM can make blood sugar control better and reduce low blood sugar episodes.

Alert Functionalities for High and Low Blood Sugar

Many CGM systems have alerts for high and low blood sugar. These alerts can be lifesaving if you have a risk of low blood sugar and are not aware. The DexCom SEVEN® PLUS CGM and the Medtronic MiniMed CGMS are two examples. They show your blood sugar levels every 5 minutes, plus alerts for dangerous sugar levels and show whether your sugar is going up or down. With a CGM, you and your doctor can change your treatment between visits. This may help lessen the chances of diabetes causing problems in the long run.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between CGM and Glucometers

Choosing between a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and a glucometer is a big decision. It's crucial to think about glucose monitoring costs. The prices of glucose meters and test strips can vary, as can insurance coverage. Some insurances only cover certain models or restrict the number of test strips you can get. The cost of test strips is the main expense in the long term for glucose meters. CGMs are pricier and need the sensor to be changed every 7 to 14 days, depending on the type. If you're thinking about a CGM, talk to your doctor. Also, check if your insurance will cover the costs and which brands they prefer.

It's also important to note the slight delay in glucose readings from interstitial fluid with CGMs. CGMs measure glucose in the fluid between your cells. Studies show there’s a slight lag when glucose levels change quickly. So, during fast changes in blood sugar, a glucometer might show the change before a CGM. If you think your blood sugar is low, it's smart to double-check with a glucometer.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

The glucose monitoring cost is a big deal for many people with diabetes. Normally, glucometers are cheaper than CGMs. The main cost over time is the test strips. But, as we said, some insurances might only cover specific ones or limit how many you can get. On the other hand, CGMs cost more upfront, and you have to change the sensors regularly, which adds up. It's important to talk with your insurance to know what they'll pay for and if you need to pay anything yourself.

Slight Delay in Interstitial Fluid Readings vs. Blood Readings

Understanding the delay in CGM readings is key. CGMs measure glucose in the fluid between your cells, while glucometers check blood directly. This can cause a delay in CGM readings, especially when your blood sugar changes fast. If low blood sugar is a concern, it’s wise to confirm the reading with a glucometer. This ensures you get the right treatment quickly if needed.

Continuous evaluation of the performance of CGM systems is crucial for accuracy and reliability, as seen in J Diabetes Sci Technol (2015-2017).

Finally, choosing between a CGM and a glucometer comes down to what you need and can afford. Think about the cost of monitoring, what your insurance will cover, and how the delay in CGM readings might affect you. With these in mind, people with diabetes can wisely choose. This choice helps to manage their condition well and keep their blood sugar in check.

Who Should Use a CGM?

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems work wonders for those with diabetes. They are especially helpful for people who find it tough to keep their blood sugar levels stable. CGM tools can be a real game-changer for many with diabetes, making it easier to manage glucose and avoid health issues.

People with Hypoglycemia Unawareness

CGMs are crucial for those with hypoglycemia unawareness. These individuals do not feel low blood sugar symptoms. The devices send alerts for low glucose levels. This early warning helps avoid serious hypoglycemia. Over time, CGMs help reduce low blood sugar experiences and improve overall blood sugar levels in all age groups.

Those Prone to Frequent High or Low Blood Sugar Events

Individuals facing frequent fluctuations in their blood sugar can benefit a lot from CGMs. These tools notice and warn about high or low glucose levels. By highlighting daily and nightly glucose patterns, CGMs support smarter diabetes management. This, in turn, leads to less episodes of high blood sugar.

Type 1 Diabetes and Insulin-Dependent Type 2 Diabetes

People with type 1 diabetes or who rely on insulin for type 2 diabetes really need CGMs. These individuals must closely watch their glucose levels. CGMs, especially real-time ones, help a lot. They are great for spotting dangerous blood sugar drops and targeting hyperglycemia. Plus, they are recommended for type 1 diabetes patients facing severe hypoglycemia despite their best insulin efforts.

Patient Group

Benefits of CGM

Hypoglycemia Unawareness

Alerts for dangerously low glucose levels, preventing severe hypoglycemia

Frequent High or Low Blood Sugar Events

Detects high and low sugar levels, identifies patterns and trends

Type 1 Diabetes and Insulin-Dependent Type 2 Diabetes

Intensive glucose monitoring helps achieve blood sugar targets reduces hypoglycemia

For those at high diabetes risk, CGM tools offer a major health boost. They are key in better managing the condition and improving lifestyle. Diabetes Canada even suggests public funding for CGM use, to enhance the health of diabetes patients. By lowering HbA1C levels and offering quick glucose insights via apps, CGMs are changing diabetes care for the better.

AiDEX CGM: Leading Choice for the Malaysian Healthcare Market

In Malaysia's healthcare scene, AiDEX CGM shines as a favorite for keeping track of glucose constantly. It stands out due to its special features, making it a great choice for those who need to watch their glucose levels in real-time.

AiDEX CGM comes with sensors that you don't need to calibrate, and they work well for 14 days. This is a big plus, unlike systems like Medtronic's that need daily calibrations to work. Not needing to calibrate all the time reduces the stress of managing diabetes for the users.

Real-Time Glucose Monitoring

AiDEX CGM excites users by giving them real-time glucose readings. Being able to see current glucose levels helps people with diabetes to make smart choices. This data makes it easier to keep blood sugar levels in check.

No Calibration Needed

Even though Eversense offers long-lasting implants, they still need calibrations. AiDEX CGM, on the other hand, doesn't need any calibration at all. This means users don't have to manually adjust anything, saving them time and making sure the readings are right.

Water Resistance

With its waterproof design, AiDEX CGM can be worn while you swim, work out, or even shower. This freedom is unlike Nemaura's Sugarbeet, which can't stay on for more than a day. Users can carry on with their daily activities without stressing about the sensor.

Benefits for Pre-Diabetes, Uncontrolled HbA1c, Pre-Operation, and Diet Control

AiDEX CGM is a game-changer for people dealing with pre-diabetes, uncontrolled HbA1c, diet planning, or getting ready for an operation. It gives them constant glucose data to improve how they manage diabetes. This real-time feedback can guide lifestyle changes and refine treatment plans, making diabetes control easier.

To sum up, AiDEX CGM is topping the charts in Malaysia for continuous glucose monitoring. Its features like real-time monitoring, no calibration, and being water-resistant, along with its wide benefits, make it a top pick for effective diabetes care.

Current CGM Options in Malaysia

In Malaysia, diabetes is a big issue. About 17.5% of adults over 18 and 22.5% over 30 have it. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices are changing how we deal with diabetes. They give real-time glucose levels and warn about high or low blood sugar. In Malaysia, people love CGM devices like the FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom G6 for making glucose monitoring easier and more effective.

The FreeStyle Libre is popular here. It lets users know their glucose levels without pricking their fingers. All you do is scan the device with a reader every 14 days. You can get up to 1,440 readings daily. This detailed info helps users see how food and activities affect their glucose. It’s all about better management and reducing diabetes-related risks.

The Dexcom G6 needs a new sensor every 10 days. Both devices connect with smartphones. This means users can check their glucose anytime, anywhere. Their tech-friendly and easy-to-use designs have won over many in Malaysia. They allow better diabetes control and a higher quality of life.

CGM systems offer continuous monitoring, improved data accuracy, better quality of life, and reduced risk of hypoglycemia.

When choosing between the FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom G6 in Malaysia, think about cost, insurance, and what you like. The FreeStyle Libre is known for its lower price and longer sensor life. But, the Dexcom G6 stands out for those who need more frequent sensor changes or have special insurance. It really depends on what you need as a person with diabetes.

CGM Device

Sensor Duration

Readings per Day

Smartphone Compatible

FreeStyle Libre

14 days

1,440

Yes

Dexcom G6

10 days

288

Yes

The future of diabetes management is bright with CGM devices in Malaysia. As diabetes spreads, reaching 1 in 10 adults globally by 2045, these advanced technologies will be key. The FreeStyle Libre and Dexcom G6 will help people manage their health better. This will lessen the load on healthcare and improve the lives of those with diabetes in Malaysia.