Essential Blood Glucose Checks for Diabetes Care

 

Blood Glucose Monitoring: Essential for Diabetes Management

Blood glucose monitoring is crucial for both professional diagnosis and daily management of diabetes. Recently, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems have become popular among diabetics. These systems use a sensor to measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid under the skin, providing real-time blood glucose data.

The Rise of Continuous Glucose Monitoring

With the advancement of dynamic blood glucose monitoring technology, the compliance rate of diabetics has significantly improved. Unlike traditional finger-pricking methods, CGM technology offers a range of evaluation indicators and customizable high and low glucose alarms, making it highly favored among diabetics.

Benefits and Challenges of Dynamic Monitoring

Dynamic monitoring is becoming essential for type 1 diabetics and is also gaining acceptance among type 2 diabetics and those with prediabetes. Alongside tools like the Humalog KwikPen, it facilitates blood glucose control, but it also introduces new challenges.

Frequent Checking Can Increase Anxiety

Many diabetics find themselves checking their CGM devices too often, leading to anxiety. This is especially true for type 1 diabetics with large glucose fluctuations and for parents of young diabetics. The real-time data can prompt frequent adjustments, causing significant blood sugar swings.

Some long-term diabetics, despite their experience, may also become overly reliant on frequent adjustments to keep their blood sugar levels stable, which can lead to similar issues.

Parents and caregivers often feel more anxious when they monitor the data remotely. The excessive psychological dependence on these devices can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction with blood sugar control results.

Case Study: Xiao Liu's "Blood Sugar Electrocardiogram"

Xiao Liu, a type 1 diabetic, has been using an insulin pump for six years. Previously, he managed his blood sugar based on how he felt, leading to inconsistent results. Since switching to a CGM sensor, he checks his glucose levels frequently and takes immediate actions based on the data, leading to significant fluctuations. Xiao Liu describes his experience as wearing a "blood sugar electrocardiogram."

This situation is common among diabetics. Frequent adjustments can waste energy and complicate blood sugar control.

The Illusion of a Perfect Blood Sugar Graph

Experienced diabetics often share their CGM graphs online, showcasing straight lines that look ideal. These graphs don't always reflect a healthy lifestyle. For example, blood sugar may appear stable when sitting or working, but it can change drastically with movement or meals. Some diabetics avoid eating or injecting insulin to maintain a perfect graph, which is not a healthy approach.

The Balance of Dynamic Monitoring

Clinical studies support the benefits of CGM, especially the high and low glucose alarms for safe blood sugar control in type 1 diabetics. However, the perfect blood sugar graph does not necessarily indicate an improved quality of life.

Diabetic patients need to understand the proper use of new medical devices. The "Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines" emphasize the importance of maintaining blood sugar levels within the target range of 3.9-10.0 mmol/L. This range, while different from that of non-diabetics, is a clinically accepted target.

Three Stages of Blood Sugar Control

Diabetics and their families should follow a three-stage approach to manage blood sugar effectively:

1. Starting Point: Learn the basics of diabetes prevention and control.
2. Advanced: Use diabetes knowledge and new medical devices like the Humalog KwikPen to standardize blood sugar management.
3. Synchronous: Share experiences and support fellow diabetics to progress together.

By understanding and utilizing new technologies and equipment, type 1 diabetics can achieve better blood sugar control and enjoy more freedom and happiness.