From One-Time Readings to Real-Time Trends: How the SIBIONICS GS1 is Transforming Glucose Management
Checking your glucose is key to managing diabetes. If you know your glucose levels, you can catch highs and lows before they create more complex issues. That directs you to decide when to alter your food, exercise, or medication, so you stay in a healthy zone.
What Is Glucose Monitoring
Glucose testing is the most common way of testing your glucose. You have a small meter and a lancet device. You insert a test strip into the meter first. You then prick your fingertip with the lancet to get a drop of blood. You place the drop on the strip and wait a few seconds until a number appears.
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Benefits of GM：
- It is easy to learn and use.
- Meters are small and portable.
- Test strips are generally less expensive than the other options.
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Disadvantages of GM：
- You prick your finger every time you test.
-Every reading shows just one point in time.
- You do not get to observe how your glucose varies between tests.
What Is Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)?
Continuous glucose monitoring, or CGM, consists of a small sensor implanted just under your skin. This sensor detects glucose in the fluid between your cells. You then scan the sensor with a reader or a smartphone app. This tells you your immediate glucose level and the direction of your trend .
The SIBIONICS GS1 System
SIBIONICS's GS1 is an example of this type of CGM. With GS1, you put a round sensor patch on the top of your back arm. The sensor stays on when showering or exercising. Then you use it with a tiny reader or with an app on your phone. If you require reading, you hold your reader or phone against the sensor. In one second, you see your glucose, a trendy arrow, and up to eight hours of past readings. The reader or app stores around three months of data, so you can look back at patterns.
How GM and CGM Differ：
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Pain and Testing Frequency
With GM, you need to prick your finger every time. People test four to six times a day. That stings and can make your fingers sore after some time. With CGM, you replace the sensor once a week to every ten days. You still need to get a finger prick now and then to check accuracy, but less often.
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Data and Trends
A GM meter gives you one number at a time. It does not tell you if your glucose is going up or coming down. A CGM like GS1 gives you a number and an arrow showing direction. It also keeps a record of your glucose minute by minute. You can see trends for hours or days.
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Alerts and Safety
GM meters don't warn you before your glucose is too low or too high. You'll need to remind yourself to check. CGM systems can be set to alert you when your glucose goes beyond your target range. You might get a warning 20 to 30 minutes before a low or a high, giving you a chance to react.
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Convenience and Cost
GM meters and strips are usually less expensive initially. You buy strips, though, every month. CGM systems cost more initially in reader and sensor costs. CGM is usually reimbursed by most insurance companies. CGM may end up being cheaper in the long run if it decreases emergencies and hospital stays.
Why Trends and Time in Range Matter
It's helpful to know your average glucose, but better still is to observe how your levels are changing over time. Trends show you which foods, activities, or times of day affect your glucose. You might find that your glucose goes up after certain meals or drops during exercise, for example.
Time in range (TIR) is the percentage of time your glucose is within your target range, e.g., 70 to 180 mg/dL. If your glucose remains within that range 70 percent of the time, your TIR is 70 percent. A higher TIR means fewer highs and lows, which reduces your risk of complications over time.
Who Can Benefit from CGM?
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Busy People
If you're taking meetings, classes, or running errands, you can read a sensor without having to stop what you're doing. No pulling out your meter and test strip each time.
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Kids and Teens
Teenagers and children might become nervous about finger pricks. CGM sensors stay in during play, playing sports, or swimming. Parents and caregivers can view levels remotely in the event the system syncs with a phone app.
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People Who Fear Needles
If the thought of finger sticks gives you the jitters, CGM limits the number. You can still perform a test check or two daily but considerably fewer than with GM.
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Shift Workers and Travelers
Alteration in work schedules and travel through time zones can disrupt sleep and glucose management. With trend information and alarm limits, you can detect problems resulting from sleep habits or meal timing.
Tips on Choosing a System
• Examine Your Budget
- Compare the cost of meters and strips to that of CGM sensors and readers.
- Inquire of your insurer what is available in terms of covering CGM.
• Consult with Your Healthcare Team
- Discuss your target glucose levels and how alarms need to work.
- Request training on placing sensors and interpreting data.
• Establish Your Goals
- If you need to stay away from lows, CGG can warn beforehand.
- If you only test occasionally and hit targets, GM might be enough.
• Find Your Lifestyle Match
- Do you swim, participate in sports, or work long shifts?
- Make sure the system you select can support your activities of daily living.
• Practice with the Device
- Get used to employing the sensor in the right manner.
- Get used to scanning, calibration, and replacing batteries when due.