Instructions
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Ingredients for Success with CGM |
Success with CGM therapy starts with us, educating patients on proper expectations, that the system itself will not change their blood sugars or “Fix” things, that , in fact we may be revealing a lot of “messy” places they did not know about. But that by seeing all the highs and lows we were ignorant of before, we can now be empowered to address them.
CGM therapy is most effective when used consistently.
Data unused is simply a burden. It is important that clinical supports use data collected to inform therapy adjustments and share this analysis process with patients to increase their perception of the value of CGM use.
-Patients must be educated on calibrating and maintaining their systems properly
-Alerts must be useful and cues for action. Not bothersome, disruptive, embarrassing or disciplinary in nature.
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Have the right expectations
Wear the CGM at least 90% of the time
Adjust therapy based on trends/patterns
Calibrate Properly
Minimize “nuisance” alarms
Look at the monitor 10-20 times per day
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Look at the monitor 10-20 times/day (we're saying it again here for emphasis!) That's right. Not only should you educate your patients as to what the information on their CGM means and how it should be used, but you should also encourage them to check it 10-20 times per day. That way they will begin to get an idea of what changes their blood sugar levels and by how much, and what they can do to keep them in their controlled, target range. Too few checks and they will not be using the data properly. Too many checks and they risk becoming fixated on the data fueling anxiety, likely making the management of their blood sugars more erratic through "micromanagement”. |
