LYD1A KERR

Is that a nicotine patch? Is that wifi? Is that a bottle cap?

Good guesses, but unfortunately not. The patch on my arm is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).

This CGM allows me to check my blood sugar levels 24/7, which is really important to manage Type 1 Diabetes.

Having a CGM has so many benefits:

• I rarely need to prick my finger to test my actual blood.
• It helps me make decisions based on my blood sugar: how much insulin I need with my food, how to prepare for exercise, etc.
• I can see the impact of various factors on my blood sugar levels: weather, hormones, illness, etc.
• I love a good graph – and the data produced by the CGM can produce many graphs that I can analyse to assess my trends.
• Being able to see trends means I can actively change my diabetes management for the better. For example, I can see if my blood sugars go high at the same time every day, then take steps to rectify it.
• Data can be easily shared with my medical professional team.
• I can just glance at my watch and know my blood sugar level – unreal.

How does the CGM stuck to your arm actually measure your blood sugar levels?

Well, technically, it doesn’t actually touch my blood. Instead, there is a tiny filament, which is the sensor. This is inserted just under the skin, and sits in the interstitial fluid.

The sensor is able to figure out how much glucose (sugar) is in this fluid layer. This layer mimics the blood – so the blood sugar level is roughly the same as the fluid sugar level.

The sensor then sends this data to a transmitter. This can be attached to the sensor, or integrated. The transmitter then sends the glucose data to a wireless receiver, so an app on a compatible mobile phone, or an insulin pump.

For example, I can see my Dexcom data through the Dexcom G6/G7 app, as well as on my Tandem T-Slim insulin pump. There is an extra app, Clarity, which shows more in depth data.

Every day I use my CGM to help me manage my diabetes and make decisions. I would definitely be lost without it, and appreciate it every single day!

Thank you for reading ❤

Love, Lydia x