The power of prediction in diabetes with Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
Life with diabetes can feel like a never-ending balancing act that requires a lot of guesswork.
It’s no exaggeration to say that keeping a close eye on glucose levels is one of the best ways to manage your diabetes. But how do you achieve that whilst also getting on with life?
Smart devices sold separately
Until recently the only way to know your glucose levels was to prick your finger, which is still practised by many people with diabetes today.
Whilst finger pricking is able to measure your current glucose level at the time, it canʼt predict where your glucose levels are heading or how quickly. So, you end up having to finger prick again and again to try and build up a picture.
Over time, fingers can become sore and may lose sensation from repeated pricking. Many people grow frustrated at still being unable to predict hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, or keep their glucose in range.
But now, with the increase in use of real-time continuous glucose monitoring systems, this has all changed.
What is Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)?
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, such as Dexcom G6, measure glucose levels every 5 minutes, letting you see how your glucose levels are changing over time, and allows you to predict what they’ll do next – without finger sticks* or scanning.
Studies have shown that Dexcom CGM systems may help to reduce hypo- and hyperglycaemia and increase Time in Range (TIR).1,2
*If your glucose alerts and readings from the G6 do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.
How Dexcom CGM Works
First, the auto-applicator inserts a small sensor just beneath the skin.
Every five minutes the sensor measures glucose levels and sends data to a small transmitter worn as a stick-on patch.
The transmitter then sends the glucose readings to a small touch-screen receiver or smartphone†, which turns the numbers into a continually updated story, charting glucose changes over time, and alerting the user if levels are heading too high or too low.
Benefits of Dexcom CGM
Itʼs hard to put into words the difference this kind of knowledge can make to someone living with diabetes, and to the people that love them.
By having a system that actively measures our glucose 24 hours a day and proactively alerts you to any unwanted changes, we can help stop the fear of hypos and hypers and instead you can start to actively avoid them.
Real-time makes a real difference.
By turning static glucose readings into an ever updating story, you can see the effects of exercise, food and different types and doses of medicine (including insulin), and learn to take control of your diabetes.
Dexcom G6 is proven to lower A1C and increase time in range compared to flash glucose monitoring,3 without scanning.
Meet the Dexcom G6
Find out how the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System gives you the power to take control of your diabetes.
* If your glucose alerts and readings from the G6 do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.
† For a list of compatible smart devices, visit dexcom.com/en-GB/compatibility‡ Requires the Follow app and an internet connection. Followers should always confirm readings on the Dexcom G6 CGM app or Receiver before making treatment decisions.
1 Beck, RW, et al. JAMA. 2017;317(4):371-378.
2 Welsh, JB et al. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2019;21(3).
3 Visser MM, et al. Lancet. 2021;397(10291):2275-83.
Chris is a sponsored spokesperson of Dexcom.
† For a list of compatible smart devices, visit dexcom.com/en-GB/compatibility‡ Requires the Follow app and an internet connection. Followers should always confirm readings on the Dexcom G6 CGM app or Receiver before making treatment decisions.
1 Beck, RW, et al. JAMA. 2017;317(4):371-378.
2 Welsh, JB et al. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2019;21(3).
3 Visser MM, et al. Lancet. 2021;397(10291):2275-83.
Chris is a sponsored spokesperson of Dexcom.