Current methods may not tell the whole story
In diabetes today, Endocrionologists are expected to make therapeutic decisions based on self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG). These fingerstick measurements represent but a few minutes of the day and do not indicate the direction or trend for glucose levels.1
Even the most motivated patients performing frequent measurements may miss substantial fluctuations, particularly at night.2
| In 88% of the patients, results of continuous glucose monitoring were surprising, changing the insulin prescription in a manner not anticipated despite intensive SMGB.4 |
HbA1c levels also present a dilemma: a lower, seemingly good value has been associated with higher incidence of hypoglycaemia.3
As the example at right illustrates, continuous monitoring fills in the gaps left by SMBG and can reveal hidden patterns, like frequent episodes of hypoglycaemia. With up to 288 glucose readings per day, the continuous glucose monitoring helps ensure that you don’t miss important trends. You get a true picture of patterns in order to accurately assess their underlying causes and correct the excursions.
Identify glycaemic excursions
Evaluate when and how often your patients’ glucose levels are out of their target range. Visual charts and graphs make it easier to spot these trends and assess their causes within the context of therapeutic regimens, food intake or daily activities. |
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Understand the extent of issues
Assess the duration and magnitude of your patients’ glucose levels that are above or below the target range. These area-under-the-curve calculations can be reviewed for a given day so that you can correlate daily logbook notes with your patients’ actual glycaemic response.
Reveal dynamic relationships
Identify the interactions between meals, exercise, medication and insulin on blood glucose values. With these dynamics revealed, you can make informed decisions about adjustments to medication or insulin. You can also use these charts to help patients understand how these interactions impact their blood glucose levels. |
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| 1. |
Gross TM, Mastrototaro JJ. Efficacy and reliability of the continuous glucose monitoring system. Diabetes Technol Therapeu. 2000;2 Suppl.1:S19-26. |
| 2. |
Skyler JS. The economic burden of diabetes and the benefits of improved glycemic control: the potential role of a continuous glucose monitoring system. Diabetes Technol Therapeu. 2000;2 Suppl.1:S7-12. |
| 3. |
The DCCT Research Group. Hypoglycemia in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial. Diabetes. 1997;46(2):271-86. |
| 4. |
Einhorn D, Sadler C, Fink RI. New insights on glycemic control in the ambulatory setting: MiniMed’s continuous glucose monitoring system. Endo Society 82nd Meeting. 2000; P424.
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For more information on this process, please contact Medtronic Diabetes Customer Service on 1800 668 670.
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