CGM

[zelda]

I'm considering cgm but don't know that much about it. I will obviously research the usual way but would be interested in others opinions too. I'm doing well at the moment but only check my glucose in the morning and seem to be anywhere between 6.5 and 8. I take 3 metformin daily and have lost 11lbs in the last 2 months. I check carbs but I think I would like to know my reactions to the foods I allow myself. Hb1Ac is due to be checked soon and I'm hoping my meds will be reduced. So... to cgm or not?

 

[Bruce Stephens]

So... to cgm or not?

Probably not worth it, but it's a personal judgement. There are compromises: with Libre 2 (or Libre 2+) you could use a sensor intermittently, so reducing the overall cost. CGMs are really valuable for people on insulin: we can usefully use the (nearly) continuous readings.

Less useful for other people, though I'm sure there's value in actually seeing graphs and seeing how BG increases after eating various foods and decreases with different kinds of exercise (including just a gentle walk or just standing up rather than sitting).

Abbott offers one free sensor if you want to try one (they last up to 15 days and require a compatible smartphone).

 

[Loobyloo]

Dexcom also do a free 10 day trial if your phone is compatible. Could try both to see which suits you best.
I found Dexcom best accuracy for me and cheaper at £79 a month for 3 sensors as i have to self fund which i assume you will too. Each one lasts 10 days with an extra 12 hour grace period.
If you dont have a compatible phone a reader can be purchased at extra expense for either Libre or Dexcom.
It does keep me on the straight and narrow and contributes to reducing my BG.
I can't afford to do constantly but doing for a few months to get my BG in a better place after i have fallen off the wagon a bit due to not being able to exercise as much as i was last year due to foot problems.

 

[helli]

As someone with Type 1, my requirements are very different compared to someone with type 2.
Some people with type 2 use a CGM to help them understand how different foods and activities affect their BG and then use this information to base their diet upon.
Therefore, you may find a CGM useful for your "discovery phase" but once you have settled on a diet, you may find it useful occasionally to check you are still on the right track.

The free trials mentioned above (available from their websites) may be enough for your discovery if you have a compatible phone.

If you do go ahead, make sure you are aware of limitations such as compression lows. Otherwise, you will just find it frustrating.

 

[zelda]

Probably not worth it, but it's a personal judgement. There are compromises: with Libre 2 (or Libre 2+) you could use a sensor intermittently, so reducing the overall cost. CGMs are really valuable for people on insulin: we can usefully use the (nearly) continuous readings.

Less useful for other people, though I'm sure there's value in actually seeing graphs and seeing how BG increases after eating various foods and decreases with different kinds of exercise (including just a gentle walk or just standing up rather than sitting).

Abbott offers one free sensor if you want to try one (they last up to 15 days and require a compatible smartphone).

Thanks so much, this is very helpful

 

[zelda]

Dexcom also do a free 10 day trial if your phone is compatible. Could try both to see which suits you best.
I found Dexcom best accuracy for me and cheaper at £79 a month for 3 sensors as i have to self fund which i assume you will too. Each one lasts 10 days with an extra 12 hour grace period.
If you dont have a compatible phone a reader can be purchased at extra expense for either Libre or Dexcom.
It does keep me on the straight and narrow and contributes to reducing my BG.
I can't afford to do constantly but doing for a few months to get my BG in a better place after i have fallen off the wagon a bit due to not being able to exercise as much as i was last year due to foot problems.

Thanks for this, yes I would be self funding too. I'm thinking to continue as I am and aim to stay positive ✨️

 

[zelda]

As someone with Type 1, my requirements are very different compared to someone with type 2.
Some people with type 2 use a CGM to help them understand how different foods and activities affect their BG and then use this information to base their diet upon.
Therefore, you may find a CGM useful for your "discovery phase" but once you have settled on a diet, you may find it useful occasionally to check you are still on the right track.

The free trials mentioned above (available from their websites) may be enough for your discovery if you have a compatible phone.

If you do go ahead, make sure you are aware of limitations such as compression lows. Otherwise, you will just find it frustrating.

Thanks so much, learning all the time and at this moment I now know I can manage without I have had loads of adverts on my phone recently which led to my query.

 

[Leadinglights]

In my personal opinion a strategic testing regime using test strips and blood glucose monitor would give you useful information on which to base your meal choices and be substantially cheaper than a Libre.
You could take advantage of the free trials on offer to give to extra information as long as you understand the limitations and don't over react to what appear to be variable readings.

 

[zelda]

Thanks going to stick to what I do just now. Info was helpful.