November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to educate about diabetes, how to manage it, risk factors and prevention. Technological advances are making it much easier to optimize our health, with or without a diabetes diagnosis, through Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) therapy. “I can think of very few situations where a person would not benefit from CGM therapy,” said Laura Walker, RN and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at Greene County Medical Center.
CGM is done through a small device with a tiny sensor self-inserted in the upper arm or abdomen. This monitors glucose levels, sending readings to a receiver such as a smartphone app. “I firmly believe that anyone who wants to understand how their blood sugar responds to food and beverages should wear one, even if it is only for a short time. The insight gained is phenomenal,” said Walker.
Understanding your glucose levels can help with weight loss, improve sleep and mood, and help with delaying or preventing the onset of Type 2 diabetes. “CGM reports connect the dots on where your glucose levels are and where they have been,” Walker explained. “They provide insights on trends, predict dangerous highs and lows before they happen, help keep glucose in target and store data for your provider.”
Medicare and Medicaid currently require a patient to have one daily insulin injection or have severe hypoglycemia to qualify for CGM with little to no out-of-pocket expense. Commercial insurances can vary greatly, costing from $10 for three months up to $75 per month. “This can seem costly up front, but if it helps reduce medications needed or avoids diabetes complications, it will pay off in the long run,” said Walker.
There are also new non-prescription market options available for people without diabetes who want to monitor glucose levels. Technically, whether prescription or non-prescription, CGM can be started independently by the patient.
However, support and education from Diabetes Management at Greene County Medical Center improves success with these products and does require a referral from a primary care provider.
Walker says the most important thing with diabetes and treatment options like CGM is education. “Diabetes treatment is changing rapidly and we are here to help our patients navigate those changes,” she said. “I always tell people that managing your diabetes without testing is like driving your car with your eyes closed. You may be able to keep it on the road for a while, but it won’t be long before you get in real trouble. I strongly encourage anyone with diabetes to visit a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist annually.
Persons who want more information or to visit with Walker, call 515-386-2488 and ask for Diabetes Management.
