Abstract
Abstract Background For a long time, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) was widely viewed as the essential glucose measurement procedure in the therapy of insulin-treated people with diabetes. With increasing accuracy and simplified handling of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, this evolving technology challenges and at least partly replaces SMBG systems. Content Sensors of all currently available CGM systems measure glucose levels in the subcutaneous interstitial fluid for 6–14 days. The only available implantable sensor facilitates a measurement span of up to 6 months. Depending on the used system, glucose levels are either shown in real time (rtCGM systems) or after scanning (iscCGM systems). Functions such as alerts, alarms and trend arrows and data presentation encourage independent self-management of diabetes therapy. The high frequency of glucose data and the multitude of existing functions require an extensive training of people with diabetes and their caregivers. Summary CGM systems provide a much more detailed picture of glycemia in people with diabetes. Educated patients can use these data to react adequately to their glucose levels and therefore avoid hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic events. Studies showed that glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and hypoglycemic events can be significantly reduced by frequent use of CGM systems.
Highlights
For a long time, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) was widely viewed as the essential glucose measurement procedure in the therapy of insulin-treated people with diabetes
Studies showed that glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and hypoglycemic events can be significantly reduced by frequent use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems
Current CGM systems have the advantage that glucose levels can be monitored continuously in the course of a day. They provide a detailed picture of patients’ glucose metabolic state and enable patients to quickly react to their glucose levels and to avoid hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia events
Summary
Regular measurement of blood glucose (BG) levels by selfmonitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is a prerequisite for an adequate therapeutic treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus, especially for those with an intensified insulin therapy, for example patients with type 1 diabetes [1]. SMBG systems are essential tools in intensified insulin therapy of people with diabetes, because they provide the possibility to calculate bolus doses for carbohydrate intake, as well as the detection and subsequent counteraction of hypo- or hyperglycemia [2]. Current CGM systems are smaller, have lower weight, are easier to use, have a prolonged wearing time and are more accurate than older ones [7]. All of these systems continuously measure the glucose concentration in the interstitial fluid and transfer the data via a transmitter to a receiver which displays the results.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
