You might often wonder about the varied ways involved with testing and monitoring blood sugar levels. Glucose levels are often checked using numerous methods, such as test strips, blood glucose meters, or Dexcom G6, a continuous glucose monitoring device that uses wearable sensors.
As reported by Future Market Insights, the global market for CGM devices in 2022 will be valued at $4.9 billion. The market is estimated to reach about $16.8 billion by 2033, with a rate of 11.9% from 2023 to 2033. The sensory element is projected to be the top revenue-generating section, accounting for about 11.6% from 2023 to 2033.
About Continuous Glucose Monitoring
CGM, or continuous glucose monitoring, is the best way to track glucose levels throughout the day and night. The smaller sensor is inserted right under the skin to measure the glucose levels within the tissue fluid. The transmitter can help send data for monitoring, offering real-time glucose readings, alerts, and trends to mark the highs and lows.
CGMs can assist in better optimization of diabetes management. They can be used individually or in conjunction with insulin pumps. They offer greater details compared to fingerstick testing. However, calibration with fingersticks is required a couple of times each day.
How Does Continuous Glucose Monitoring Work?
To understand how Dexcom G6 operates, you should have familiarity with three primary elements, including the transmitter, sensor, and receiver.
Sensor
The sensor is a thinner filament or wire that is inserted under the skin with a needle. Generally, the sensor is applied to the abdomen, the back side of the arm, or other locations based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. For holding the sensor in place, a sticky backing, like a band-aid, attaches the sensor to the skin.
It uses identical enzymes as the test strip for the glucose meter, with the sensor detecting the glucose within the interstitial fluid present between every cell. These sensors stay in place for numerous days; however, the appropriate duration depends on the manufacturers’ specifications. Generally, the app or the receiver working with the system alerts you whenever it is time to replace the sensor.
Transmitter
The transmitter normally works as the middleman between the receiver and the sensor. It attaches right at the top where the sensor is inserted. Right from there, it can wirelessly send the data to the receiver with the help of radio waves. A few transmitters can be recharged as they never require charging or replacement after each month.
Receiver/Monitor
The job of the receiver is to get and display the day out from the sensors. It comes with a screen where you can inspect the current glucose levels and check the earlier readings. The receiver can send the warnings if the glucose levels are high or even low, delivering the status messages, and displaying the trend information to help you know about the manner in which the glucose levels are heading up or down. These apps that work with the CGMs have further unique features that include trends, graphing, and the ability to share glucose data with the caretakers or family.
Conclusion
It is a highly astonishing time for technological innovations in diabetes, with the help of the constantly evolving functionality of Dexcom G6 and new manufacturers of CGM devices that have entered the market. There is more research and development included into the link between the insulin pump and CGM in ways for automating the process of insulin delivery.
