Also for type 2 diabetes
Text: Matej Lovšin, photo: Vecteezy
Continuous blood glucose monitoring has been commonplace in Slovenia for several years now, but let’s refresh our knowledge anyway, as demand for this method of monitoring and managing diabetes continues to grow.
These are wearable devices with a small sensor implanted under the skin that monitor glucose levels in real time and alert the user to deviations from target values. Initially, they were available only by prescription and primarily for people with type 1 diabetes, but today they are increasingly used by those with type 2 diabetes as well, particularly those who require insulin treatment.
For a long time, individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes who were not on insulin therapy had limited monitoring options—mostly just traditional blood tests. Recently, however, over-the-counter continuous glucose monitoring systems have become available, designed for adults with milder forms of glucose metabolism disorders.
Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is crucial, as persistently elevated levels can cause damage to the eyes, nerves, kidneys, and blood vessels. Continuous monitoring allows for quicker adjustments to diet, physical activity, and treatment, thereby providing better control of the disease.
It is important to note that these devices do not deliver insulin; they merely measure blood glucose levels. Insulin is still administered separately, if necessary. For many people with type 2 diabetes, insulin is not needed at all, as the problem lies primarily in the body’s reduced sensitivity to it. In such cases, lifestyle changes and medications that improve insulin sensitivity play a key role.
Diet and physical activity have a significant impact on blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates directly raise glucose levels, so it is important to choose foods that are digested more slowly and cause smaller spikes. Physical activity, on the other hand, increases insulin sensitivity, helps regulate body weight, and lowers blood sugar levels.
The main advantage of continuous monitoring is the immediate feedback it provides. Individuals can see how certain foods or activities affect their blood sugar and adjust their habits accordingly.
One drawback of these systems may be their cost, as they are often not covered by health insurance. Nevertheless, some people choose to use them because they help them better understand their own metabolism.
The use of these devices could also be beneficial for individuals at increased risk of developing diabetes, for example, due to a family history of the disease or a history of metabolic disorders. However, for perfectly healthy people with no risk factors, their usefulness remains questionable, as incorrect conclusions may be drawn without a proper interpretation of the data.
In general, continuous glucose monitoring represents a significant advancement in blood sugar management, as it provides greater insight, increased independence, and the ability to take timely action.
