Health – Revolutionising diabetes care

Imagine a world where diabetes has virtually become a thing of the past. Where, in place of a non-functioning pancreas, a robot does all the work for your body instead. That future is here now with the development of continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps.

In the early days, people with diabetes measured their glucose using urine strips. The much more accurate blood glucose testing began in laboratories in the 1920s but it wasn’t until the 1980s that saw the development of the current blood glucose testing monitor for more accurate and easier testing at home. The user pricks their finger with a small needle to produce some blood which they put onto a measuring strip. This strip is then inserted into a small hand held device which provides them with a current blood glucose reading.  For people with diabetes this reading is important as it gives feedback regarding their diet, exercise and medication, such as how much insulin they might need.

While the monitoring of blood glucose in the home was a game changer for people with diabetes; the latest new devices are another level altogether. Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) devices involve a tiny sensor under your skin that measures your glucose levels 24 hours a day. A transmitter constantly sends results to a wearable device or your cell phone so you can track changes to your glucose levels in real time. It even sends an alarm if your glucose levels are forecasted to go too low or too high for your personal requirements.

In October last year, Pharmac began funding CGM devices for people with type 1 diabetes along with insulin pumps. Whilst CGMs are not funded for people with type 2 diabetes, they are available for purchase without a prescription. Using a CGM device can make it easier to manage your diabetes. Research shows that people using a CGM with either type 1 or 2 diabetes have fewer “hypos” (too low blood sugar) and better blood glucose control (lower HbA1c). Because a CGM measures glucose levels every few minutes, the resulting data can show how your glucose levels change over time which in turn can help you and your doctor better understand the bigger picture of how food, activity and other lifestyle factors are affecting your glucose levels.

If you are interested in learning more about CGMs, reach out to your local Coastie pharmacist for more information.