CGM has the Potential to Compromise Quality of Life

Don't use CGM for Type 2 Diabetes. It's a gimmick.

​How would you feel if someone monitors your activities 24*7 all through the day? Intruding? Irritating? Eerie? That’s how many feel toward Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) too. CGM automatically tracks blood glucose/sugar levels all through the day and night giving off an alarm when the glucose levels are too high or low. Besides this, it is possible to enter the meal details, exercise duration, and medications taken. All these data can be downloaded to the computer/smartphone and in some models, erratic changes are instantly sent to the partner, parent, or doctor’s device alerting for immediate attention.
 
Such possibilities are of course a boon in today’s world, but for “who” is the very big question mark here. Reputed diabetes associations, health organizations, and medical institutes are repeatedly conveying the message that CGM isn’t for everyone. But, neither do individuals pay heed to this nor do some health apps or companies abide by this. In this present world, diabetes reversal has become a mantra for all and people are ready to go to any level to control diabetes. Taking advantage of such situations, we have multiple companies trying to allure individuals with new-technology devices and measurement possibilities, one of which is CGM.
 
CGM takes a blood glucose reading every 5-15 minutes but they can never become a substitute for measuring blood sugar levels with a glucose meter. Using a CGM isn’t the solution to tackle Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)—even top-class diabetes organizations stand by this, suggesting its use mostly for patients with:

• Type 1 Diabetes
• An insulin pump/intensive insulin therapy
• Very low (hypoglycemia) or high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar levels
• Erratic high or low blood sugar levels
• Gestational Diabetes

 
It is purely up to the doctor to recommend the use of CGM to improve quality of life of the patient. Are some organizations trying to manipulate the individual here by coming up with diet plans, lifestyle modifications, and exercise schedules based on CGM-related data? They even offer accucheck devices to keep a tab on sugar levels frequently. But, on the other hand, the use of CGM is permitted only with a physician’s prescription. Moreover, it is expensive compared to glucose meters which doesn’t make it affordable to all and insurance coverages aren’t available for this most times. Sometimes, CGM needs ample practise and training to use it in the correct way.
 
Research Findings
 
Irrespective of whether or not an individual with T2D takes insulin medications, there aren’t much research evidence scientifically expressing the advantages of using CGM for T2D compared to Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) patients. Even in those T2D patients with hypoglycemia, the use of CGM hasn’t shown any concrete advantage in decreasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
Yet another long-term study which focused on HBA1C levels showed no significant difference in quality of life or improved A1C levels between individuals using CGM and self-monitoring over a 6-month period.
 
 
Using CGM is Like Allying with the Downside
 
CGM is unnecessary for individuals unless advised by the doctor. It is not only a waste of resources and expenses but has the potential to disrupt the quality of life of the individual using it:
Alarm Anomaly: The ring of the alarm in case of abnormally high glucose levels is a blessing in disguise but the same becomes annoying when it rings incessantly due to maintained higher sugar levels for a couple of hours. It can be turned off but not remembering to turn it on can become a problem during some emergency situation.
 
Allergy Attack: As the device has to be worn continuously, some people face allergy-related problems with the CGM sensor adhesive.
 
Adds More Stress: Knowledge might be power but the same can be troubling when there is too much data at hand. Availability of glucose levels every 10 minutes forces many individuals to have a look at them, in turn increasing their stress and anxiety levels when the numbers aren’t right. Are you going to run to the doctor requesting for a dose change when the sugar levels rise slightly? Will you change the dinner menu just because the CGM data is not stable? All these are necessary for T1D patients but seem irrelevant for T2D individuals who need to focus on long-term goals and work toward it. Never go for too much diabetes-related information else it will affect your mental health badly.
 
Conclusion
 
A device chosen to ease health issues and regulate better body health shouldn’t become the root cause for mental stress, anxiety, and increased BP levels in due course. Relying upon the doctor for monitoring blood glucose levels regularly, following the tips and tricks suggested by the nutritionist/dietitian for lifestyle modifications and weight loss (if needed), getting enough sleep, and avoiding as much stress as possible are more than sufficient when the individual has T2D without any complications mentioned above.
 
The necessity for CGM in T2D patients who don’t take insulin is minimal and there is ongoing research on the benefits of CGM for T2D patients. Until we have conclusive evidence, it is advised strongly not to use such technological devices that complicate rather than complying with your needs. Rather, choose simple but result-oriented steps to achieve diabetes reversal.