Basic aspects
Learn the basics first, before moving on to more complex topics.
Understanding CGM technology
π§ What is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)?
π§ How does the sensor measure glucose through the skin?
π§ Why does it measure interstitial glucose, not blood glucose?
π§ What is the difference between CGM and flash monitoring?
π§ How accurate is the measurement compared to a glucometer?
π§ Why is there a delay compared to capillary blood glucose?
π§ What components does a complete CGM system have?
π§ How does the sensor transmit data to the receiver?
π§ What technology does it use for measurement?
π§ Can the sensor completely replace the glucometer?
Types of available sensors
π§ What CGM sensors are available?
π§ What is the difference between Freestyle Libre and Dexcom?
π§ What advantages does Medtronic Simplera have?
π§ How does the implanted Eversense work?
π§ What sensor is available for free?
π§ Which sensor offers the longest wear time?
π§ What system integrates with the insulin pump?
π§ Are there sensors specifically for children?
π§ Which sensor has the fewest false alarms?
π§ How do you choose the right sensor for you?
Applying and replacing the sensor
π§ Where on the body do you apply the CGM sensor?
π§ How do you prepare the skin before application?
π§ Is sensor insertion painful?
π§ How long does a sensor last after application?
π§ How do you know when the sensor needs to be changed?
π§ What do you do if the sensor comes off prematurely?
π§ How do you protect the sensor from falling off?
π§ Can you reapply a fallen sensor?
π§ Why do you need to rotate application sites?
π§ What errors should you avoid when applying the sensor?
Calibration and accuracy
π§ Why does the CGM sensor need to be calibrated?
π§ When and how do you calibrate the sensor?
π§ How often does your system require calibration?
π§ What factors affect sensor accuracy?
π§ Why do values differ between sensor and glucometer?
π§ How do you verify that the sensor is measuring correctly?
π§ What do you do when the sensor gives erroneous values?
π§ Do medications affect sensor accuracy?
π§ Why are the first and last day less accurate?
π§ When should you not rely on sensor values?
Reading and interpreting data
π§ How do you correctly read the values from the sensor?
π§ What do the glycemic trend arrows mean?
π§ How do you interpret the 24-hour graph?
π§ What is Time in Range?
π§ How do you use data for therapeutic decisions?
π§ What reports does the CGM system generate?
π§ How do you identify glycemic patterns?
π§ What does glycemic variability mean?
π§ How do you calculate the average glucose from CGM?
π§ What data is most important to track?
Alarms
π§ What types of alarms can the sensor set?
π§ How do you configure alarm thresholds?
π§ Why do you get false alarms at night?
π§ How do you reduce the number of annoying alarms?
π§ What alarm is the most important?
π§ Can you temporarily turn off alarms?
π§ How do you set predictive alarms?
π§ What do you do when the alarm won't stop?
π§ Why doesn't the hypoglycemia alarm sometimes go off?
π§ How do you customize alarms?
Connectivity and apps
π§ How do you connect the sensor to your phone?
π§ What mobile apps work with the sensor?
π§ Can you share data with family or doctor?
π§ How do you back up your CGM data?
π§ What devices are compatible with the sensor?
π§ Does the sensor work without a phone?
π§ How do you resolve connectivity issues?
π§ What data do you see in the mobile app?
π§ Can you export data for analysis?
π§ How do you protect data privacy?
Integration with other devices
π§ How do you connect the sensor to the insulin pump?
π§ What is a hybrid closed-loop system?
π§ Can the sensor automatically control insulin?
π§ How do you sync with a smartwatch?
π§ What cloud platforms are compatible?
π§ Does it work with connected glucometers?
π§ Can you integrate data into an electronic journal?
π§ What benefits does system integration bring?
π§ How do you automate reporting to your doctor?
π§ What systems will be available in the future?
Practical aspects and lifestyle
How to integrate the sensor into your daily life
Daily life with a sensor
π§ Can you shower with the sensor?
π§ Is it safe to swim with the CGM sensor?
π§ How do you protect the sensor during intense sports?
π§ Does the sensor interfere with clothing?
π§ How do you sleep comfortably with the sensor?
π§ Is the sensor visible under clothes?
π§ How do you explain to others what the sensor is?
π§ Can you go to the sauna with the sensor?
π§ Does the sensor affect daily activities?
π§ How do you travel with spare sensors?
Special situations and limitations
π§ Can you have an MRI with the sensor applied?
π§ What medical investigations require removal?
π§ How do you manage the sensor during hospitalization?
π§ Do X-rays interfere with the sensor?
π§ Can you pass through metal detectors?
π§ What do you do in case of medical emergency?
π§ Does the sensor work at high altitude?
π§ How does extreme temperature affect the sensor?
π§ What medications interfere with measurement?
π§ Are there contraindications for wearing the sensor?
Common problems and solutions
π§ Why doesn't the sensor scan or transmit?
π§ What do you do when calibration errors occur?
π§ How do you solve skin adhesion problems?
π§ Why do you have skin irritation under the sensor?
π§ What causes frequent signal loss?
π§ How do you handle a defective sensor?
π§ Why do sensor values vary so much?
π§ What do you do when the sensor stops prematurely?
π§ How do you avoid false sensor compression?
π§ When do you contact technical support?
Costs and reimbursement
π§ How much does a CGM sensor cost monthly?
π§ What conditions are required for insurance reimbursement?
π§ How do you get a prescription for sensors?
π§ How many sensors do you get free per month?
π§ What do you do if you are not eligible for reimbursement?
π§ Are there financial assistance programs?
π§ Is the investment worth it if you pay in full?
π§ How do you reduce accessory costs?
π§ What private insurances cover sensors?
π§ How do you medically justify the need for a sensor?
Clinical benefits
π§ How does the sensor improve glycemic control?
π§ Does the sensor reduce the risk of hypoglycemia?
π§ What impact does it have on HbA1c?
π§ Does the sensor help with glycemic variability?
π§ How does it prevent long-term complications?
π§ Does it improve quality of life with diabetes?
π§ Does it reduce anxiety related to hypoglycemia?
π§ Does it facilitate management during sports?
π§ Does it help with more precise insulin dosing?
π§ What do studies demonstrate about CGM?
Education and support
π§ Where do you learn to use the sensor correctly?
π§ What training does the manufacturer offer?
π§ Are there support groups for users?
π§ How does the doctor interpret your data?
π§ What online resources are available?
π§ When do you need help from an educator?
π§ How do you learn to identify patterns?
π§ What educational webinars exist?
π§ How do you optimize your sensor use?
π§ Where do you find the latest information?
Transition and adaptation
π§ How do you transition from glucometer to CGM?
π§ How long does adaptation to the sensor take?
π§ How do you manage information overload?
π§ What realistic expectations should you have?
π§ How do you integrate CGM into your routine?
π§ Why do there seem to be more hypo/hyperglycemias initially?
π§ How do you learn to trust the sensor?
π§ What habits do you need to change?
π§ How do you involve family in use?
π§ When do you see the full benefits of CGM?
The future of continuous monitoring
π§ What innovations are coming in CGM technology?
π§ Will non-invasive sensors be available?
π§ How will integration with AI evolve?
π§ What accuracy improvements are expected?
π§ Will there be longer-lasting sensors?
π§ How will calibration change in the future?
π§ What new parameters will sensors measure?
π§ Will CGM become a standard for everyone?
π§ How will the cost of technology evolve?
π§ What impact will it have on diabetes treatment?