What is the purpose of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)?

The purpose of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is to track blood glucose levels in real-time throughout the day. CGM systems involve a small sensor placed under the skin, which measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid continuously, typically providing readings every few minutes. This allows individuals with diabetes to observe fluctuations in their glucose levels in real time, providing valuable insights into how diet, exercise, medication, and other factors affect their blood sugar. This continuous feedback can help in making timely adjustments to treatment plans, preventing episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia and ultimately improving overall blood glucose management.

While measuring insulin production levels, assessing kidney function, and evaluating liver enzymes are important aspects of diabetes care, they are not the primary purpose of CGM. Instead, CGM specifically focuses on glucose monitoring, making it an essential tool for those managing diabetes effectively.