SEO Title: Everything You Need To Know About Wearable Glucose Monitors
Meta Description: What is real-time glucose tracking? Discover everything you need to know about this smart diabetes technology in this blog post.
It seems like every day, there’s some new type of technology being developed. First ChatGPT, then the Metaverse, and now, continuous glucose monitoring devices.
Let’s be thankful for this advanced technology in 2024, especially when it comes to managing diabetes.
You have to admit, real-time glucose tracking is a lifesaver when you’re always on the go. Just because you have diabetes doesn’t mean you have to stop living life.
But with the latest smart diabetes technology come some questions. How does it work? Is it accurate compared to traditional finger-prick tests? How much does a wearable glucose monitor cost?
Well, if you keep reading, you’ll discover the answers to these questions and more. We did the research and are providing the full details on smart glucose monitors.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring: How Does It Work?
We’re pretty sure you’re tired of pricking your finger every time you have to check your glucose levels. Those little needles hurt!
Sometimes, you have to do this four to ten times a day, and it always seems to happen at the worst moments.
The best thing about this smart diabetes technology is that it’s non-invasive. This has to be the best invention ever for those managing diabetes.
But, how do these wearable monitors keep checking your glucose levels without you having to stop every second.
Non-invasive glucose testing involves a small sensor being inserted into your skin. The device has a tiny electrode that measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid.
It sends the data wirelessly to a receiver, which can be a dedicated handheld device or a smartphone app.
Every five minutes, the continuous glucose monitoring device provides a reading. You know what this means?
No more stopping what you’re doing or waking up in the middle of the night to check your glucose levels.
If they become too high or too low, you’ll receive an alert, helping you stay on track with your diabetes management.
It also helps your healthcare team. The results can be shared with your provider, allowing them to make better-informed decisions about your diabetes management plan.
The Benefits of Real-Time Glucose Tracking
We already shared four benefits of wearable glucose monitors: convenience, real-time alerts, continuous monitoring, and non-invasive testing.
The other two benefits of this smart diabetes technology are improved glycemic control and data insights.
Since the monitoring is continuous and provides real-time data on your glucose levels, you can observe trends and patterns throughout the day.
The immediate feedback from your diet, exercise routine, and medication shows you exactly how they affect your blood sugar levels.
This allows you to make informed decisions and take the right steps to maintain your glucose levels within target ranges.
Wearable Glucose Monitors vs. Finger Pricking: Which Is Better?
Despite the benefits of wearable glucose monitors, you should still approach their use with caution.
The FDA has issued a safety advisory against relying solely on smart technology for measuring blood glucose levels.
In some of their studies, they found that these continuous monitoring devices don’t always provide accurate readings.
While these devices enhance diabetes management, you shouldn’t rely solely on them. It's best to use them along with traditional glucose monitoring methods.
Considerations for Using Real-Time Glucose Monitors
So you’re thinking about using a wearable glucose monitor. Before you get one, there are some things you may want to consider.
One is the cost—smart diabetes technology can be pretty expensive. The sensors may need to be changed every seven to fourteen days, although implantable sensors can last up to 180 days.
This can become costly, especially if your insurance doesn’t cover it. That’s another thing to consider before getting one.
Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover these devices and their continuous upkeep.
Also, even though they’re supposed to be a hassle-free solution in diabetes management, sometimes they’re not.
When choosing a smart glucose testing device, you have to consider how often it will need to be calibrated.
Some continuous glucose monitors, like the Dexcom G6, do not require manual calibration. However, other devices still rely on traditional finger-prick tests for more accurate readings.
Despite these disadvantages, many people still enjoy using these devices. Just be sure to consider these cons before getting a wearable glucose monitor.
Empower Your Diabetes Journey with BenfoComplete
There’s no denying how continuous monitoring and real-time data insights from wearable glucose monitors can help in diabetes management.
However, keep their limitations in mind and discuss with your doctor to determine if they will improve your diabetes plan.
If you need more help or just want to stay updated with the latest news in diabetes, sign up for our newsletter.
We also offer auto-shipping for high-quality supplements specifically designed to support you. Don’t miss out on these valuable resources—sign up today to empower your journey toward better health!