Well, I finally did it. I started using CGM (continuous glucose monitoring). While this technology became an option in 1999, I have been known to say “Call me when it’s perfect” for the last couple decades. I just wasn’t interested in adding another step to my daily routine – a routine that works for me.
I realize that CGM is still not perfect. It is a lot closer, though! And truth be told, urine glucose monitoring and blood glucose monitoring weren’t/aren’t perfect either (thanks to the colleague who reminded me of that recently).
So here I am on CGM for the first time in 2018 at the age of 50. Something about old dogs and new tricks come to mind? I’m not old.
My observations so far (and one of them is not “why didn’t I do this sooner?”):
- we need faster acting insulin
- I experience pretty flat lines – sometimes they are where I want them and sometimes not – but who knew they were so flat?
- I still have some of the same questions I had without CGM
- I was already pretty good about bolusing at least 10 minutes prior to meals (or 15 or 20) – do I need to wait 30??
- I can see how one could become obsessed with the information
- we need faster acting insulin
Not everyone is ready or able to use CGM for a variety of reasons. Access is still a major issue. I look forward to CGMÂ being “perfect” and accessible to all. I agree that using CGM in drug studies makes the most sense. This is a great tool and I’m excited about it at 8 days in. I do wonder if the excitement will last. I’m guessing that once I learn to trust the technology and give up my meter habit, I will be all in. I started poking my fingers in 1985 (first home meter was available in approximately 1981) and doing it very routinely in about 1995. There’s still hope.