Continuous Glucose Monitoring Technology Delivers Detailed Diabetes Data

Continuous glucose monitoring, in contrast to intermittent blood glucose (BG) monitoring, provides maximal information about shifting BG levels throughout the day. This article discusses continuous glucose monitoring of its (1) purposes, (2) technologies, (3) accuracy, (4) data analysis, and (5) clinical indications. Continuous glucose monitoring is used to optimize and individualize therapy for the patient with diabetes. Currently available continuous glucose monitoring technologies measure BG minimally invasively by continuously sampling interstitial fluid. The accuracy of individual data points from current continuous glucose monitors is less than the accuracy from intermittent glucose monitors. Trend information, however, is available from continuous glucose monitors, which can be combined with absolute glucose values to improve the predictive value of continuous readings for identifying hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. The use of continuous glucose monitoring facilitates adjustments in therapy. Real-time continuous glucose monitors, which are just starting to appear in the marketplace, will provide a great deal of information that the patient can use immediately any time during the day or night. In conclusion, continuous glucose monitoring is an appealing technology, because it provides information that is unavailable with intermittent monitoring.