Difficulty to interpret CGM data: Why It’s Confusing and How to Fix It
CGMs provide real-time glucose data, but understanding it can be challenging. Learn how education, calibration, and clinician guidance can help diabetics interpret CGM data for better health management.
While CGMs have provided almost real-time glucose readings for diabetics, they have also made it difficult for users to correctly understand and interpret the data.
What are the main challenges that people face?
People with diabetes may struggle with understanding the graphs and visual representations of CGM data, making it hard to identify patterns and trends. The constant stream of data can also be overwhelming, leading to decision paralysis and an emotional burden.
Another challenge is the lack of knowledge about how to interpret the data and take appropriate action. I often see posts where people compare their blood sugar levels before and after eating a particular food. However, people need to realize that the way food affects one person’s body can be very different from how it affects another. The response will also vary widely between a normal person, a Type 2 diabetic, and a Type 1 diabetic. This is why training individuals on how to analyze and use CGM data is essential.
There are also connectivity issues, sensor errors, and software glitches. CGMs can sometimes display false highs and lows and require frequent calibration. This is why Gurucose displays the last recorded reading time and allows users to enter glucometer readings to calibrate CGM data for better accuracy.
One reason CGM readings may differ from traditional fingerstick glucose tests is that CGMs measure glucose from interstitial fluid rather than directly from the blood (read more here).
How can we fix this?
Well, it’s a gradual process, but the right education can make a big difference. A structured approach that incorporates CGM-generated data into clinic visits and other healthcare interactions can help optimize blood sugar management. When clinicians receive data in a format they can easily analyze, they can better explain trends and patterns to patients, helping them make informed decisions.
Gurucose is building a platform to bridge this gap between people with diabetes and doctors. If you haven’t already, download the Gurucose app from the App Store or Play Store and connect your CGM!
