More than half of kids with type 1 diabetes under 18 use continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). This shows how this new tech is changing how kids with diabetes manage their condition. In big diabetes centers, almost 80% of kids use CGMs, showing their effectiveness.
If your child has diabetes, you might be looking into using a CGM. The American Diabetes Association suggests that kids with type 1 and type 2 diabetes on insulin should try a CGM soon after they’re diagnosed. This tech is key to managing diabetes today.
Key Takeaways
- CGMs give more frequent blood glucose data than traditional meters, updating every 1-5 minutes.
- Studies show it’s safe to adjust insulin based on CGM data without needing to check with a fingerstick.
- CGMs have trend arrows to help caregivers adjust insulin doses.
- CGMs can warn of low blood sugar before it happens, helping to prevent it.
- Popular CGMs for kids include Dexcom, FreeStyle Libre, and Medtronic devices.
Understanding Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices are key for managing diabetes, especially in kids. They have three main parts: a sensor, a transmitter, and a receiver. The sensor sits under the skin and tracks glucose levels in the body. The transmitter sends this info wirelessly to the receiver, showing real-time blood glucose levels.
There are two main types of CGM devices. Real-time CGMs update glucose levels continuously, helping users manage their diabetes better. Intermittently scanned CGMs need users to scan the sensor for glucose readings.
CGMs are great for kids with diabetes. They offer many benefits over traditional ways of checking glucose levels. Some CGMs work for kids as young as 2 years old. The sensors last from 7 to 14 days, or up to 180 days for some implantable ones.
CGMs cost more than regular glucose meters but can be worth it, especially with health insurance coverage. Some users might find the adhesive causes skin irritation or redness.
CGM devices are changing how kids with diabetes manage their condition. They give kids a better view of their glucose levels and trends. By learning about the different CGMs and their features, parents can choose the best for their child’s health.
Benefits of Using CGM for Children with Diabetes
Using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) helps kids with diabetes a lot. Kids who started using CGMs right after they were diagnosed had better blood sugar levels. They had lower and more stable HbA1c levels than those who waited to start using CGMs.
Improved Glycemic Outcomes
Kids with diabetes who use CGMs have better blood sugar control. In a study, 66% of kids who started using CGMs soon after their diagnosis hit the goal of an HbA1c level under 7.5%. Only 43% of kids who started later reached this goal.
Fewer Glucose Fluctuations
CGMs alert kids and their caregivers to changes in blood sugar levels. This helps prevent dangerous highs or lows. It makes it easier to take action quickly and keep the child safe.
Easier Remote Monitoring
CGMs let parents check their child’s blood sugar levels from anywhere. This is great for parents who can’t always be with their child, like during school. It gives them peace of mind.
Relief from Needle Phobia
CGMs don’t need fingerstick blood tests, so kids don’t have to deal with needles. This means less pain and worry for kids. It also helps kids stick to their diabetes plan and live better lives.
By using CGMs, parents can help their kids manage diabetes better. They get better blood sugar control, less ups and downs, easier tracking from afar, and less pain from checking blood sugar.
Drawbacks of Using CGM for Children
CGM devices help children with diabetes a lot, but they also have some downsides. One big issue is the pain from putting in the CGM sensor. This can upset kids a lot.
Also, the constant alerts from the CGM can be too much. These alerts warn of high or low blood sugar. They can make kids and their parents feel overwhelmed, leading to “CGM alert fatigue.”
Painful Insertion
Putting in the CGM sensor can hurt and make kids anxious. It goes under the skin and into fat. Kids who don’t like needles or can’t handle pain well find it hard.
Parents say their kids don’t look forward to getting the sensor in. This makes it hard to keep using CGM.
Overwhelming Alerts
CGM devices give real-time updates on blood sugar levels. They alert users to big changes. This is great for managing diabetes, but the alerts can be too much.
Some kids and their families get “CGM alert fatigue.” This means they get stressed and might not want to use the technology as much.
Bullying and Ostracization
CGM devices are visible, which can make kids stand out. This can lead to bullying or being left out by others. Kids might get teased or not invited to play because of their device.
This can hurt their feelings and make them doubt themselves. Parents and caregivers need to help them deal with this.
Knowing the downsides of CGM for kids helps families and doctors find ways to overcome these issues. This way, the good parts of using CGM can be more important than the bad.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Children with Diabetes
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is key for kids with type 1 diabetes. It shows glucose levels all day and night. This helps kids and their families understand their glucose patterns better. It leads to better control of blood sugar and fewer ups and downs.
CGM has many benefits for kids with diabetes. It makes it easier to check glucose levels from afar. Parents can stay updated on their child’s levels, giving them peace of mind. It also lessens the fear of needles, making life easier for kids.
- Improved glycemic outcomes through better insight into glucose trends
- Fewer glucose fluctuations for more stable blood sugar levels
- Easier remote monitoring to stay informed about your child’s health
- Relief from the discomfort and anxiety of frequent needle pricks
Adding CGM to a child’s diabetes care helps parents be more proactive. They can keep blood sugar levels in check for better health. Thanks to CGM technology, managing diabetes in kids is easier and more empowering for everyone.
CGM in the School Setting
Children with diabetes face unique challenges at school. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices help manage their condition. Schools must follow the Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) and other plans to allow CGM use.
General Guidelines
School nurses and trained staff use CGM as per the DMMP. They check the data and act on alarms. This keeps the child’s glucose levels in check and handles any issues quickly.
Using a CGM in School
CGM devices like the Dexcom G6 or G7, Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3, and Medtronic Guardian 3 or 4 give frequent glucose updates. These updates can be every minute or every five minutes. Even though they might be slower than blood glucose meters, they still give a clear view of glucose levels.
Remote Monitoring
Remote monitoring of the CGM by school nurses or caregivers adds extra supervision. It’s especially helpful for younger students or those needing more support. The decision to use remote monitoring depends on the student’s needs and the school’s setup.
CGM is a key tool for managing diabetes in schools. By following guidelines and using remote monitoring, schools can create a safe space for students with diabetes.
Choosing the Right CGM for Your Child
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can change the game for managing your child’s diabetes. There are many CGM options out there. It’s key to pick the best one for your child’s needs. The Dexcom G6 and G7, Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3, and Medtronic Guardian 3 and 4 are top choices for kids with diabetes.
When picking a CGM, think about the sensor’s wear time, how long it takes to start working, if it works with other devices, and if it lets you adjust insulin doses. Talking with your child’s healthcare provider is crucial to find the right CGM for managing their diabetes.
- The Dexcom G6 and G7 have a sensor that checks glucose levels under the skin for up to 10 days. They offer customizable alerts and a predictive Urgent Low Soon alert.
- The Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3 are flash glucose monitors that can replace traditional blood tests.
- The Medtronic Guardian 3 and 4 give real-time glucose data and work with Medtronic insulin pumps for better diabetes care.
By looking at the best CGM devices for kids and comparing them, you can make sure your child gets the best continuous glucose monitoring. This will help them manage their diabetes effectively and easily.
How Aptiva Medical Can Help You
Aptiva Medical is a trusted healthcare provider for families with children who have diabetes. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals will help you pick and use a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system for your child.
We know the challenges families face with diabetes in kids. That’s why we offer personalized support for you and your child’s health. Our services include:
- Navigating insurance coverage for CGM devices
- Setting up and configuring the CGM system
- Providing comprehensive training on using the CGM technology
- Ongoing support and troubleshooting to ensure your family’s success with the aptiva medical cgm services
At Aptiva Medical, we focus on supporting families using CGM for kids with diabetes. We aim to empower you and your child to manage diabetes well. This reduces the daily stress of glucose monitoring and leads to better health outcomes.
With our expertise and personalized approach, you can count on Aptiva Medical to support you. Contact us today to see how we can help your family with diabetes management.
Conclusion
Continuous glucose monitoring has changed the game for kids with type 1 diabetes. It gives a clear, real-time look at glucose levels. This helps kids and their families keep blood sugar stable, lowers the risk of big swings, and boosts independence.
Choosing the right CGM system is easier with help from experts like Aptiva Medical. This lets families manage diabetes better and live healthier lives. Studies show big improvements in blood sugar control and quality of life with CGM.
More kids with type 1 diabetes will get to enjoy CGM’s benefits as it becomes more popular. This guide highlights the main points to help parents make smart choices. It aims to help kids reach their health goals with continuous glucose monitoring.
