Tuesday, March 29, 2011
For Part 1, read here.
The next two themes presented at the course that I would like to discuss are medication safety and the artificial pancreas.
3. Medication Safety. There were several presentations in regard to the different classes of pharmaceutical agents used to treat type 2 ...
I've been using a CGM now for 6 months and it makes a tremendous difference. Where I used to think that a PP BG under 200 was about the best I could do, with a low-carb diet and the CGM, I'm finding I can stay under 120 for the most part, and rarely go over 140 (which is what the AACE recommends). The reason is that I can take a peek at the CGM at any time, and see whether my BG is rising, and correct if necessary (I'm also on the pump), whereas before, I had no way of knowing. Same thing for lows. It's the trends that are so meaningful. I peek fairly frequently, because it's easy -- no hassle.
I also think it would be a godsend for parents of small children who cannot report their highs or lows. Again, because it can be checked frequently without upsetting the child (if you can catch him/her!). I just hope insurance companies will see the value of this device and be more liberal in paying for it!
Natalie: Thanks for your comments. The key with kids is to get them to actually wear the CGM! Of course, this is more of a problem with my teenagers. We do try very hard to write letters of medical necessity to get the insurance companies to cover the CGM and have been usually successful!
DRC