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Blood sugar monitoring for type 1 diabetics
Manage your diabetes with confidence by monitoring your blood sugar
Careful glucose monitoring is key to controlling blood sugar levels, maintaining health and reducing the complications of diabetes. The expert professionals at The London Diabetes Centre offer the very latest technologies and treatments for diabetes. The multidisciplinary team can recommend an up-to-date device or recommend a continuous glucose monitor, so that you can actively manage your diabetes simply and with confidence.
The latest technology for accurate blood sugar monitoring
Regular glucose testing will help you learn how food, stress, exercise and other factors affect your sugar levels. This can help you and your specialist team adjust treatment, plan meals and keep your diabetes under control.
Technology is making understanding and analysing glucose readings much easier. Apps on smartphones or watches can help you keep an eye on your glucose trends. The London Diabetes Centre also encourages patients to work with the diabetes team to improve their control, by sharing glucose readings using Diasend, a web-based diabetes management system.
Should you just monitor your own blood sugar levels?
In addition to monitoring your own blood sugar levels, the specialist diabetes team at The London Diabetes Centre will arrange an HbA1c blood test every three to six months. It provides a picture of what your average blood glucose has been over the previous few months. The test is always available in our clinic, with results ready in less than ten minutes. The team aim for a result of below 6.5%, a level that will protect your health and reduce the risk of diabetes complications.
What is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)?
Continuous glucose monitoring or CGM uses an implanted device to automatically monitor the blood sugar levels, every few minutes, 24 hours a day. Finger prick tests provide a snap-shot of your blood glucose levels. Nobody enjoys finger prick tests done as many as 8-10 times a day. The information is difficult to interpret in relation to food intake or exercise. With hundreds of glucose measurements per day CGM offers a fuller picture, even when you’re asleep.
What does the London Diabetes Centre offer for CGM blood sugar monitoring?
The London Diabetes Centre has access to a full range of manufacturers and sensors. As well as encouraging you to take on your own research (for example looking at glucose monitor reviews), the experienced diabetes specialist nurses can help you choose the one that best suits your personal lifestyle and preferences. The Guardian Connect, Abbott Navigator, Dexcom G5, Medtrum A6 can all make monitoring your glucose and managing your diabetes easier. Research suggests that using a CGM can help reduce your Hba1c without the risk of hypoglycaemia.
Flash glucose monitoring is also possible with the FreeStyle Libre system. A smartphone app can scan the sensor and show how your sugar levels are changing over time. Unlike the CGM system, there is no alarm to highlight hypos or hypers, however it can be a cost-effective option.
Are implantable blood sugar monitors available?
The diabetes specialists at The London Diabetes Centre can prescribe and implant the revolutionary Eversense monitor, the only long-term implantable device available. It provides continuous blood glucose monitoring for up to six months via an implantable sensor, a removable and rechargeable smart transmitter, and a convenient app for real-time diabetes monitoring and management.
Support Plans
Looking to speak with a member of our team?
Carol Willis - Diabetes Clinic Facilitator
If you couldn’t find what you were looking for today, feel free to give us a call at 0800 048 3330 and ask Carol and her team. Alternatively, just fill in this form and someone will get in touch with you promptly. By using this form, you are consenting to the storage and handling of the data contained in the form by our team.