Tag: Continuous Glucose Monitors

Why Should I Get a CGM?

Why Should I Get a CGM?

February 20, 2023

While today’s glucose meters make things much easier, it can still be a pain to constantly check your blood sugar. What if you had a way to continuously monitor your blood glucose without getting out your meter and test strips all the time? And what if you (or your loved ones) could be alerted to changes? That’s what “continuous glucose monitoring” – or CGM – is all about.

Why should I get a CGM, and what is continuous glucose monitoring? Find out how to get a CGM from EHCS.

When you really look at what continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is all about, it becomes clear why so many people tout their importance in managing their diabetes. First let’s start with defining CGM: A CGM is a small, wearable device that tracks glucose throughout the day and night, notifying you of highs and lows so you can, if needed, act immediately. CGM minimizes the guesswork for better diabetes management. The CGM is made of a sensor and a receiver. The flexible sensor (smaller than a syringe) goes into your skin every couple of weeks, and once it’s in, you won’t feel a thing. The receiver is smaller than a smartphone and lets you see what’s going on with a nifty graph. CGMs often connect to smartphones and tables so that you can access and share info in real-time (this is great for a loved one whose blood sugar you need to monitor regularly). Dexcom created the video below to explain how CGM therapy works:

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What is Continuous Glucose Monitoring?

Continuous glucose monitoring gives you a complete picture of your glucose, showing you where it is going and how fast it’s getting there. People who use a CGM as part of their diabetes management find that CGMs:

  • Can help lower A1C in adults 25+ with type 1 diabetes (when used with insulin regimens, according to a public comment and response by the Washington State Healthcare Authority)

  • Read glucose regularly, which allows the wearer to keep an eye on glucose, catching highs and lows more quickly and identifying trends

  • Alert the wearer to highs and lows more quickly so you can make changes quickly

  • Track data better, which makes life easier for wearers, doctors, parents, etc.

  • Provide better insight into how lifestyle affects diabetes management

While CGM is most often used for people with Type 1 diabetes, many people (especially those using insulin) will find a CGM helpful in managing diabetes. In fact, a recent study conducted at the University of British Columbia found that a CGM helped people with Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes stick to an exercise plan, which helps control their health.

How to get a CGM

Now it’s easy to get started! Just fill out this enrollment form, and our Diabetes Care Advisors (DCAs) will help you with every step of the insurance process. We carry CGMs from the major manufacturers including the Abbott FreeStyle Libre systems, the Dexcom G6 and G7 systems, and the Medtronic Guardian Connect. We work with hundreds of insurances, including Medicare, that cover CGM therapy for those who qualify. Your DCA will determine your benefits and then act on your behalf throughout the insurance authorization process. We will work with you and your healthcare team to ensure you received the best product suited for your specific needs.

For additional information on insurance plans that EHCS accepts, call us at 1-888-344-3434 or email us at dca@myehcs.com. If you’re ready to find out if your insurance covers a CGM, fill out the enrollment form and we’ll get the process started.

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Upgrade your Insulin Pump Before your Benefits Reset!

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Upgrade your Insulin Pump Before your Benefits Reset!

August 18, 2022

The MiniMed™ 770G insulin pump system automatically adjusts background insulin every 5 minutes.** Using real-time glucose readings, the system is able to calculate a personalized amount of insulin to deliver based on CGM.

Medtronic MiniMed™ 770G™ Insulin Pump System

The Medtronic MiniMed™ 770G™ insulin pump system is the technology that adapts to you! Approved for ages 2 and up, this new, FDA-approved system connects directly with a compatible smartphone, allowing you to view sugar trends and insulin delivery on the go.

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The MiniMed™ 770G™ system gives you the flexibility to continue living your life while managing your diabetes! Sometimes referred to as a hybrid closed loop system, it automatically adjusts delivery of basal (background) insulin based on CGM sensor glucose values. This means that the pump gets glucose readings from the CGM automatically, and then delivers a variable rate of insulin 24 hours a day based on your personal needs.** This integrated system – meaning having a pump and a CGM that speak to one another – may help reduce both high and low glucose levels.**

You can even stay up-to-date on your glucose trends and insulin delivery 24/7 using the MiniMed™ Mobile app for iOS and Android. This system adapts to your unique needs, so you can focus on living your life and worrying less about managing your diabetes!

Multiple Features Make Managing Your Diabetes Easier:

  • Data-sharing capability makes virtual and in-person doctor’s appointments easier

  • Smartguard™ Auto Mode helps prevent glucose highs and lows

  • MiniMed™ Mobile App allows you to discreetly check your numbers

  • Carelink™ Connect App brings more peace of mind for care partners

  • Exercise setting may reduce lows during activities

Now may be the best time to upgrade to the 770G system, and get access to Medtronic’s MiniMed™ 780G* software upgrade at no cost, when available. Software upgrades provide the latest pump features without having to switch your physical pump!

*Investigational. Not approved by the FDA for any use and not commercially available in the US. We will let you know as soon as the software upgrade is available with the option to add our future CGM!

**Refers to SmartGuard™ Auto Mode. Some user interaction required. Individual results may vary.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: MINIMED™ 770G SYSTEM WITH SMARTGUARD™ TECHNOLOGY

The MiniMed™ 770G system is intended for continuous delivery of basal insulin (at user selectable rates) and administration of insulin boluses (in user selectable amounts) for the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus in persons two years of age and older requiring insulin as well as for the continuous monitoring and trending of glucose levels in the fluid under the skin. The MiniMed™ 770G System includes SmartGuard™ technology, which can be programmed to automatically adjust delivery of basal insulin based on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor glucose values (SG) and can suspend delivery of insulin when the SG value falls below or is predicted to fall below predefined threshold values.

The Medtronic MiniMed™ 770G System consists of the following devices: MiniMed™ 770G Insulin Pump, the Guardian™ Link (3) Transmitter, the Guardian™ Sensor (3), one-press serter, the Accu-Chek® Guide Link blood glucose meter, and the Accu- Chek®Guide Test Strips. The system requires a prescription.

The Guardian™ Sensor (3) has not been evaluated and is not intended to be used directly for making therapy adjustments, but rather to provide an indication of when a fingerstick may be required. All therapy adjustments should be based on measurements obtained using a blood glucose meter and not on values provided by the Guardian™ Sensor (3).

All therapy adjustments should be based on measurements obtained using the Accu-Chek® Guide Link blood glucose meter and not on values provided by the Guardian™ Sensor (3). Always check the pump display to ensure the glucose result shown agrees with the glucose results shown on the Accu-Chek® Guide Link blood glucose meter. Do not calibrate your CGM device or calculate a bolus using a blood glucose meter result taken from an alternative site. It is not recommended to calibrate your CGM device when sensor or blood glucose values are changing rapidly, e.g., following a meal or physical exercise.

WARNING: Do not use the MiniMed™ 770G system until appropriate training has been received from a healthcare professional. Training is essential to ensure the safe use of the MiniMed™ 770G system.

Pump therapy is not recommended for people whose vision or hearing does not allow recognition of pump signals and alarms. Pump therapy is not recommended for people who are unwilling or unable to maintain contact with their healthcare professional. The safety of the MiniMed™ 770G system has not been studied in pregnant women. For complete details of the system, including product and important safety information such as indications, contraindications, warnings and precautions associated with system and its components, please consult http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/important-safety- information#minimed-770g and the appropriate user guide at http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/download-library. 

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How does continuous glucose monitoring work?

How does continuous glucose monitoring work?

May 05, 2022

Glucose meters tend to make testing easier, but it can still be painful to constantly prick fingers for testing, especially for high-frequency testers. Now, there is a way to avoid unnecessary fingersticks: continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). A CGM captures your blood sugar levels and shows whether it is increasing, decreasing, or remaining steady.

how does continuous glucose monitoring work, how do cgms work

If you’re wondering how continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) helps you gain better control of your diabetes, you’re in the right place! The ability to identify trends in your blood glucose levels is a critical piece of diabetes management and will help you make informed decisions to prevent lows, extreme highs, and erratic blood sugars. This additional information also helps you better understand how insulin, food, exercise, and other variables affect glucose values. View our top brands of CGMs!

How Does A CGM Work?

A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) generally consists of a sensor, transmitter, and receiver. With most CGMs, users wear a small sensor on top the skin that they replace every couple of weeks. The sensor reads the user’s interstitial fluid to detect glucose levels, and the attached transmitter sends the sensor’s readings to the receiver or smartphone app (and in some cases, smartwatch). This makes it easy for the user to see their blood sugar data at any time. The user can also easily download and share the data with their healthcare team so that they fine-tune their diabetes treatment.

how does continuous glucose monitoring work, how do cgms work

A new implantable CGM system called Eversense E3 works a little differently than traditional CGMs. The Eversense E3 sensor lasts 180 (!) days and is inserted via a quick in-office procedure. You’ll wear a transmitter over the insertion location, which will send your glucose readings to an app on your smartphone. If you’re interested in Eversense E3, talk to your endocrinologist first to determine the best way to get started.

Studies show that CGMs can reduce A1C levels, provide better glycemic control, and supply physicians with more data to make better-informed treatment decisions.

Have you been approved for a CGM?

Apply Today

Benefits of a CGM

Know your readings with zero routine fingersticks and no calibration

Shows real-time glucose readings to constant monitoring

Helps lower A1C and reduce hypoglycemic incidents

Provides insights for better diabetes management

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Benefits of the Guardian Connect System

Benefits of the Guardian Connect System

April 06, 2022

Are you looking for a way to help outsmart your diabetes? Medtronic Guardian™ Connect CGM is the answer!

The Guardian™ Connect system is the first and only standalone Smart* Continuous Glucose Monitoring system that can predict high and low sensor glucose events up to 60 minutes in advance.

benefits of the guardian connect, why use a Medtronic cgm

If you’re wondering how continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) helps you gain better control of your diabetes, you’re in the right place! The ability to identify trends in your blood glucose levels is a critical piece of diabetes management and will help you make informed decisions to prevent lows, extreme highs, and erratic blood sugars. This additional information also helps you better understand how insulin, food, exercise, and other variables affect glucose values. View our top brands of CGMs!

The Guardian™ Connect system is the only CGM system with customizable predictive alerts that help you avoid both highs and lows. Using smart technology to predict where your glucose levels are headed, the system can alert you from 10 to 60 minutes before a high or low.

Exclusively available to patients using the Guardian™ Connect system, the Sugar.IQ™ diabetes assistant app (currently only available on iOS) analyzes how glucose levels react to food, exercise, and insulin. Together, the Guardian™ Connect system and the Sugar.IQ™ app turn hidden patterns into personalized insights that can help you make smarter diabetes decisions.1

benefits of the guardian connect, why use a Medtronic cgm

Have you been approved for a CGM?

Apply Today

Know your readings with zero routine fingersticks and no calibration

Shows real-time glucose readings to constant monitoring

Helps lower A1C and reduce hypoglycemic incidents

Provides insights for better diabetes management

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Diabetes Complications You Should Know

Diabetes Complications You Should Know

March 14, 2022

Diabetes can affect your entire body, and over many years, it can lead to complications. High blood glucose levels can damage your eyes, the nerves in your feet and legs, and your blood vessels. Keeping your blood glucose as close to normal as possible can lower your risk for complications. Getting regular check-ups help find complications early.

Eyes

The retina is in the back of your eye and works like film in an old camera. It allows light to form a picture that is then sent to your brain. Your retina has many tiny, fragile blood vessels, and high blood glucose causes the blood vessel walls to weaken, making it harder to see. Because damage to your eyes is not always noticeable, it is recommended that people with diabetes have their eyes dilated and checked once a year. Finding the damage early can lower chances of losing your vision.

Feet/Legs

High blood glucose levels can cause damage to your nerves. This tends to happen most often in the feet or the legs, because these nerves are the longest in the body and the farthest from your spine. Because diabetes affects blood flow, sores or infections can take longer to heal. It’s always better to prevent problems than treating them.

Heart

Diabetes can damage blood vessels that flow to your heart and brain. People with diabetes are twice as likely to die of heart disease as people without diabetes. The good news is that you can lower your risk by meeting the following targets:

  • Blood pressure less than 140/80 mmHG

  • Total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL or less

  • Having body mass index (BMI) of 30 or less

  • Getting 30 minutes of exercise, 3-5 times per week

  • Not smoking

Can Diabetes Complications be Prevented?

Although you need to be aware of diabetes complications, there is good news. Most complications are linked with high blood glucose levels over time, so you can lower your risk by keeping blood glucose levels as close to normal. Being aware of the symptoms can help you get the treatment you need in time and avoid serious complications. The more you know, the more you can do to have a longer, healthier future. Wearing a continuous glucose monitor can help. Learn More About Continuous Glucose Monitors.

Have you been approved for a CGM?

Apply Today
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Improve Time in Range with Dexcom G6 CGM

Improve Time in Range with Dexcom G6 CGM

August 06, 2021

If you’re managing your diabetes with a blood glucose meter (BGM), you may think you have everything under control. But BGM only provides information about a single moment in time, leaving you without the ability to identify trends that can help you improve your “time in range” — the time you spend in your ideal blood glucose range.

Dexcom G6 CGM

Eyes

The retina is in the back of your eye and works like film in an old camera. It allows light to form a picture that is then sent to your brain. Your retina has many tiny, fragile blood vessels, and high blood glucose causes the blood vessel walls to weaken, making it harder to see. Because damage to your eyes is not always noticeable, it is recommended that people with diabetes have their eyes dilated and checked once a year. Finding the damage early can lower chances of losing your vision.

Have you been approved for a CGM?

Apply Today
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Know Your ABCs for Better Diabetes Management

Know Your ABCs for Better Diabetes Management

September 01, 2020

Diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. By keeping your blood glucose close to normal levels, you can reduce your risk and/or avoid any potential life-threatening complication associated with diabetes.

The key is to know and understand your diabetes ABCs.

Eyes

The retina is in the back of your eye and works like film in an old camera. It allows light to form a picture that is then sent to your brain. Your retina has many tiny, fragile blood vessels, and high blood glucose causes the blood vessel walls to weaken, making it harder to see. Because damage to your eyes is not always noticeable, it is recommended that people with diabetes have their eyes dilated and checked once a year. Finding the damage early can lower chances of losing your vision.

B is for Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood flow in your blood vessels. High blood pressure can make your heart work too hard and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, eye problems, and kidney disease.

Your blood pressure goal should be below 140/90 unless your doctor helps you set a different goal.

C is for Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your body’s cells. HDL (good) cholesterol can help to protect your health. LDL (bad) cholesterol can clog your blood vessels and lead to heart disease.

Ask your health care team what your cholesterol numbers should be.

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What is a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)?

What is a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)?

July 20, 2020

A CGM system is a small, wearable device that measures glucose levels throughout the day and night, providing measurements ever few minutes and creating trend lines 24/7. The device works by inserting a sensor under the skin, which is doable at home. The constant stream of information gives you vital information to use when making decisions about how to manage your blood sugar.

If you’re wondering how continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) helps you gain better control of your diabetes, you’re in the right place! The ability to identify trends in your blood glucose levels is a critical piece of diabetes management and will help you make informed decisions to prevent lows, extreme highs, and erratic blood sugars. This additional information also helps you better understand how insulin, food, exercise, and other variables affect glucose values. View our top brands of CGMs!

Have you been approved for a CGM?

Apply Today

Benefits of a CGM

We carry many name brand CGMs. Select each cgm below to learn more.

Know your readings with zero routine fingersticks and no calibration

Shows real-time glucose readings to constant monitoring

Helps lower A1C and reduce hypoglycemic incidents

Provides insights for better diabetes management

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Available Now: Dexcom G6 Covered by Medicare

Available Now: Dexcom G6 Covered by Medicare

July 06, 2019

Always know your glucose number and where it’s headed with The Dexcom G6® therapeutic continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) System! Now, this system is covered under Medicare for people with diabetes on intensive insulin therapy who meet the eligibility criteria.

dexcom g6 covered by medicare, dexcom cgm with medicare, dexcom g6 for beneficiaries

Eyes

The retina is in the back of your eye and works like film in an old camera. It allows light to form a picture that is then sent to your brain. Your retina has many tiny, fragile blood vessels, and high blood glucose causes the blood vessel walls to weaken, making it harder to see. Because damage to your eyes is not always noticeable, it is recommended that people with diabetes have their eyes dilated and checked once a year. Finding the damage early can lower chances of losing your vision.

Have you been approved for a CGM?

Apply Today
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