My Favorite CGM Feature: High and Low Predictive Alerts

As a busy wife, mother, and student, MiniMed Ambassador Alexis, gives some credit of her successful diabetes management to her insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor (CGM). While insulin pump therapy changed her diabetes management, starting on CGM took her management to another level. Alexis shares her favorite CGM feature – High and Low Predictive alerts, and how it plays a role in her diabetes management.

As a person with diabetes, I believe that there are many advantages to using a MiniMed CGM. I usually can’t say enough good things about it, and often think how lost I felt at times prior to using one. Although there are many great features of the CGM, the feature I personally value the most is High and Low Predictive alerts. Predictive alerts provide you with a warning that your glucose is trending towards your set high and low glucose limits 5-30 minutes before you reach these limits. With Predictive alerts, you can be made aware of potential highs and lows even before they occur.

I was diagnosed with type 1diabetes in March of 2012, at the age of 28. At the time, I was a stay at home mother with a two and a half-year-old and one-year-old. I struggled internally with the need to take care of two babies while learning about my diabetes and how to manage it. I admit, I frequently felt guilty to stop and check my blood sugar, although checking frequently gave me some peace of mind. On top of that, I have always been an active person. However, after my diagnosis, my activity fell by the wayside. The fear of going too low or too high during exercise or handiwork around the house kept me from enjoying these activities in my life.

Since I began using a CGM a year and a half ago, I have been able to streamline my blood sugars for the most part. I am no longer consumed with worry about needing to check my blood sugar every 15 minutes. High and Low Predictive alerts have afforded me the freedom and peace of mind, especially at night while I’m sleeping. My pump is able to alert me when my sensor glucose reaches or goes above my set low or high glucose limits, waking me up to check my BG and treat the high or low.

When I’m playing with my children, whether it’s in the front yard playing tag or teaching them how to do somersaults and cartwheels, I have little time to stop and check my blood sugar. It’s a relief I can fully be in the moment while playing with them, and take a break if my Predictive alert sounds off. If my Low Predictive alert sounds, we stop so I can check my BG, have a snack if needed, and get back to our games without a hitch.

I also do a lot of experimenting with regard to exercise. The High and Low Predictive alerts have been an essential component of this. Because of the alerts, I know when a low is coming on and can take a break to correct. However, I am also alerted when my blood sugar is rising after lengthy intense exercise. It has helped me determine which exercises and duration of exercise raise my blood sugar, helping me refine my exercise regimen.

In addition to being a mother and wife, I am also a medical student, spending a fair amount of time walking around campus, meeting with professors, sitting in lectures, and working in the laboratory. High and Low Predictive alerts have on more than one occasion prevented a potential blood sugar disaster while on campus. Recently, I had been preoccupied an entire morning preparing for an exam, and in the middle of taking the test, my Low Predictive alert went off. I was able to immediately check my BG, and treat the low without causing further interruption or possible cancellation of my exam (I passed that exam with flying colors by the way!).

Ultimately, I am so thankful for the Predictive alerts on my CGM. I feel I can now play freely with my kids outside, do yard work, and even sit in class without the kind of worry I used to experience. Managing my diabetes doesn’t have to involve constant worry and inconvenience other important things in my life.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

– Medtronic Diabetes insulin infusion pumps, continuous glucose monitoring systems and associated components are limited to sale by or on the order of a physician and should only be used under the direction of a healthcare professional familiar with the risks associated with the use of these systems.

– Successful operation of the insulin infusion pumps and/or continuous glucose monitoring systems requires adequate vision and hearing to recognize alerts and alarms.

Medtronic Diabetes Insulin Infusion Pumps

– Insulin pump therapy is not recommended for individuals who are unable or unwilling to perform a minimum of four blood glucose tests per day.

– Insulin pumps use rapid-acting insulin. If your insulin delivery is interrupted for any reason, you must be prepared to replace the missed insulin immediately.

Medtronic Diabetes Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems

– The information provided by CGM systems is intended to supplement, not replace, blood glucose information obtained using a home glucose meter. A confirmatory fingerstick is required prior to treatment.

– Insertion of a glucose sensor may cause bleeding or irritation at the insertion site. Consult a physician immediately if you experience significant pain or if you suspect that the site is infected.

For more information, please visit http://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/important-safety-information.

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