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Continuous glucose monitoring uses a glucose sensor (contained in a small needle) to determine the level of glucose in the interstial fluid, found between cells under the skin. The sensor wirelessly transmits results to a small recording device (the size of a pager or cell phone), which can be worn on the clothing, carried in a purse, or placed within a short distance of the sensor (e.g.: a bedside table). The sensor records and displays the blood glucose level every few minutes, allowing the patient to observe the trend of their blood glucose levels. The receiver can also be set to alarm if the blood glucose level is above or below a pre-set level, which can be especially helpful for patients who cannot feel when they have low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).
The sensor must be removed and reinserted in a different area every few days. Patients must continue to measure blood glucose levels with a traditional monitor several times daily to ensure that the continuous monitor is correctly calibrated.
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