Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has revolutionized the way individuals with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. By providing real-time data on glucose levels, CGM devices allow users to make informed decisions about their diet, exercise, and insulin dosing. However, one common issue that CGM users may encounter is compression lows.
Compression lows occur when pressure is applied to the sensor site, causing inaccurate readings of blood sugar levels. This can happen when wearing tight clothing, sleeping on the sensor site, or even just leaning on the sensor while sitting or lying down. When a compression low occurs, the CGM may display a falsely low reading, leading the user to believe that their blood sugar is dropping dangerously low when it is actually stable.
Understanding compression lows is important for CGM users to ensure they are making informed decisions about their diabetes management. Here are some tips for recognizing and preventing compression lows:
1. Recognize the signs: If you notice that your CGM is displaying a sudden drop in blood sugar levels that does not match how you are feeling, it may be a compression low. Symptoms of a compression low can include dizziness, confusion, sweating, and hunger.
2. Check the sensor site: If you suspect a compression low, check the sensor site for any signs of pressure or irritation. If you see any redness or indentations, it is likely that the sensor is being compressed.
3. Take action: If you suspect a compression low, it is important to take action to prevent any potential hypoglycemic episodes. Check your blood sugar levels with a fingerstick test to confirm the accuracy of the CGM reading. If your blood sugar levels are actually stable, try moving the sensor to a different location or adjusting your clothing to relieve pressure on the sensor site.
4. Preventing compression lows: To prevent compression lows from occurring in the future, be mindful of how you are positioning your body in relation to the sensor site. Avoid sleeping on the sensor site or wearing tight clothing that may put pressure on the sensor. Additionally, consider using a protective barrier such as a patch or tape to help secure the sensor in place and prevent it from being compressed.
By understanding compression lows and taking proactive steps to prevent them, CGM users can ensure that they are getting accurate and reliable data on their blood sugar levels. If you continue to experience frequent compression lows despite these efforts, consult with your healthcare provider or diabetes educator for further guidance and support.
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- Source: Plato Data Intelligence.
- Source: https://renal.platohealth.ai/got-a-cgm-do-you-know-about-compression-lows/