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If you do NOT use a CGM, on average how many times per day do you check your blood glucose levels?
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I answered N/A, like most of us here(apparently) I have a CGM. But for the record, I haven’t quite cut the cord on finger sticks. Routinely I do one first thing in the a.m., just to check that my f-s and CGM numbers reasonably match up. That time of day seems to be when they’re most likely to have drifted apart–yay Dawn Phenomenon. Dexcom much better than Medtronic Guardian 3 on this but still a bit of a problem. And the first 24-36 hrs of a new sensor, especially if I haven’t been able to do a “pre-soak,” may get me up to 3-4 finger sticks depending on how erratic it’s being.
Might be a natural follow in this series to do a Q of the Day on how many fingersticks people do who ARE using a CGM.
Follow up questions are a great idea and I like yours. I suggest making it a series of three. The third question could be “If you use a CGM have you reviewed the accuracy table in your CGM user guide and understand the information or have reviewed it with a medical professional who helped you understand.”
I use a CGM, but answered for the days where I run out. If my CGM does not work, or I am waiting on a replacement, I check about 10 times a day. Before I had CGM I probably only checked about 5 times a day.
I use a CGM and STILL check an average of 7 times per day with BG meter because despite the advertising claims, I have yet to find a CGM that is consistently accurate enough to rely on for various tasks including meal Bolus dose calculations.
Currently using Dexcom G6 with tSlim Control IQ, along with Dario BG meter I trust more than Dexcom.
I am curious. Do you routinely check the control glucose solution to be sure the meter is accurate?
I use the Dexcom G6 with my Tandem X2 BIQ pump. I answered 10+ because before CGM (and in the early days of CGM) I was 15-20 fingersticks a day. The usual times (before and after meals, hard exercise, first thing in the morning and before bed) as well as every time I got in my car to drive. I was with first responders too many times where car accidents were caused by impaired driving – and I view not knowing your bg as being impaired. Since I had a major accuracy problem with the glucose monitor covered by insurance, I rely on my Dexcom.
Oops! This was meant as an answer to the number of times I use fingersticks!
My Tandem X2 BIQ with Dexcom G6 combo works well to keep me below 150 about 100% of the time. Even before CGM I would get horrid heartburn at 140 – so I had my own alert system and would do a bg check and nip things in the bud.
Tina, I have been one of the lucky ones who can feel a low coming on… even while sleeping.. T1D 70 years.. age almost 91 years old.
I am using a G7 for 9 days but still check with a finger stick 2xd.
The G7 seems accurate so far than the G6.
I sure hope so !!
Most of the time for me is after meals, especially in the evening. The numbers don’t stay up too long. However, Tandem’s Control IQ usually takes care of it.
My endocrinologist cautioned me to adjust lispro (Humolog) doses based on finger stick readings, not my CGM. My most recent HBA1c was 5.9 using Lantus and Humalog and low carb diet.