I had the opportunity to read Gary Scheiner’s CGM Data Analysis article in January’s 2020 ADCES in Practice magazine. He discussed how to navigate interpreting CGM reports and what to look for when doing so.
Some of the highlights and take away messages include:
Review 2 weeks of data
Review AGP report to note time in range; above range and below range
Review day to day variability using spaghetti graphs
Gary also encouraged HCP to not feel intimidated by the data, but rather spark curiosity that will help the PWD better understand behaviors and outcomes. Some examples would include: when are they taking insulin in comparison to food intake; if their correction boluses are effective; are they always correcting which signals adjustments beforehand and are they making corrections in the middle of the night and unless they were on an insulin pump, one would not know that information without a discussion.
It is important to note that the interpretations should prompt conversations with the PWD especially as the data relates to their medications, activity and food intake.
In my practice of pediatric endocrinology, we try to encourage families to interpret their data and eventually make small changes at a time until they notice improvements in glycemic control.
CGM has helped revolutionize diabetes self-management as well as have significant data to enlighten the provider’s direction. I’m happy to say Bye-Bye logbooks for those using diabetes technology.
Thank you ADCES Danatech.org for the support. And Thanks Gary for taking the time to write about this important technology.
Margaret Pellizzari, MBA, MS, RN, CDE, CDTC, FAADE
Immediate Past NYS CB Chair, Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists
Diabetes Program Manager
Assistant Nurse Manager
Pediatric Endocrinology
Cohen Children’s Medical Center of NY
1991 Marcus Avenue, Suite M100
Lake Success, NY 11042
Tel: (516) 472-3762
Fax (516) 328-1702