Reposted from my personal blog at www.scottmindeaux.com

So as a Type II Diabetic, I need to take multiple blood sugar readings throughout the day. This means pricking my fingers several times a day. After a few days, you end up with sore fingers!

Well today I’m testing out a new blood sugar monitoring device. I doesn’t take away the finger pricking entirely, but it does reduce it significantly. The device also monitors and records 24/7 for 7 days. This data will allow me to see trends in my glucose levels rather than just reference points. I’m testing the unit out for two weeks.

The device works by placing a sensor on your abdomen or lower back or upper arm. It doesn’t work on blood, it places a sensor into the interstitial fat layer under the skin. You still have to do finger sticking to calibrate a “blood” reading against  the “interstitial fat” reading. Once the unit is calibrated, the transmitter works for 7 days. The system may ask for additional finger stick readings to get a more accurate reading. Over time, the finger sticking will lessen. The sensor is inserted into the skin by a needle that threads a wire sensor under the skin. Since tonight was my first time doing it, it took my 15 minutes to get the strength to needle myself. When the moment came, it wasn’t so bad. Not any worse than when I have to lance my fingertips.

I found a video on YouTube about Continuous Glucose Monitoring…it’s got alot of information.