Diabetes has hit an all-time high in India, with more than 101 million individuals diagnosed with the chronic illness. According to an ICMR survey, the number has climbed by 44% during the last four years. Living with diabetes requires tracking daily glucose fluctuations, making lifestyle changes, and being aware of potential health risks such as heart and kidney illness.
Fortunately, diabetes care is being revolutionised by advancements in digital health technologies, especially Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) makes it easier and more accurate for people with diabetes to control their disease. Here’s how CGM is redefining diabetes care and offering new hope to millions.

How CGM is revolutionising diabetes management

Professor Partha Kar, National Specialty Advisor on Diabetes for NHS England, highlights that CGM has changed diabetes care greatly, especially when compared to traditional blood glucose monitoring methods. Unlike blood glucose meters (BGM) that provide a one-time reading, CGM devices continuously track glucose levels through a sensor placed on the upper arm, providing readings every minute. “Today, living with diabetes looks very different from what it was 5-10 years ago thanks to innovations in diabetes management like insulin delivery systems and CGM,” says Professor Kar.
This advancement means CGM can give people an overview of their glucose levels, showing their current status, an eight-hour trend, and even a directional arrow indicating where glucose levels are headed.

Better health decisions with real-time data

One of the most important aspects of CGM technology is its capacity to provide real-time data, which can be life-changing for diabetics. CGM gives a more accurate understanding of the various elements that affect glucose levels, including medication, exercise, and diet, by continuously gathering data throughout the day and night. Both patients as well as doctors can use this information to make more informed decisions on treatment and lifestyle modifications.

“Tracking glucose levels helps individuals understand how their body responds to food, physical activity, and other factors,” Prof. Kar says. This continuous feedback is especially useful for those who are at risk of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, as it allows them to take quick action to minimise extreme changes and promote more balanced glycaemic management.

The importance of Time in Range (TIR) in diabetes management

Time in Range (TIR), a new statistic introduced by CGM systems. It measures how long a person’s blood glucose levels remain within a particular range. According to Professor Kar, TIR provides “a personalised view of glycaemic control, capturing dynamic glucose level variations.” Diabetics can lower their risk of issues including nerve damage, retinal disease, and potentially heart disease by maintaining TIR.
A research cited by Professor Kar found that patients with a TIR of greater than 80% were significantly less likely to get infections and require ICU treatment. A 10% decline in TIR can raise the risk of diabetic complications, emphasising the significance of regular monitoring and timely lifestyle and treatment changes.

Convenience and connectivity for better care

Unlike traditional fingerstick testing, CGM systems reduce the need for frequent blood draws, allowing users to live more freely. According to Professor Kar, “millions of people are being freed from the discomfort and inconvenience of routine finger sticks by today’s CGM devices.” The gadget uses a tiny sensor that is placed to the skin to test blood sugar levels. This sensor continuously sends data to a digital ecosystem that can be accessed on smartphones and other devices.
In addition to making monitoring simple, this digital environment offers a means of communication with doctors and nurses.