Continuous glucose monitoring has left the station: are you onboard?

Abstract

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a new technology that is poised to dramatically alter the practice of managing diabetes in the near future. To understand the potential utility of CGM in clinical practice, the goal for monitoring glucose must be redefined. Is obtaining a mere snapshot of the current blood glucose level a satisfactory goal? This differs substantially from a more comprehensive assessment of the patient's current (and immediate future) glycemic status that could be gained through real-time continuous monitoring. The diabetes educator will play a critical role in introducing and implementing the next generation of real-time CGM systems.