Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) offers a patient life-changing diabetes and health support

November is American Diabetes Month. Read on to understand the impact a CGM device has had on the whole health of a patient with diabetes.

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a wearable, blood glucose tracking device that offers patients like Deborah Horn 24/7 support for their Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes management. Since Horn started wearing her Dexcom G7 device the fall of 2024 from the IU Health Home Care Continuous Glucose team, she’s found the device to be “life altering in a good, healthy way,” for her diabetes and general health.

“That is no exaggeration at all,” says Horn. “It's like having a doctor that you carry around on your arm 24/7. I cannot tell you how much it has helped me to gain control of my diabetes. The device is worth its weight in gold.”

The device uses a small sensor placed under a patient’s skin to continuously track blood glucose levels compared to the alternative, scheduled, manual checks via a glucose meter. Patients get real-time alerts for rapid blood sugar level fluctuations or deviations from their target range so they can mitigate accordingly. Mike Teague, MD, primary care physician, considers CGM usage a vital part of patient-centered and evidence-based care for diabetics.

“Having the ability to check blood sugar values as much as is desired without the hassle of pricking a finger and dealing with the multiple implements that one must have on hand to do so is a game changer for living with the disease process,” says Teague. “The more that patients are willing and able to check their blood sugars with diabetes, the better their long-term outcomes have been in multiple medical studies.”

Diabetes management isn’t the only win Horn has experienced through her CGM. She’s had more energy, better blood pressure and has even seen the condition of her skin and vision improve. Proper nutrition and portion control have a big influence on diabetes management via CGM, too, which in turn has led to weight loss wins for Horn. The care and attention she’s received from her team has been beneficial, as well.

“I love my CGM and equally love the customer service I experience,” says Horn. “It’s an awesome team of people who really care about their customers and want their customers to feel at ease in using their product. From ordering replacement supplies to resolving any issues that might arise, they make it easy answering questions, giving tips and checking and double checking that they have addressed any and all concerns. They take their time and never make you feel rushed on the phone. By the time you hang up, you feel you have a friend there who cares about you and you are not just a number.”

Her care team, which includes her physician, diabetes educator and IU Health Home Care CGM customer service team have been with her through every step and every win of her CGM journey.

“What was amazing to me was that it didn't take much to learn and use. It wasn't a chore. It was easy, peasy,” says Horn. “It doesn't run my life. It helps my life. It has been an answer to a big prayer for me. I told my family, if I pass away, you leave that sensor there on my arm. They are not to remove my button. It has been with me on this journey.”

Learn more

Understand continuous glucose monitor options and how IU Health Home Care supports a patient’s journey here.