Published: October 28, 2009 09:35 pm         

Program on continuous glucose monitoring set

PARIS, IL — For patients or families of patients with diabetes, glucose monitoring is an important aspect of proper care. In today’s rapidly changing world of technology, though, glucose monitoring is making a name for itself.

With this idea in mind, Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center will stage the diabetes informational event “Understanding Continuous Glucose Monitoring” at 7 p.m. Nov. 5 in the Visiting Specialty Clinic.

The program will be presented by Jen Menser from Medtronic Diabetes. Menser, who has been involved in diabetes education for nine years, will discuss two continuous glucose monitoring products that can be used by patients.

The event will be hosted by Debbie Griffin, certified diabetes educator and clinical director of the Diabetes Education Program.

Registration is due by Tuesday at (217) 465-2606 (or toll free 1-866-465-2606), Ext. 228.

According to Griffin, “Continuous glucose monitoring is fairly new and may be unknown to many diabetic patients, although they are aware of glucose monitoring.”

Monitoring the glucose (blood sugar) of a patient helps him/her to manage the disease, therefore avoiding many related problems. For example, the patient can use the results of glucose monitoring to make decisions about food, physical activity and medications.

Monitoring is usually done by pricking a fingertip to get a blood sample and then measuring the glucose level of the blood with a meter. In the past few years, however, several companies have developed the process and equipment for continuous glucose monitoring. This process uses a tiny sensor inserted under the skin to check glucose levels in tissue fluid. The monitor sensor must be replaced after several days. Glucose levels are sent by radio waves to a wireless monitor, which the patient must program. Standard blood glucose meters should be used to confirm glucose levels with a meter before making a change in treatment.

Menser will discuss both the Guardian, used by a patient who needs to see his/her blood sugars constantly because of being on diet/exercise, oral hypoglycemics or insulin, and the Paradigm, a product that reads the blood glucose levels directly to the insulin pump, which sounds an alarm when the patient’s level is a concern. Medtronic has been in the diabetes care business for more than 25 years and has marketed continuous glucose monitoring for more than 14 years.

The program will provide patients and their families the opportunity to learn more about this process.

Refreshments and door prizes will be available during the program. In addition, both Menser and Griffin will be on hand to answer questions following the presentation.