How should clinicians use CGM data when readings are abnormal?

How should clinicians use CGM data when readings are abnormal?

• A. Rely on absolute CGM value only.
• B. Do not confirm with SMBG.
• C. Use trend and confirm with SMBG when readings are abnormal.
• D. Ignore CGM data.

Answer: (C)

The important point is that CGM provides both a current value and a trend, but the number alone isn’t enough to guide therapy. Sensor readings can be off due to calibration issues, lag between interstitial and blood glucose, or temporary sensor error, so acting on a single abnormal CGM value can be misleading. Using the trend information helps you see where glucose is headed—whether it’s rising or falling and how quickly—so you can anticipate changes. Before making a treatment decision, confirm the abnormal CGM reading with a fingerstick blood glucose (SMBG). If SMBG matches the abnormal value, you have a solid basis to adjust therapy. If SMBG does not confirm, reassess the CGM reading and sensor status rather than changing treatment based on a possibly inaccurate CGM value. This approach balances the benefits of continuous data with the reliability of a confirmatory blood glucose check, reducing the risk of unnecessary or inappropriate actions.

The important point is that CGM provides both a current value and a trend, but the number alone isn’t enough to guide therapy. Sensor readings can be off due to calibration issues, lag between interstitial and blood glucose, or temporary sensor error, so acting on a single abnormal CGM value can be misleading.

Using the trend information helps you see where glucose is headed—whether it’s rising or falling and how quickly—so you can anticipate changes. Before making a treatment decision, confirm the abnormal CGM reading with a fingerstick blood glucose (SMBG). If SMBG matches the abnormal value, you have a solid basis to adjust therapy. If SMBG does not confirm, reassess the CGM reading and sensor status rather than changing treatment based on a possibly inaccurate CGM value.

This approach balances the benefits of continuous data with the reliability of a confirmatory blood glucose check, reducing the risk of unnecessary or inappropriate actions.