Mastering Time in Range: How a CGM Helps

Managing diabetes means keeping your glucose in a healthy time in range.

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are a key tool to help you stay in range.

The American Diabetes Association suggests aiming for at least 70% of the time with blood sugar between 70 and 180 mg/dL.

CGMs give real-time glucose data, helping you make smarter choices to stay in range more often.

What is a CGM?

• A CGM is a small, wearable device that tracks glucose levels all day.
• It uses a tiny sensor under the skin to check glucose in interstitial fluid, so no finger sticks are needed.
• The sensor sends data to a monitor or smartphone app, showing clear glucose trends.
• For people with type 1 diabetes, CGMs reveal if levels are rising, falling, or stable—offering insights that standard glucose meters can’t match.

How does a CGM help with time in range?

The main goal for people with diabetes is to maintain a good time in range, staying in target glucose levels most of the day.

CGMs make this easier by providing:

1. Real-Time Glucose Data: CGMs deliver constant updates, unlike traditional meters that give single readings. Real-time insights let you act before levels get too high or low—whether that means adjusting insulin or taking a walk after a meal. This proactive approach helps avoid extreme highs (hyperglycemia) and dangerous lows (hypoglycemia).

2. Alerts for Highs and Lows: CGMs feature customizable alarms for glucose levels. These are especially helpful during the night, catching undetected drops and providing early warnings. Alerts help prevent emergencies and keep you in range longer.

According to a study published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, CGM use significantly reduces the time spent in both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, helping individuals stay within their target glucose range longer.

What are the benefits of staying in range?

Maintaining a good time in range offers major benefits for people with diabetes.

1. Reduced Risk of Complications: High blood sugar over time can cause serious issues like heart disease, kidney damage, and vision problems. Using a CGM to stay in range lowers these risks. Research shows even a 10% boost in TIR significantly cuts the risk of long-term complications.

2. Better Quality of Life: Frequent highs and lows are exhausting mentally and physically. Staying in range helps prevent energy crashes, improves sleep, and enhances focus. A Diabetes Care study found CGM users reported better quality of life compared to finger-stick methods.

3. Lower A1C: The A1C test measures average blood sugar over 2–3 months, but it doesn’t capture blood sugar swings. CGMs provide day-to-day glucose trends, complementing A1C data. Studies show regular CGM use helps lower A1C without increasing hypoglycemia risk.

How to effectively use CGM data

To get the most from your CGM, use the data it provides wisely:

1. Focus on glucose trends, not just single numbers: Look for patterns in your glucose levels, like rises after meals or drops during exercise. Spotting these trends helps you fine-tune your diabetes management plan.

2. Pair your CGM with insulin pumps or smart pens: Combining your CGM with insulin pumps or smart insulin pens offers better control. Some CGMs even sync with pumps to adjust insulin doses automatically, boosting your time in range.

Work with your healthcare team

Sharing your CGM data with your healthcare provider lets them see your glucose trends throughout the day.

This allows for more personalized treatment recommendations.

Research from the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism shows using CGM data in diabetes care improves outcomes.

CGMs make staying in range easier

CGMs have revolutionized diabetes care.

With real-time glucose data, alarms for highs and lows, and trend insights, they help people stay in range more often.

Using a CGM lowers the risk of complications, reduces A1C, and boosts quality of life.

It’s a powerful tool that makes managing diabetes simpler, giving you peace of mind to enjoy life fully.

This content was made possible by Abbott, a Founding Partner of Beyond Type 1. Beyond Type 1 maintains editorial control over its content.