The Impact of CGM Technology on Diabetes Care
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is a game-changer in diabetes management, improving patient care and serving as an asset in connected care programs. In a recent interview, Mozzaz's CEO, Rini Gahir, delved into the pivotal advancements in CGM technology and its profound impact on diabetes care, with a network of over 20,000 patients utilizing connected CGM devices on the Mozzaz Platform.
The Evolution Of Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Introduced in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a progressive alternative to traditional self-monitoring methods involving painful finger sticks, Continuous Glucose Monitoring has evolved into a cornerstone of diabetes care. Rini highlighted, "With CGM, patients usually undergo just one needle prick during device attachment, and additional finger sticks are necessary only if symptoms or expectations deviate from readings. This eliminates the need for multiple daily blood sugar tests, as these devices continuously monitor glucose levels."
However, the early CGM devices posed challenges, being large, cumbersome, and difficult to interpret. Rini pointed out, "The second- and third generation CGM devices available today are distinctly different. Device makers have simplified sensor attachments, reduced device size for enhanced wearability, and improved connectivity for seamless data collection."
Leading the forefront of digital health, Mozzaz seamlessly integrates today's leading CGM systems, including Dexcom and FreeStyle Libre, into our cutting-edge digital health platform. These CGM systems, significantly smaller in size, ensure comfortable wear for up to 14 days, and their seamless data streaming eliminates the need for periodic scanning, providing real-time insights. Not only are these systems more accurate and require less frequent calibration, but when harmonized with additional connected health devices like digital weight scales and pulse oximeters, they offer a comprehensive overview of patient health. This wealth of data is meticulously curated within the Mozzaz Portal, empowering clinicians to review, be promptly alerted to patient well-being, and take preventive action with precision and care.
Stepping away from the conventional clinical setting and delving into the daily lives of your patients, our approach involves providing valuable insights on their time spent within target ranges. This includes correlations with their activities or dietary choices, all accessible through dedicated patient smartphone or tablet applications. This not only informs patients but also empowers them, enabling active participation in their health decisions. The aim is to keep patients well-informed and in control of their health choices.
CGM Devices
Utilizing a thin monofilament inserted under the skin and a sensor to measure interstitial fluid glucose levels, CGM devices, connected to the Mozzaz Platform, eliminate the need for painful finger pricks and test strips. The data collected offers real-time alerts and detailed visualizations of blood glucose patterns.
Rini emphasized, "This represents a significant departure from traditional glucose monitoring, providing a single data point after a painful and inconvenient collection process. Traditional monitoring fails to provide timely alerts for hypo- or hyper-glycemic states, making continuous data collection challenging."
Benefits Of CGM Technology
With over 20,000 patients using connected CGM devices on the Mozzaz Platform, we provide a holistic view of patient’s health, enabling care workers and patients to correlate outcomes with various health factors like food choices, exercise, stress, weight, medication and more. This continuous feedback empowers patients to make informed decisions, resulting in improved blood glucose control, reduced HbA1c levels, and decreased healthcare expenses.
Studies conducted with CGM devices consistently demonstrate reduced A1C levels, improved quality of life, and increased time in target blood glucose ranges for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes populations. Additionally, these devices reduce the risk of chronic complications such as lower extremity amputations, kidney disease, and eye disease.
Rini emphasized that the benefits of CGM are not restricted to specific patient populations. Research indicates that everyone, regardless of age or health literacy, can benefit from CGM technology. Providers are encouraged not to rule out any patients as potential candidates for these devices.
From a medical perspective, CGM and digital health innovations like the Mozzaz Platform have simplified diabetes management for both providers and patients. Near real-time data and trend analysis empower providers to make personalized treatment decisions, leading to better glucose control and fewer long-term health problems. This collaborative approach between clinicians and patients facilitated by Mozzaz's Platform ensures optimal outcomes in diabetes care.