Did you know Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) revolutionized diabetes care for T1D families when they first hit the market in the early 2000s?

This groundbreaking technology transformed diabetes management by enabling real-time glucose level tracking.

These tiny, wearable devices have since transformed the daily management of type 1 diabetes, offering invaluable data that helps prevent dangerous highs and lows and allowing for more precise and personalized care.

While CGMs have undoubtedly advanced diabetes care, they also come with certain challenges that can lead to fatigue, worry, and exhaustion for many T1D families.

Our family has experienced these hurdles firsthand, and while we’re incredibly grateful for the technological advancements, it’s important to acknowledge the difficulties that CGMs sometimes present.

In this post, we’ll explore six practical, supportive strategies to help type 1 diabetes caregivers and their loved ones overcome CGM fatigue.

These tips will help ensure you continue to benefit from this incredible technology with a positive and empowered mindset.

Tip #1: Work with your health care provider to ensure your CGM is set up accurately

One of the most crucial steps in managing type 1 diabetes with a CGM is ensuring the device is set up accurately. Working closely with your health care provider can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of your child’s CGM.

Your trusted health care provider can calibrate the device properly, ensuring that the readings are as precise as possible.

Accurate setup reduces the risk of false alarms and incorrect data, which can be incredibly stressful and lead to unnecessary worry.

By taking the time to get your child’s CGM set up correctly, you’re laying a strong foundation to ensure this tool supports, rather than hinders, your family’s diabetes journey.

Additionally, having an accurately set up CGM means you’re more likely to trust the data it provides, giving you greater peace of mind.

This trust is essential, as it allows you to make informed decisions about your child’s care without second-guessing the information.

Regular check-ins with your health care provider can help you stay on top of any updates or adjustments needed, ensuring your CGM continues to work optimally.

Tip #2: Choose specific times to check CGM readings

It’s amazing to think that, depending on the CGM device, glucose levels can be updated in real-time every 1-5 minutes! This constant stream of accurate data is invaluable for tracking trends and making timely adjustments.

However, it’s easy to become overly focused on these readings. As a T1D caregiver, I used to constantly check my husband’s glucose levels through the Dexcom Follow app, which left me feeling on edge and anxious throughout the day.

To find a healthier balance, I now check his readings at specific times, such as first thing in the morning, before meals, an hour after eating, before exercise, and before bed.

This approach helps our family stay present and reduce anxiety, while still ensuring glucose levels are well-managed.

Depending on the age and needs of your T1D warrior, you may need to check more often, and that’s completely okay. The key is to tune into your family’s needs and approach CGM readings with greater intention.

Additionally, your doctor is a great resource to help you understand how often to check CGM data.

So, together let’s begin to reflect on our current CGM habits. Are there any aspects you’d like to change? How might making these changes positively impact your diabetes journey?

Remember that working toward more balance can bring greater peace and confidence to your daily routine.

Tip #3: Change an expiring CGM during the day vs. night

This is a big one for our family! As T1D families, we’re all incredibly busy. And on super busy days, this would lead my husband to change his expiring CGM right before bed.

Unfortunately, this often led to disrupted sleep due to the new CGM calibrating and triggering alarms throughout the night. It was frustrating and exhausting for all of us.

Luckily, we’ve learned from this experience. My husband now proactively changes his CGM sensor during the day. This ensures we have plenty of time while awake to verify everything is working correctly.

If there’s an issue, we work to address it immediately. As a T1D caregiver, this approach gives me greater peace of mind knowing we’re setting ourselves up for a good night’s sleep.

It’s amazing how such a simple change can make a big difference in our overall well-being and daily routine.

So when do you typically help your T1D warrior change their CGM? Does the timing work well for your family, or is it time for a change?

Tip #4: Ask others to follow your T1D warrior’s CGM data

As dedicated T1D caregivers, you champion your child through every twist and turn of their diabetes journey.

It’s normal to shoulder the emotional and practical challenges of diabetes, but it’s important to remember that asking for help is not only okay, but essential to lightening your load.

Consider sharing the responsibility of monitoring CGM data with trusted members of your inner circle, whether it’s your spouse, mom, a close friend, or the school nurse.

For instance, you might handle Mondays and Wednesdays while your spouse takes Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Find what works best for you, while ensuring your T1D family feels well-supported throughout the diabetes journey.

Tip #5: When in doubt, check and double check

It can be really frustrating when CGM readings aren’t perfectly accurate. Like any technology, CGMs aren’t flawless, but the key is learning to leverage them effectively for your needs.

There have been times when my husband’s CGM showed high readings that didn’t quite match how he felt. Instead of relying solely on the CGM data, we pause and have him check in with his body.

Does he feel unusually tired, thirsty, or have a slight headache? These could indicate high blood sugar.

If he doesn’t experience these symptoms, it suggests the CGM reading might be off, prompting us to verify with a finger prick glucose test.

If the numbers are significantly different, it may be time to recalibrate or replace the CGM sensor. For any concerns that seem serious, reach out to your health care provider immediately.

So how do you handle discrepancies in CGM readings with your T1D warrior? What strategies have helped you navigate these challenges?

Tip #6: Lean into gratitude

Practicing gratitude can be a powerful way to stay balanced and centered, especially during frustrating moments.

Research shows that gratitude can significantly reduce stress and improve emotional health, offering a much-needed buffer against the demands of diabetes.

When CGM alarms go off at inconvenient times, it’s easy to feel frustrated. Instead, try to take a step back and practice mindfulness.

Acknowledge your feelings without judgment, then consciously bring to mind something you’re grateful for – whether it’s support from a partner, a kind gesture from a friend, or the strength you’ve developed as a caregiver.

So the next time you get frustrated, I encourage you to capture what you’re grateful for! Use your phone’s notes app, a notebook, or a journal to document the wins from your day.

Today’s takeaways

For T1D families, managing CGM fatigue is essential for maintaining balance and vibrant health. A great first step is to work with your health care provider to ensure your CGM is set up accurately.

Choosing specific times to check CGM readings can enhance greater peace of mind. While changing the sensor during the day can help combat a difficult night of sleep. Remember that asking other loved ones to follow CGM data can also provide further support.

Additionally, leaning into gratitude and always double-checking when in doubt can further support you in better managing CGM fatigue.

Implementing these tips can help you navigate the complexities of diabetes with greater ease and confidence.

Remember, as T1D families, you’re not alone. Embrace these strategies to create a supportive and nurturing environment for both you and your T1D warrior. So what steps will you take today to manage CGM fatigue more effectively?

And if you’re looking for more support, Type Won™ Coaching has you covered.

To start your coaching partnership today please email me at hello@typewoncoaching.com or send an inquiry here.

Until next time, sending you and your family so much love!

Allee

This blog is made for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. The information in this blog is not intended to (1) replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified licensed healthcare provider, (2) create or establish a provider-patient relationship, or (3) create a duty for us to follow up with you.