how do u use the data u get from dexcom I'm on 1st week and am not shere
1. First of all, Dexcom data is like an eye opener. You have the ability to notice patterns explaining many unexplained previously highs and lows. For example, I noticed that my blood sugar goes up in the morning after getting anything to drink. It is not about carbs, just about putting something in my stomach. Now I can prevent this unwelcome morning high by taking, in my case 2 units for Hello, good morning. I have a friend who noticed that hot shower cause his blood sugar to rise.
2. The biggest problem in Type 1 and blood sugar control is the unpredictability. Too many factors affecting levels: what you do, what you did, are you tired, have you slept well, any stress, ...... With CGM you can see when the unexpected happens, catch it early and correct before the numbers go off the grid.
3. If you have good endo, he/she will be able to use data from downloads to adjust insulin doses and help with improving numbers, so, in the long run, you will not be dealing with complications in the future.
THE BIGGEST DEAL:
If you are 80-100 with arrow flat - you are good. Before Dexcom, if my bedtime was under 120 - I had to have a snack, to avoid surprises during rest. Same with exercising, etc. You can eliminate lots of unnecessary snacking etc.
USE THE DEXCOM DATA AS A TOOL. PAY ATTENTION. LOOK FOR PATTERNS. OF YOU SEE NUMBERS GOING TOO HIGH OR TOO LOW IN THE SAME SITUATION, TIME, LOOK FOR A SOLUTION.
Be aware: when you start using CGM you will be tempted to correct when you see a high number with arrow up after meals. This can be tricky and lead to overcorrection and super low. Better wait, lear how your body responds to different foods etc.
GOOD LUCK and ENJOY!!!
The last point is very important, Know that it take me about 2 hours for my insulin to react. When it is high I alway take a fingerstick reading before doing anything, just to verify and be sure. When I am low, my Dexcom lets me know even if it is 3:00 AM in the morning. I hear the alarm check the number if low I get up and drink an orange juice or honey stick. It takes about 15 minutes for that to hit me. That was the hardest lesson to learn that it takes time for your bady to react. Do one thing wait before taking further action. One other thing with me is that if I get really low, my reasoning gets faulty. I have over compensated because of it and cause my BG to go through the roof. I really have to struggle not to take too much sugar because I feel panicky. Another good thing for me are Honey Sticks, which are small tubes of honey (I like the Cinnamon flavored ones) I always keep a few with me to take if my sugar goes low.They sell them in most grocery stores and they keep very good and store easily. I have never had one break open by accident as the packaging is quite tough.