In India, diabetes is a leading health challenge—affecting millions and often progressing silently. But now, technology is stepping up. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices are emerging as a game-changer in diabetes care, offering round-the-clock insight into blood sugar levels and empowering patients like never before.
What Is CGM & Why It Matters
Unlike traditional finger-prick tests, CGM devices continuously track glucose levels in real time—day and night. They allow patients and doctors to watch how sugar fluctuates after meals, during exercise, or overnight. This dynamic data helps in making better decisions about diet, medication, and lifestyle.
Experts like Dr. A.G. Unnikrishnan (Chellaram Diabetes Care Institute) and Dr. Vivek Iyer (Abbott Diabetes Care) say CGM enables more personalised treatment, fewer surprises, and a reduced risk of complications.
Key Benefits for Patients
◆Real-time monitoring: No blind spots between tests
◆Safer insulin dosing: Swift adjustments possible
◆Better trend insights: Know your highs and lows before they surprise you
◆Remote monitoring: Caregivers and doctors can get updates
◆Psychological relief: Less anxiety over guessing glucose levels
Challenges & Adoption Barriers
While promising, CGM isn’t yet a widespread tool across all of India. Cost, device accessibility, awareness, and insurance coverage are current challenges. Experts urge greater government support and adoption of connected health solutions to bridge these gaps.
A Future Where Diabetes Is Smarter, Not Scarier
The rise of CGM marks a shift from reactive to proactive diabetes management—where patients and doctors work together, informed by data, not just symptoms. With better technology, better awareness, and better access, India could be on the cusp of a healthier, more controlled frontier in diabetes care.
