MiniMed Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS)

This is a 'doctor's tool' - unlike the newer Guardian RT this system does not show you results there and then. Basically the surgery 'loans' you the unit for 72 hours and you then return with it to the surgery to have the data downloaded.

One of it's claims to fame is that it is great for showing trends, thus allowing you and your doctor to decide such things as the best time to do your finger prick test and to know when you experience highs and lows, how your food affects your readings etc.

It also consists of a sensor that is placed under the skin, usually in the abdomen. The sensor contains a tiny electrode that is coated with a layer of the enzyme, glucose oxidase. The enzymatic reaction that occurs converts the amount of glucose into an electrical signal thus giving readings of the proportion of glucose present in the sample.

Data is gathered at 5 minute intervals and stored in the monitor.

The sensor and the monitor are connected via a cable, not via radio frequencies. This means you have to wear the monitor at all times and wrap it in a specially provided waterproof package when you shower.

After 3 days of wear, as stated, you go back to the doctor for it to be removed and the data analysed.

Further information is available here - MiniMed CGMS

Back to top