Have you ever had a hard time finding the right time to calibrate your sensor? Don’t worry, you are not alone. In fact, calibration questions are among the most common before, during, and even after training in the use of a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. Here are some helpful tips to help you more efficiently calibrate your LMWH system.
What is the CGM System Calibration Process
- Your LMWH system needs data from your meter in order to be able to report glucose levels. Meter readings are entered into the insulin pump/LMWH system interface as “calibration” data—these numbers serve as reference values to help maintain measurement accuracy.
- The use of the LMWH system does not eliminate the need to measure blood sugar levels with a glucometer. Keep in mind that meter readings and sensor readings will usually be nearly identical. However, if your blood sugar rises or falls sharply, the difference between your meter and sensor readings will widen. The LMWH system needs to be calibrated at least once every 12 hours (on the first day), but for more accurate sensor performance, it is recommended to calibrate 3-4 times a day.
- Keep in mind that it is not necessary to enter every meter reading as calibration data.
When is the best time to calibrate?
Sensor calibration is a simple process. Make it a habit—for example, after brushing your teeth (hopefully you do this more than once a day) or before meals. This will allow you to avoid “annoying” alerts.
The best time to calibrate the sensor is before meals and before bed.
- Calibration must be performed no later than 2 hours after connecting the transmitter to the sensor and starting work. Your pump will notify you when you need to perform your first calibration with a “Perform Calibration” alert.
- To calibrate, measure your blood sugar with a finger stick using a glucometer. The resulting value must be entered into the insulin pump. If the value is between 2.2 and 22.2 mmol/L, the insulin pump can automatically read the received data.
- On the first day of using the sensor, you will need to recalibrate after 6 hours.
- Thereafter, calibration must be performed at least every 12 hours (recommended frequency is 3-4 times a day).
- You may also need additional calibration if the system deems it necessary for optimal performance.
- If your glucose readings are changing rapidly, it is best to postpone the calibration—for example, immediately after a meal or bolus, or when the UP and DOWN arrows are displayed on the device screen.
How to perform calibration?
- Try to calibrate using only one meter.
- Wash your hands before testing your blood sugar.
- Immediately enter the result in the pump menu. Do not use old meter readings or previous sensor readings as calibration data.
- If you receive a system notification to perform a new calibration, remember to allow at least 15 minutes between entering calibration data.
Finally, remember that calibration is essential for the correct operation of most devices, including your CGM system. Calibrations are the points of comparison between your meter and sensor that are used to ensure that data is not corrupted and that the device performs at its best.
For more information, you can visit the support section and read the user manual. We wish you good performance!
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
– Insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring systems and related products from Medtronic Diabetes should only be used in accordance with the instructions of medical personnel who are aware of the risks associated with the use of these systems.
– For insulin pumps and/or continuous glucose monitoring systems to work properly, notifications and alerts must be seen and heard by the patient.
Medtronic Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems diabetes
– Data from LMWH systems complements, but does not replace, glucometer readings. Before therapy, it is necessary to measure the level of sugar in the blood using a glucometer.
– Insertion of a glucose sensor may cause bleeding and irritation at the insertion site. If you experience severe pain, or if you suspect that the sensor site has become infected, contact your doctor immediately.