Continuous glucose monitoring — what the trace teaches
CGM reveals glycemic variability that point-of-care meters miss. Time-in-range targets, dawn phenomenon detection, and how the trace changes coaching.
CGM provides a near-continuous view of blood sugar — a reading every 1-5 minutes for two weeks per sensor. Patterns emerge that point-of-care meters miss.
Time-in-range (TIR)
The percentage of time spent between 70 and 180 mg/dL. A more granular metric than HbA1c. Target: TIR > 70% for most adults with diabetes.
Dawn phenomenon
Counter-regulatory hormones (cortisol, growth hormone) rise pre-dawn, releasing glucose. CGM clearly shows the morning bump even when fasting fingerstick looks fine.
Post-meal trajectory
CGM reveals which foods spike sharply and which roll up gently. This is data that changes habits because it is personal and immediate.