Data Overload

Technology's advances in today's world have become a hot-button issue. Is it as helpful as it is hurtful? Is the constant connection to the blue screen just too much? Rudimentary statistics have come out regarding the pros and cons of tech, but it may be too soon to tell what the long-standing impacts are on our overall well-being. When it comes to diabetes tech, the concerns are no less significant.

Continuous glucose monitors

Probably the biggest advance in diabetes technology since the insulin pump, Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) have become widely used tools by both type 1s and type 2s. Whether you're a Guardian, Libre, or Dexcom user, you no doubt know how much this technology has impacted your diabetes care. These little guys check our blood sugars without us having to finger stick, tell us if we are trending up or down, and even tell us the speed at which we're trending. They alert us, our phones, and even our loved ones if we so choose. It sounds amazing to most people, but there's a downside here.

Too much of a good thing?

What's helpful about a CGM can also be harmful - we are inundated with data. This constant stimulation can be super overwhelming, especially for someone who's had diabetes since long before this tech was available. Before CGMs, you would test, bolus, eat and then not think about your BGs so much until you were going to eat again or if you were symptomatic. We didn't know what was going on in between our finger sticks. Now, we know immediately when our sugars begin to rise or drop. The issue is, once we see those dreaded arrows, it's difficult for some of us to just observe. We feel the need to correct, even though our sugars are supposed to rise after meals. That's just what happens. Just like sugars start to drop when we exercise. There is a constant pressure to have the straightest line possible, but is this really realistic? Trending down doesn't mean we are bound for a hypo, and trending up doesn't mean our IOB won't bring us down like it's supposed to.

A common vibe

If you don't believe me that this awesome technology has a downside, I'm not the only one feeling it. I recently read a post from Libby Russel for Beyond Type 1, reflecting on her experience using a Dexcom. This spot-on hits all the frustration that comes with wearing a sensor. Reading about Libby's struggles and her relating her Dexcom to an overly attentive boyfriend was super relatable (and hysterical). Data overload is also touched on a lot in Out of Range, Beta Cell's podcast with Craig & Laura. And an overwhelming seventy percent of Instagram followers who participated in my poll agreed they over-correct based on sensor data. These little arrows can wreak havoc on our peace of mind.

Now, don't get me wrong. CGM is an amazing tool to better know your patterns, and is essential for people who don't feel their lows. But it can be a tough road, learning how to calmly observe our numbers without overreacting and panicking. It's a skill that takes practice and fine-tuning. But we're used to that, huh?