26KIT
helping people with diabetes feel
safer. The team at GlucoRx behind
the card campaign has urged people
with diabetes to get in touch to order
their free card.
To order a free HypoCard visit
www.glucorx.co.uk
Blunt talking
One way to end this update is to go
take a look at the 'good old' (bad old!)
days…. In a brief update to Blunt
Talking, an interview we published
in the last issue with identical twins
Jackie and Jan, they subsequently
sent a 'blast from the past' image of
the needles they used to have to use,
more than 50 years ago. It's another
reminder how far we've come over
those decades. Those of us who've
lived with Type 1 diabetes for a
long time, we've seen the advent of
disposable syringes, take-home blood
test meters, then even CGMs and
pumps. Let us not forget the journey!
Medications to avoid when
wearing a continuous
glucose monitor
While continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) can provide realtime data
and alerts to help people with diabetes make informed
decisions about their health, it has been found that certain common
medications can interfere with a device's accuracy and effectiveness.
Some prescription and over-the-counter medications cause
reactions in the interstitial fluid, the place just underneath the skin's
surface where CGMs measure blood glucose levels.
Depending on what model of CGM you're using, here is what to
watch out for.
Dexcom: more than the maximum dose (over 1 gram every six
hours in adults) of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can affect the accuracy
of Dexcom G4 CGM. Dexcom also does not recommend using the
Dexcom G6 CGM system with a cancer and sickle cell anemia drug
called hydroxyurea.
Abbott: extremely high doses of Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) - such as
those found in certain supplements or cold medications like Airborne
and Emergen-C - can potentially affect the accuracy of the Freestyle
Libre 2. Drugs that contain salicylates - like aspirin - have also been
associated with potential CGM interference of the FreeStyle Libre 14
day flash glucose monitoring system.
It is important to note that not everyone will experience
interference with their CGMs while taking these or other medications.
Nevertheless, it is advisable to be aware of any potential interactions
with the CGM you are using and take any necessary precautions to
ensure accurate glucose monitoring.
It is recommended to carefully read your device's safety labels and
speak with your healthcare provider if you have questions about your
CGM. If you are taking any of the medications mentioned, consider
double-checking with a fingerstick glucose meter or discussing
alternatives with your healthcare provider.
To find out more, CLICK HERE.