Blood Glucose Testing
Discover personalised nutrition with Continuous Blood Glucose Testing, providing real-time insights for optimised wellbeing.
Why Test Your Blood Glucose
It's like having a health barometer at your fingertips.
Your blood sugar levels provide instant clues about what your body needs. Understanding and managing them empowers you to make informed choices for your well-being. It's as simple as listening to your body's unique language for a healthier you.
Your wellbeing hinges on balanced blood sugar levels.
They influence your mood, energy, cravings, sleep, hormonal balance, and more. Long-term imbalances can lead to serious conditions like diabetes, heart disease and cognitive decline.
How Blood Glucose Affects You
How Do I Optimise My Blood Glucose
It’s as easy as 1,2,3.
Order a Continuous Blood Glucose Monitor (CGM) : You will be directed to the supplier to choose the CGM sensor that suits you best.
Set up the CGM: You will receive an informative instruction guide to assist with the CGM insertion, app installation and data collection process.
Get Your CGM Report: After two weeks of testing, your Dietitian will provide a summarised data report, a 30-minute online session to help you fine-tune your eating habits for optimal blood sugar control.
Got questions about blood glucose testing?
-
A Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) sensor, about the size of a large coin, is painlessly inserted into the back of your arm. This home-based process seamlessly connects the device to your smartphone, allowing for the easy collection and display of your blood glucose data through a dedicated app. It supports uninterrupted daily activities like swimming, exercise, and sleep. Typically, the device functions for two weeks before replacement, and removal is a straightforward process.
-
The total cost is R3 100. The CGM consultation includes:
The cost of the testing device (lasts 14 days).
A report generated by the CGM app, which includes graphics of data trends along with your food and lifestyle diary or records.
A detailed 3-page summary PDF report, emailed to you before the feedback consultation. This report includes:
Key data trends
A list of critical changes to improve glycemic control
Up to 4 recipes designed to help balance blood sugar levels
A 30-minute follow-up consultation (online) with Dietitian Nutritionist, Stephanie Rouillard, for clarification and guidance
-
How different foods affect blood sugar levels
How hunger and cravings may be influenced by blood sugar fluctuations
How energy levels are impacted by blood sugar changes
The effect of exercise on blood sugar
How stress and sleep affect glucose levels
Whether your body’s ability to manage blood sugar is affected by insulin resistance
How to adjust your diet and lifestyle for better blood sugar control
-
The cost varies, and some models can be relatively expensive. The most affordable option is around R1 200, which expires after two weeks of use. Following this period, a new sensor will need to be purchased if you wish to continue monitoring your blood glucose levels.
-
Absolutely, yes. Well-controlled blood sugar levels are crucial for overall health, not exclusively for diabetics. We recognise that blood glucose levels serve as an important biomarker for various health parameters.
-
No, wearing a CGM device is generally neither painful nor uncomfortable. The insertion process is painless and straightforward, and can be easily performed at home. The device is usually positioned in line with where a T-shirt sleeve falls, allowing for easy concealment if desired.
-
Once the CGM is in place, you can go about your daily activities without disruption. You can shower, swim, and engage in exercise as usual. I usually recommend that patients purchase the associated plaster for improved adhesiveness.
-
To maximise the benefits of CGM testing, it's crucial to analyse the data effectively. Keeping a detailed food and lifestyle diary during the two-week testing phase is highly recommended. This allows us to identify trends related to stress levels, sleep patterns, dietary choices, and medication use - all of which impact blood glucose readings. The app features a convenient 'comments' section for centralised information recording.