Technology in Diabetes Flashcards

A patient using a CGM notices persistent signal loss alerts. Which troubleshooting step should the educator recommend first?

Answer: Check that the receiver or smartphone is within 20 feet of the sensor

CGM signal loss is most commonly caused by the receiver or paired device being out of Bluetooth range, typically beyond 20 feet.

Which feature of a hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery system distinguishes it from a standard insulin pump?

Answer: It automatically adjusts basal rates based on CGM data

Hybrid closed-loop systems automatically adjust basal insulin delivery in response to real-time CGM glucose values, though users still manually bolus for meals.

A patient reports that their CGM readings are consistently 20–30 mg/dL lower than fingerstick values. What is the most likely explanation?

Answer: The sensor is measuring interstitial fluid, not blood glucose

CGMs measure glucose in interstitial fluid, which lags behind blood glucose and can read lower especially during rapid glucose changes.

When educating a patient on insulin pump infusion set changes, how often should sets typically be changed to prevent site infections and lipohypertrophy?

Answer: Every 2–3 days

Infusion sets should be changed every 2–3 days to reduce infection risk and prevent insulin absorption problems from lipohypertrophy.

Which CGM system uses a factory-calibrated sensor that does NOT require routine fingerstick calibrations in most users?

Answer: Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3

The Abbott FreeStyle Libre systems are factory-calibrated and do not require routine fingerstick calibrations for standard use.

A diabetes educator is reviewing AGP (Ambulatory Glucose Profile) data with a patient. What does a narrow interquartile range on the AGP indicate?

Answer: Consistent and predictable glucose patterns

A narrow interquartile range on the AGP indicates that glucose values are clustered closely together, reflecting consistent and predictable glycemic patterns.

A patient with an insulin pump calls reporting that their blood glucose has been rising for 3 hours despite corrections. What should the educator assess first?

Answer: Check the infusion site for occlusion or dislodgement

Persistent unexplained hyperglycemia in pump users most often results from an occluded or dislodged infusion set preventing insulin delivery.