Time In Range could completely change diabetes treatment for all diabetics
Today I’ve read an article from Type2diabetes.com about “Time-In-Range” and how this method differs from the A1C test. If you’re currently using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), then you probably understand this method. If you haven’t used a CGM and have no clue about time in range, then this post is especially for you.
Time-in-range is defined as a newer method of managing your blood sugar by measuring the amount of time you spend in the target blood sugar range. The range is normally between 70 and 180 mg/dl for most people. Different ranges are set for people who are older, those who have type 1 diabetes and pregnant and those who have gestational diabetes.
Currently, the continuous glucose monitor is the best way to measure time in range and is recommended for persons with type 1 and 2 diabetes who are insulin-dependent.
Time in range is vastly different from traditional A1C, which measures your average blood sugar levels from the previous three months. However, the A1C test does not take into account the daily highs and lows throughout the day. Time in range has an advantage because the method provides a snapshot of our blood blood sugar levels and highs and lows, providing more detailed information than an A1C test.
Unfortunately, people who are non-insulin dependent, mostly those with type 2 diabetes-are experiencing huge hurdles with getting approved for a CGM. Currently, Medicare only covers CGMs for persons with diabetes who are insulin dependent and/or using a blood glucose monitor up to four times a day (Check out this blog post on the upcoming guideline change, starting July 18th). However, there are some people with type 2 diabetes who can obtain coverage for a CGM through a very few insurance companies.
This is very unfair because I strongly believe CGMs could also benefit persons with type 2 diabetes who are non-insulin-dependent. CGM’s could help them discover what makes their blood sugar levels rise and drop. The CGM’s would be able to correct and prevent certain diabetic complications. The CGMs might even detect Latent autoimmune diabetes (LADA) or Maturity-onset diabetes (MODY) at its beginning stages. These benefits alone should be valid reasons for making CGMs accessible for ALL persons with diabetes.
Although there are some differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, the one thing that should be constant is the ability to have access to the same access to the insulin, medicine and medical equipment that works for both type 1 and type 2 without having the hassle.
Medicare and insurance companies: normalize availability and painless access to medicine and equipment for ALL with diabetes!
Until Next Time,
The Genetic Diabetic
This has been my experience (and experiment) with the Libre 14-day system I recently purchased out of pocket. I can set and readjust my time in range levels and get an overall picture of how my day went, both ups and downs. It’s a simple enough mechanism that should be available as a matter of course for ALL diabetics.