The traditional method of blood-glucose monitoring - fingersticks - is good, but another high-tech approach is gaining in popularity.

"Continuing Glucose Monitoring" consists of a method where a small plastic cannula (sensor) is placed under the skin (like an IV) in the doctor’s office.  A monitor roughly the size of a quarter is attached to the sensor. This is the recorder.

Both units are low profile. The monitor is wireless and so unobtrusive you may be unaware of it most of the time. It is  waterproof and should not interfere with your daily activities.

The tip of the sensor is implanted in the fat and monitors the interstitial fluid for sugar levels. You'll wear this monitor for three days, testing your blood sugar levels continually. The record keeps track of those readings. 

You also keep a journal (you will be shown how) noting meal times, sleep, insulin injections, etc. You also have to take your blood sugar readings four times daily during this period so the monitor can stabilize.

After day three, return to your doctor to have the sensor removed and the information it gathered downloaded. The doctor will make an appointment with you to discuss the findings recorded by the monitor.

This information is invaluable. It can show unrecognized lows and highs in the blood sugar. More importantly, it can fill in gaps created by the fingerstick method. It guides your physician with making insulin-regimen decisions and the need for behavior modifications. It also can help keep your A1C in the target range.