CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING IN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS: A VITAL ASPECT OF NON-INVASIVE BLOOD SUGAR MONITORING IN EMERGENCY - A REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Authors: Imtiaz Hajir Anam 
Published: December 2023

The management of blood sugar levels in emergency care is a critical aspect, particularly for patients with diabetes and those
at risk of severe glucose-related complications. Traditional blood sugar monitoring methods often involve painful and timeconsuming invasive procedures, such as ngerstick tests. In recent years, non-invasive continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems have emerged
as a promising innovation in emergency medical practice. This review delves into the existing literature to explore the role of CGM in emergency
departments, emphasizing its accuracy, reliability, and its potential to transform glucose management in acute healthcare settings.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems are designed to offer real-time data on blood sugar levels, making them indispensable in
emergency care. These devices employ subcutaneous sensors to continuously measure interstitial uid glucose levels and wirelessly transmit
this data to monitors or smartphones. Numerous studies have assessed the accuracy and reliability of CGM in emergency departments, afrming
its value. In critical situations where precise blood sugar management is paramount, CGM systems have demonstrated their effectiveness. This
non-invasive approach empowers healthcare teams to closely monitor glucose trends, make timely treatment adjustments, and detect glucose
abnormalities, especially in patients with diabetes.
A central focus in the literature has been the management of critically ill patients using CGM in emergency departments. Patients in acute
conditions, such as those with diabetic ketoacidosis, sepsis, or trauma, require intensive care and glucose monitoring. CGM systems offer an
additional tool for healthcare professionals to maintain tight control over blood sugar levels, ensuring they stay within safe and target ranges.
Challenges persist in CGM adoption in emergency departments. Interstitial glucose levels may not always precisely reect blood glucose levels,
and issues with sensor accuracy, calibration, and potential lag times require attention. Patient variability, skin conditions, and sensor placement
can impact the reliability of CGM systems in the emergency setting. Ongoing research efforts are dedicated to addressing these challenges, with
a focus on enhancing the accuracy and usability of CGM devices in high-stress environments. Moreover, there is an emphasis on integrating
CGM data seamlessly into the workow of emergency departments to ensure healthcare professionals can efciently access and interpret
glucose data during patient care.
In conclusion, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) has become an invaluable tool for non-invasive blood sugar monitoring in emergency
departments. Its real-time capabilities, accuracy, and potential for improving the management of critically ill patients make it a crucial asset in
the dynamic realm of emergency healthcare. Although challenges exist, the literature underscores the potential of CGM to revolutionize glucose
management, ultimately leading to enhanced patient outcomes in emergency settings. As technology continues to advance, CGM systems hold
the promise of becoming an integral component of emergency medical practice, further elevating the quality of care provided to those in need.