The MiniMed Continuous Monitoring System

The Diabetes Treatment Center at Redmond Regional Medical Center is proud to be able to offer this new technological system for people with diabetes, hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar symptoms. For the first time, patient's glucose levels can be recorded continuously during normal, daily activities. The MiniMed Continuous Glucose Monitoring System is a revolutionary device for the treatment of diabetes. MiniMed's glucose sensor is inserted just under the skin, usually in the abdominal area. While wearing the sensor, the patient pushes simple buttons on the monitor to mark the time of meal, exercise and any other "events" he/she will want to remember. It continually monitors glucose levels by collecting electronic signals from the Glucose Sensor. The electronic signals are then converted into glucose values. The new system contains a replaceable glucose sensor, a monitor, and a unit with a special program for transferring data from the monitor to a computer. It is worn three days at a time, and it takes a reading every 5 minutes for 72 hours. That is equivalent to a patient pricking their finger for a glucose reading 300 times a day.

The glucose readings obtained from the MiniMed are downloaded to a computer so that the physician and patient may review the data and make treatment decisions. The patient and the physician can review the glucose values at the end of the 72 hour period or at the end of each 24 hour period lasting from midnight to midnight.

It is still necessary for the patient to prick their finger for glucose readings; however, with the fingerstick method, the patient is not able to see what their glucose readings are on a continual basis. The MiniMed device continually monitors their glucose levels even when they are walking their dog, riding a bicycle, exercising, or any other various activity in their daily routine.

The continuous glucose monitoring system is currently intended for one-time or occasional testing, not for daily use. This device is to be used in addition to the traditional fingerstick method. Because glucose levels fluctuate during the day, it is hard to determine the necessary times to do the fingerstick tests. Until the MiniMed device, there has been no way to monitor these fluctuations.

While there is no known cure for diabetes, studies have shown that if patients monitor their glucose levels, and work closely with their healthcare providers, they experience fewer complications, like blindness, amputation, and heart disease. Using the MiniMed device, in addition to the fingerstick method, is an essential key in controlling diabetes.

According to Sheila Jennings, RNCDE, Diabetes Treatment Center Program Director at Redmond Regional Medical Center, "Redmond Regional Medical Center is on the cutting edge of medical technology. We are the only diabetes center within a 70-mile radius using this type of device." Redmond is proud that they can offer such "cutting-edge" technology to the people of Rome and surrounding areas.