Episode 12: CGM Functionality (Part 3): The Bells and Whistles
In this episode of the Glucose Never Lies podcast, hosts John Pemberton and Louise discuss the intricacies of diabetes management, focusing on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. They explore various CGM features, including calibration, alarms, and connectivity with automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding individual needs when selecting a CGM, as well as the role of technology in enhancing diabetes care. The hosts also provide insights into the latest advancements in CGM technology and offer resources for further education.TakeawaysContinuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have evolved to include factory calibration.Optional calibration can be beneficial but requires accurate blood glucose meters.Alarm fatigue can hinder effective diabetes management.The Freestyle Libre is noted for its small size and long wear time.Dexcom products offer extensive connectivity with AID systems.Understanding individual needs is crucial when selecting a CGM.AI-driven forecasts in CGMs can enhance decision-making for users.Education and support are vital for effective diabetes management.Resources like the DSM Forum provide valuable information for diabetes care.Chapters00:00Introduction to Diabetes Management02:14Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Overview13:09Understanding CGM Features and Alarms21:27Evaluating CGM Size and Connectivity27:21Final Thoughts and ResourcesKey Resources:CGM Series: CGM: The Bells and WhistlesChart for CGM Devices (From May 2025): DSN ForumTim Street @ Diabettech
In this episode of the Glucose Never Lies podcast, hosts John Pemberton and Louise discuss the intricacies of diabetes management, focusing on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. They explore the importance of CGM accuracy, the standards set by regulatory bodies, and the significance of testing conditions in evaluating these devices. The conversation delves into various metrics used to assess CGM performance, including MARD, 20/20 and 40/40 agreement rates, and highlights the need for robust testing against capillary glucose to ensure effective diabetes management. The episode emphasises the importance of transparency in CGM studies and the future directions for standardizing testing protocols.takeawaysCGM systems are crucial for real-time glucose monitoring.FDA standards are currently the highest for CGM performance.CE marking does not guarantee device accuracy or reliability.Testing conditions significantly impact CGM accuracy results.The 20/20 standard indicates no risk for insulin dosing decisions.The 40/40 metric identifies high-risk readings in CGM data.Robust testing against capillary glucose is essential for accuracy.Standardization in CGM testing is needed for better diabetes management.Transparency in CGM studies is vital for healthcare professionals and patients.00:00Introduction to Diabetes Management and Podcast Goals02:07Understanding Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems06:08Evaluating CGM Accuracy and Performance Standards10:09The Importance of Testing Conditions in CGM Studies14:13Metrics for Assessing CGM Accuracy18:03Comparing CGM Systems Against Capillary Glucose22:02Future Directions for CGM Testing and StandardsKey ResourcesCGM Series: Assessing CGM Accuracy PerformanceChart for CGM Devices (From May 2025): DSN ForumTim Street @ Diabettech
In this episode of the Glucose Never Lies podcast, hosts John Pemberton and Louise delve into the intricacies of diabetes management, focusing on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. They discuss the importance of understanding CGM accuracy, the significance of study design in evaluating sensor performance, and the key questions to ask when assessing the reliability of these devices. The conversation emphasises the need for robust testing conditions to ensure that CGMs provide accurate readings for insulin dosing decisions. The hosts also highlight the ongoing efforts towards standardisation in CGM technology to improve diabetes care.TakeawaysContinuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are crucial for insulin dosing decisions.Understanding study design is essential for evaluating CGM accuracy.Not all CGMs are created equal; performance varies significantly.Key questions to assess CGM accuracy include the study population and testing conditions.Robust testing conditions are necessary for reliable sensor performance.The importance of peer-reviewed data in evaluating CGM accuracy.Standardization in CGM technology is on the horizon.Healthcare professionals should be knowledgeable about CGM performance.A downloadable chart will be available to help users assess CGM options.Chapters00:00Introduction to Diabetes Management02:14Understanding Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)05:11Accuracy of Continuous Glucose Monitors10:13Evaluating Sensor Performance15:45Key Questions for Sensor Accuracy20:31Moving Towards Standardization in CGM25:03Summary and Next StepsKey ResourcesCGM Series: Understanding Risk Before PerformanceChart for CGM Devices (From May 2025): DSN ForumTim Street @ Diabettech
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9 - ATTD 2025 Highlights and New CGMs (Good, Bad and Ugly!)
In this episode of the Glucose Never Lies podcast, John Pemberton shares insights from the ATTD 2025 conference, discussing advancements in diabetes management technologies, including automated insulin delivery systems and continuous glucose monitoring. He emphasizes the importance of early intervention with AID systems, the role of GLP-1 receptor agonists, and the impact of exercise and nutrition on diabetes control. The conversation also highlights the need for equitable access to diabetes technology and the improvements in quality of life that these innovations can bring.TakeawaysAutomated insulin delivery systems can improve glycemic control and quality of life.Starting AID systems early can lead to better long-term outcomes.GLP-1 receptor agonists show promise for type 2 diabetes management.Exercise plays a significant role in managing diabetes effectively.Nutrition strategies are essential for optimizing insulin delivery systems.Equity in access to diabetes technology is a pressing issue.Continuous glucose monitoring devices are rapidly evolving.The future of diabetes management looks promising with new technologies.Chapters00:00Introduction to the Podcast and Personal Journey02:14Insights from ATTD 2025 Conference03:41Advancements in Automated Insulin Delivery Systems08:22Exploring GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Insulin Resistance10:42The Role of Exercise in Diabetes Management14:07Nutrition and Automated Insulin Delivery Systems16:03Quality of Life Improvements with AID Systems17:55Equity in Access to Diabetes Technology19:18Continuous Glucose Monitoring Innovations24:05Future Directions in Diabetes Management Show Notes & ResourcesFull Show Notes - Episode 9: ATTD 2025 🎧 Download the Glucose Rap📘 Insulin Resistance Guide📊 CGM Accuracy Series🎙️ Episode 8: Activity for Post-Meal Glucose Control📎 Episode 6: Ten Tips to Optimise Time in Range with AID.
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7 - Fundamentals of The Glucose Never Lies
Welcome to The Glucose Never Lies Podcast!In this episode, we’re laying down the fundamentals of diabetes management—the essential principles you need to understand to make informed decisions about your health. We’ll break down:What happens when you eat carbohydrates and how your body processes glucoseWhy insulin behaves differently in type 1 diabetes, leading to post-meal spikes How physical activity supercharges insulin, making it work more effectivelyThe science behind high-fat meals and why they cause insulin resistanceWhether you're living with diabetes or supporting someone who is, this episode serves as your go-to reference for making sense of the science behind glucose control. Plus, we’ll be sharing actionable strategies to help you optimize your insulin and activity levels for better outcomes.Click here for more info and the show notes.
Welcome to The Glucose Never Lies® Podcast where science meets real-life experience to empower diabetes management.I’m John Pemberton. I’ve lived with type 1 diabetes since 2008 and have spent nearly 20 years mastering both the science and art of managing it. Through personal experimentation, published research, and my work as a diabetes specialist dietitian, I’ve gained deep insights into what truly makes a difference.When my son Jude tested positive for type 1 antibodies, I realised that all the knowledge in my head is wasted if I couldn’t communicate it in a way that was clear, actionable, and easy to come back to. So I built The Glucose Never Lies® Education Programme—a free resource designed to teach diabetes management exactly as I’d want people to understand it if they were looking after my son.After battling a functional motor disorder for many years and recently experiencing a major depressive episode, I was eventually pulled out of that hole by friends, family, and professionals who helped me get back to being me. That experience taught me the power of giving—and this podcast is my way of giving back.My cohost, Louise Collins, is a highly experienced diabetes nurse with over 20 years in the field. She brings a wealth of knowledge and her superpower is making complex diabetes science accessible and practical for everyday life. She is the best diabetes nurse I have ever worked with, and there have been some good ones! Most importantly, she keeps me in check and on point!So, if you’re living with diabetes or supporting someone who is, we want to make things easier, clearer, and—importantly—more enjoyable.We hope you enjoy the content. If you do, please share it with those who may like it too.Disclaimer: The information shared on The Glucose Never Lies® Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. While we discuss strategies and insights for diabetes management, this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making any changes to your diabetes care plan.
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