Doctors always ask people to keep their blood sugar levels under control because high blood sugar causes many health problems, including type 2 diabetes and hyperglycemia. Continuous glucose monitoring is a technique wherein a device automatically gauges one’s blood sugar levels all day and night. By doing so, it detects fluctuations at specific times and helps users stabilize blood sugar levels. So, here are a few critical things to know about continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). What are continuous glucose monitors? CGMs are devices people can wear on the body to measure glucose levels throughout the day. By tracking blood glucose levels for 24 hours, users can decide how much insulin they require and when. While fingerstick checks are also quite common to monitor blood sugar levels, individuals cannot use them continuously. That’s why doctors recommend CGMs for more detailed assessments. Procedure to use the device Individuals must use CGMs correctly for the best outcome. Here are three steps involved in using the device: Place the sensor beneath the skin Individuals should start by placing the device’s sensor under the skin, typically on the arm or stomach. Most CGMs come with applicators, which make the process easy. One may use adhesive tapes to hold the sensor firmly in place.

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a critical device used for diabetes and blood sugar management in individuals. CGM, as it is abbreviated, is a small wearable device with a thin filament inserted under one’s skin. As it is a healthcare device, most people expect it to be covered by health insurance. However, there is some ambiguity about whether private healthcare insurance policies cover the expenses of CGMs. This article details the process for clarification. Does private insurance cover CGM? Private and commercial insurance plans have a host of eligibility criteria that must be met to provide for personalized usage of CGM. Certain policies may cover professional CGMs as an option when they are intermittently used. The details change from one insurance provider to another, which is why it is vital to check with the policy provider about the coverage nitty-gritty. Research is crucial when people are about to purchase an insurance policy from private companies to cover their healthcare costs. Since diabetes is a varied and complicated illness, it can be challenging to determine if private insurance covers CGM. Many private health insurance companies vary in the amount they cover and for which kind of diabetes. For instance, some companies set a broad list of guidelines for different diagnoses:

Myelofibrosis, a rare type of blood cancer, leads to the formation of scar tissues in the bone marrow. This negatively affects the marrow’s ability to make healthy blood cells, resulting in symptoms like fatigue and anemia, which can make it difficult to carry out daily tasks. However, if detected early, the condition and its symptoms can be managed. Additionally, a few lifestyle changes can make it even easier to manage myelofibrosis. 1. Try relaxation techniques Myelofibrosis and its treatment can take a toll on the body and mind. A great way to manage the associated stress is by trying certain relaxation techniques, like meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga. These activities can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. One can also try listening to relaxing music, which can also bring down stress levels. 2. Make time for fun activities A myelofibrosis diagnosis might come as a shock, following which one needs to work on their emotional health to fight the disease and go through with the treatment. One of the best ways to keep emotional health in check is by spending time on activities that bring one joy. These activities could be anything from reading or painting to gardening or taking walks.

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a kind of blood cancer in which the bone marrow produces a large number of red blood cells, causing the blood to thicken. This change in blood viscosity slows down its flow and can lead to complications like blood clots. PV is a rare condition caused by a genetic mutation. The condition develops slowly, and a patient may have it for years before they show serious symptoms and receive a diagnosis. Symptoms of PV The condition can cause a wide range of symptoms. Most of these symptoms are easily overlooked or mistaken as a sign of another condition. Knowing the key signs and symptoms is important for a timely diagnosis and treatment. Fatigue and weakness It is a hallmark symptom of PV and other cancer types. People with the condition often describe fatigue as a constant feeling of tiredness even after getting enough sleep. The symptom can significantly impact the patient’s quality of life. Headaches Another common symptom observed in PV patients is frequent headaches. They may occur in different areas in the head or vary in intensity. Dizziness As the blood thickens, its flow slows down, which can cause dizziness or lightheadedness in patients. The symptoms can also increase the risk of sudden falls, making them dangerous signs.

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a serious complication that can occur after an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. It occurs when the donor’s immune cells recognize the recipient’s tissues as foreign and mount an immune response against them. Acute GvHD typically develops within days following the transplant and can affect multiple organs, primarily the skin, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. The condition is driven by the activation of donor T cells that attack the host’s tissues. Signs of Acute GvHD Skin rashes One of the most common symptoms of acute GvHD is reddened skin areas or rashes. These rashes can resemble sunburns and may cause the skin to be itchy or painful. They can start at the neck, ears, shoulders, or the palms of the hand, and in some cases, they can begin forming at the soles of the feet. As the disease progresses, the rashes can spread to other parts of the body. They can often be accompanied by intense itching, also known as pruritus. The redness and inflammation accompanied by rashes can cause erythema. This can cause blisters and peeling of the skin in intense cases. Gastrointestinal discomfort This is another common sign of the condition to look out for.

Myelofibrosis is a form of blood cancer. It causes scar tissue to develop in the bone marrow. A type of chronic leukemia, myelofibrosis also leads to increased production of abnormal blood cells. Over time, these abnormal cells start replacing normal healthy cells, leading to various symptoms such as anemia, which causes weakness and fatigue. Although myelofibrosis is a rare blood cancer, its warning signs and symptoms are often similar to other chronic health conditions. Warning signs of myelofibrosis Myelofibrosis is known to progress slowly over several years. So, the symptoms do not become apparent in the early stages. In fact, nearly one-third of those who are diagnosed with myelofibrosis do not show the signs in the starting stage. Once the symptoms start to show up, they quickly become worse. So, a person usually experiences severe fatigue. Often, the spleen also becomes enlarged. Some of the common warning signs of myelofibrosis include the following- Fever Itching Pale skin Loss of appetite Night sweats Frequent infections Enlarged spleen or liver Bone or joint pain Pain or fullness below the ribs on the left side Unexplained blood clots Abnormal bleeding or bruising Enlarged veins in the stomach and esophagus, which may sometimes rupture and bleed Shortness of breath If any of these symptoms last long, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a device used for measuring and tracking blood sugar levels. Unlike other glucose-measuring devices, a CGM is wearable. So, it is constantly attached to the body, making it able to measure glucose levels throughout the day and transmit data to a connected device, like a smartphone. Originally developed for those with diabetes, a CGM can now be used by anyone who wants to regulate their metabolism. Types of CGMs The basic function of all CGMs is to measure blood glucose levels. That said, the devices can differ in the ways they display and store this information. One of the most common types of CGMs is known as a real-time CGM device. One such device is the ADC Freestyle Libre 3 system, which automatically sends blood-glucose data to a receiver or smartphone so that results can be accessed anytime. Another type is intermittently scanned CGMs that also measure glucose levels on a continuous basis but share the data differently. To view or store this data, the devices have to be scanned by a receiver or a smartphone. A third type is also available, whose data is downloaded by a doctor at a later date. While CGMs could be of one of these three types, the devices differ from each other based on a few model specifications.

Cancer that starts in the prostate, the reproductive gland that produces seminal fluid, is known as prostate cancer. It is one of the most common cancers affecting people assigned male at birth (AMAB). Some reports suggest that one in every eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lives. Although a serious disease, healthcare experts say it is treatable and curable when a person is diagnosed in the initial stages. Symptoms of prostate cancer While one may not experience any signs of prostate cancer early on, as the condition progresses, it may cause some warning signs. – Trouble during urination – Weaker stream of urine – Blood in the urine – Bone pain or pain in the back, hips, and/or pelvis – A frequent urge to urinate, mainly at night – Tiredness or fatigue Causes and risk factors Prostate cancer’s exact cause remains unknown, but researchers believe it develops as a result of specific changes in the glandular cells. These changes are referred to as prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and are observed in over half the population of men over 50. The changes occur slowly, allowing any tumors to be diagnosed before cancer spreads. Although the causes aren’t known, certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of prostate cancer.