Understanding Your CGM Patterns: A Simple Guide for Seniors
This article provides general information about CGM pattern recognition for educational purposes only, including insights into pattern recognition tailored for seniors. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific diabetes management needs.
Understanding your continuous glucose monitor (CGM) patterns doesn’t have to be overwhelming. As a senior managing diabetes, CGM pattern recognition seniors can master with practice helps you make sense of your blood sugar trends and take control of your health – without requiring advanced technical skills.
What is CGM Pattern Recognition for Seniors?
CGM pattern recognition means identifying repeated blood sugar patterns that can help you and your doctor make better decisions about your diabetes care. Think of it like watching the weather forecast – instead of just knowing today’s temperature, you can see trends over time.
👥 Ask a Grandchild: Many seniors find it helpful to have a family member sit with them the first few times they review their CGM patterns. Schedule a regular weekly “tech check-in” with a loved one.
Getting Started with Basic Pattern Recognition
Let’s break this down into simple steps you can master:
Step 1: Look for Time-Based Patterns
- Morning readings (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM)
- Before meals (typically 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM)
- Bedtime readings (9:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
What you’ll see: Your CGM app or reader will show graphs with lines or dots. Higher dots mean higher blood sugar; lower dots mean lower blood sugar.
Step 2: Identify Regular High and Low Points
Look for these common patterns:
- Morning highs (often called the “dawn phenomenon”)
- After-meal spikes
- Nighttime lows
Medicare covers CGM supplies when you meet certain criteria. Contact us at 727-831-3729 to verify your coverage and learn about available support resources.
The 5 Most Important Patterns to Watch
1. The Dawn Phenomenon
What it looks like: Blood sugar rises between 4 AM and 8 AM without eating
Why it happens: Your body releases hormones to wake you up
What to do: Share this pattern with your doctor – medication timing might need adjustment
2. Post-Meal Spikes
What it looks like: Sharp rise 1-2 hours after eating
Common causes:
- Too many carbohydrates
- Medication timing off
- Less activity than usual
Simple fix: Try a 10-minute walk after meals
3. Overnight Lows
What it looks like: Glucose drops below 70 while sleeping
Warning signs:
- Restless sleep
- Morning headaches
- Nightmares or sweating
Safety tip: Keep glucose tablets on your nightstand
4. The 3 PM Slump
What it looks like: Low blood sugar mid-afternoon
Often caused by:
- Late or light lunch
- Morning medication wearing off
- Increased afternoon activity
5. Exercise Effects
What it looks like: Dropping glucose during or after activity
Remember: Even light housework or gardening counts as exercise!
Simple Tools for Pattern Tracking
Paper Method (No Tech Required!)
Create a simple chart:
Morning | Before Lunch | Before Dinner | Bedtime
Mon: ___ | ___ | ___ | ___
Tue: ___ | ___ | ___ | ___
Wed: ___ | ___ | ___ | ___
Using Your CGM Display
Most CGMs show:
- Current reading (the big number)
- Trend arrow (going up, down, or steady)
- Graph (last 3, 6, or 12 hours)
Tip: Focus on the trend arrows first – they’re easier to understand than graphs!
Making Sense of Trend Arrows
What Each Arrow Means
- ↑ Rising quickly (more than 2 mg/dL per minute)
- ↗ Rising (1-2 mg/dL per minute)
- → Steady (changing less than 1 mg/dL per minute)
- ↘ Falling (1-2 mg/dL per minute)
- ↓ Falling quickly (more than 2 mg/dL per minute)
Quick Actions Based on Arrows
- Two arrows up: Check if you forgot insulin with your meal
- Two arrows down: Have a small snack ready
- Sideways arrow: You’re doing great!
Weekly Pattern Review Made Easy
Sunday Morning Review Routine
- Get comfortable with a cup of tea
- Open your CGM app or look at your reader
- Look at the week view (most devices offer this)
- Circle any patterns you see repeating
- Write 3 observations in simple words
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Do I see the same high or low at similar times?
- Are weekends different from weekdays?
- Do certain meals cause bigger spikes?
- Am I sleeping through the night without lows?
Sharing Patterns with Your Healthcare Team
What to Bring to Appointments
- [ ] Your CGM device or smartphone
- [ ] Written notes about patterns you’ve noticed
- [ ] Questions about confusing readings
- [ ] List of recent diet or activity changes
How to Describe Patterns to Your Doctor
Instead of: “My numbers are all over the place”
Try: “I notice my glucose goes above 200 after breakfast most days”
Common Pattern Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Panic About Single Readings
One high or low reading doesn’t make a pattern. Look for:
- Same thing happening 3+ days in a row
- Similar times of day
- Connected to specific activities
Avoid Information Overload
- Check detailed patterns once a week, not daily
- Focus on one pattern at a time
- Celebrate improvements, even small ones
Technology Tips for Easier Pattern Recognition
Enlarge Your Display
On smartphones:
- Go to Settings > Display > Font Size
- Choose “Large” or “Extra Large”
On CGM readers:
- Look for “Display Settings”
- Adjust brightness and contrast
Use Voice Assistants
“Hey Siri/Google, what’s my blood sugar?” (Requires compatible CGM and setup)
Print Your Reports
Many seniors prefer paper:
- Ask family to help print weekly reports
- Use a highlighter for patterns
- Keep in a folder for doctor visits
Creating Your Personal Pattern Action Plan
Morning High Pattern
If you see: Glucose above 150 most mornings Try:
- Earlier dinner (before 6 PM)
- Light bedtime snack with protein
- Talk to doctor about medication timing
After-Meal Spike Pattern
If you see: Rises above 180 after meals Try:
- Smaller portions
- More vegetables, less starch
- 10-minute walk after eating
Afternoon Low Pattern
If you see: Drops below 80 between 2-4 PM Try:
- Add afternoon snack
- Adjust lunch timing
- Review morning medication dose
When Patterns Signal “Call Your Doctor”
Urgent Patterns
Call within 24 hours if you see:
- Repeated lows below 70
- Consistent highs above 250
- Patterns of nighttime lows
- Unexplained pattern changes
Non-Urgent But Important
Discuss at next appointment:
- Gradual upward trends
- Increased glucose variability
- Patterns affecting daily activities
- Questions about any patterns
Success Stories from Seniors
Margaret, 74: “Once I learned to look for my afternoon pattern, I added a yogurt snack at 3 PM. No more shaky feelings!”
Robert, 69: “My grandson showed me the week view on my phone. Now I can see that Mondays are always higher – probably stress from my volunteer work.”
Dorothy, 78: “I was overwhelmed until I started focusing on just morning readings. Now I check other patterns one at a time.”
Your Pattern Recognition Checklist
Daily (2 minutes)
- [ ] Note current reading and arrow
- [ ] Check before meals
- [ ] Observe how you feel
Weekly (15 minutes)
- [ ] Review week’s patterns
- [ ] Circle repeated highs/lows
- [ ] Write one observation
Monthly (30 minutes)
- [ ] Share findings with family
- [ ] Update medication log
- [ ] Celebrate improvements
Making Pattern Recognition a Habit
Start Small
Week 1: Just observe morning readings Week 2: Add before-dinner checks Week 3: Start noting patterns Week 4: Review your first monthly summary
Use Memory Aids
- Set phone alarms for pattern check times
- Keep a notepad by your CGM supplies
- Use colored pens for different patterns
- Create a simple reward system
Resources for Additional Help
Free Support Options
- Medicare diabetes education (covered benefit)
- Senior center tech help sessions
- Library computer classes
- Manufacturer help lines
Family Involvement Ideas
- Weekly “Pattern Review Sunday”
- Shared digital notebook
- Family group text updates
- Celebrate pattern discoveries together
Your Next Steps
- Choose one time of day to focus on this week
- Write down what you notice for 7 days
- Share one pattern with your doctor
- Celebrate taking control of your health!
Remember, you don’t need to be a technology expert to benefit from pattern recognition. Start simple, be patient with yourself, and ask for help when needed.
References
Need Help with Medicare CGM Coverage?
Our specialists can help you navigate Medicare requirements and get the supplies you need.
Call Now: 727-831-3729
Email: support@seniorcgmsupport.com
