Smart sensors offer new hope for diabetes patients

Diabetes experts have hailed continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology as a major breakthrough in diabetes management, saying the emerging system is helping patients and doctors monitor blood sugar levels around the clock and respond quickly to dangerous changes.

Speaking at a news briefing following a diabetes screening camp organised at the Karachi Press Club in collaboration with the Discovering Diabetes Project, medical specialists said the technology was proving highly effective in improving disease control and preventing serious complications.

According to experts, CGM devices continuously track glucose levels throughout the day and night, instantly alerting patients and healthcare providers when sugar levels become dangerously high or low. The technology also provides detailed data and trend analysis, enabling more precise treatment decisions.

They noted that with diabetes cases rising rapidly in Pakistan, such monitoring systems are helping patients better understand how food, exercise, medications and daily routines affect their blood sugar levels, leading to improved disease management and timely medical intervention.

Renowned diabetologist Professor Abdul Basit said that according to 2017 estimates, nearly 33 million people in Pakistan were living with diabetes, adding that the number has increased significantly since then.

He said the devices were especially beneficial because they provide immediate information about fluctuations in blood sugar levels, allowing patients to better assess the impact of diet, physical activity and medications on their condition.

International Diabetes Federation Vice President Iram Ghafour stressed that every individual should be aware of their glucose status. She said modern monitoring devices continuously track sugar levels and issue immediate alerts in case of dangerous fluctuations.

"Through this technology, both patients and doctors can more effectively evaluate treatment outcomes and identify potentially risky changes before complications occur," she said.

Dr Qamar Masood said the devices are particularly useful for Type 1 diabetes patients and those dependent on insulin therapy. He warned that patients using glucose-lowering medications also remain vulnerable to hypoglycemia, making timely alerts critically important.

Professor Musarrat Riaz said CGM devices have been in use globally for several years and are now gaining popularity in Pakistan as awareness increases.

She explained that the detailed glucose records generated by the devices allow doctors to tailor medications and treatment plans more effectively. She also highlighted the importance of glucose monitoring during pregnancy, warning that uncontrolled sugar levels can pose serious risks to both mother and child.

Dr Sameera Jabeen added that the devices are also being tested experimentally among children to evaluate their effectiveness and long-term benefits.