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Why do people need an echo test?Your doctor may use an echo test to look at your heart’s structure and check how well your heart functions.The test helps your doctor find out: The size and shape of your heart, and the size, thickness and movement of your heart’s walls.How your heart moves.The heart’s pumping strength.If the heart valves are working correctly.If blood is leaking backwards through your heart valves (regurgitation).If the heart valves are too narrow (stenosis).If there is a tumor or infectious growth around your heart valves.The test also will help your doctor find out if there are: Problems with the outer lining of your heart (the pericardium).Problems with the large blood vessels that enter and leave the heart.Blood clots in the chambers of your heart.Abnormal holes between the chambers of the heart.

Cardiomyopathy

Does CGM Replace Fingersticks? It is recommended that you calibrate CGM systems with fingersticks 3–4 times per day for optimal glucose sensor accuracy. CGM does require at least 1 fingerstick blood glucose reading every 12 hours to calibrate the CGM sensor1.

CGM Components CGM systems usually consist of a glucose sensor, a transmitter, and a small external monitor to view your glucose levels. MiniMed insulin pumps have built-in CGM so the information can be conveniently seen on your pump screen. The CGM monitor or insulin pump is small, discreet, and easy-to-wear. It can be attached to your belt, hidden in your pocket, or placed under your clothing. This component will show your current glucose levels and your historical glucose trends. It also notifies you before you reach your low or high glucose limits and if your glucose level rises or falls too quickly. The CGM transmitter is a small, lightweight device that attaches to the glucose sensor, gathers your glucose data, and sends it wirelessly to the glucose monitor unit. The Medtronic transmitter is waterproof and can be worn while swimming, bathing, or showering without worries. The glucose sensor is inserted under the skin to check glucose levels in tissue fluid. The glucose sensor has a small adhesive (sticky) patch to hold it in place for a few days and then it must be replaced with a new sensor. The glucose sensor is inserted with a needle, which is removed after the glucose sensor is in place. The most common place to wear a glucose sensor is in the abdomen. The glucose sensor is easily inserted under the skin using an insertion device. A sensor is placed into the insertion device, and with a push of a button the glucose sensor is inserted quickly and easily.

Many companies are working on similar automated insulin delivery products – Animas, Tandem, Insulet, Bigfoot, and others – meaning several options should exist for people with diabetes in the coming years. A special mention goes to JDRF and the tremendous vision and commitment of Jeffrey Brewer and Dr. Aaron Kowalski for pioneering this approach back in the early 2000s.