Staying on Track With Diabetes This October

October brings cooler temperatures, busy schedules, football weekends, pumpkin-flavored favorites, and—of course—Halloween. For people living with diabetes, the change of season can also bring changes in eating habits, activity levels, stress, and daily routines.

That makes October a great time to check in on your diabetes management and pay closer attention to what your glucose is telling you.

Small Changes Can Show Up in Your Glucose

Managing diabetes isn't only about checking a single glucose number. Understanding patterns and trends can help you see how your body responds throughout the day.

A fall meal that is higher in carbohydrates, an afternoon walk, a stressful day at work, or a change in your normal sleep schedule may all affect glucose differently.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can make those patterns easier to see because it provides glucose information throughout the day instead of relying only on individual finger-stick readings.

What Is the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus?

The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus is a real-time continuous glucose monitoring system designed to help people with diabetes monitor their glucose throughout the day.

The sensor can be worn for up to 15 days. It automatically measures glucose every minute and sends updated readings to a compatible smartphone, eliminating the need to scan the sensor to receive routine readings.

That means users can quickly see not only their current glucose level, but also the direction their glucose is heading.

Libre 3 Plus Facts

The FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus offers several features that can make everyday glucose monitoring more convenient:

• Up to 15 days of sensor wear, meaning fewer sensor changes throughout the month.

• Glucose readings updated automatically every minute when used with a compatible device.

• No routine scanning required to receive glucose readings on a compatible smartphone.

• Approved for people with diabetes ages 2 and older.

• Optional glucose alarms can help alert users to high or low glucose levels when properly configured.

• The Libre 3 Plus can also work with compatible automated insulin delivery systems and insulin pumps.

For people managing diabetes every day, having access to this continuous stream of information can make it easier to recognize patterns that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Halloween Doesn't Have to Be Scary for Your Glucose

Having diabetes doesn't necessarily mean completely avoiding your favorite fall foods or Halloween traditions. Instead, preparation and awareness can make a big difference.

If you're using a CGM, October can actually be a useful opportunity to learn more about how different foods affect your glucose.

For example, you may notice that two foods containing similar amounts of carbohydrates affect your glucose differently. You might also see how taking a walk after dinner, changing your meal timing, or combining carbohydrates with protein and fiber affects your personal glucose response.

Rather than focusing on one individual reading, look at the bigger picture and discuss recurring patterns with your healthcare provider.

Pay Attention to Your Trend Arrows

One benefit of continuous glucose monitoring is being able to see where your glucose may be heading, not simply where it is at that exact moment.

Your glucose reading might appear within your target range while the trend information shows that glucose is moving upward or downward.

That additional context can be particularly useful during changing routines, meals, exercise, travel, or holiday activities.

Always follow your healthcare provider's diabetes treatment plan, and don't ignore symptoms simply because they don't match your CGM reading. Abbott advises users to use a blood glucose meter when symptoms or glucose expectations do not match sensor readings or when otherwise directed by the system.

A Few Healthy October Reminders

As schedules get busier this fall, remember the basics that support diabetes management year-round.

Try to stay consistent with medications and insulin as prescribed, keep regular meals when possible, stay hydrated, incorporate physical activity into your routine, and pay attention to both high and low glucose patterns.

If you use a CGM such as the Libre 3 Plus, take advantage of the information it provides. Reviewing several days of trends can often tell you much more than focusing on one reading alone.

Make This October About Knowing Your Numbers

Living with diabetes involves dozens of decisions every day. Technology can't make every decision for you, but having more information can help you better understand what's happening with your glucose.

With up to 15 days of wear, automatic minute-by-minute glucose updates, trend information, and optional alarms, the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus provides another tool for people who want a clearer picture of their glucose throughout the day.

This October, enjoy the changing season while staying connected to your health. A little extra awareness today can help you make more informed decisions tomorrow.

Looking for the FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus?
Visit our CGM collection to explore our available continuous glucose monitoring products and diabetic supplies.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow your healthcare provider's recommendations regarding glucose monitoring, medication, insulin, diet, and diabetes management.