#358 Defining Diabetes: Compression Low and Interstitial Fluid

Compression Lows

Scott Benner and Jenny Smith explore the phenomenon of compression lows in glucose monitoring. Compression lows occur when pressure is applied to a glucose sensor, displacing interstitial fluid and causing inaccurate low readings. Scott shares his experience with his daughter Arden, explaining how these lows can initially cause alarm but are identifiable by their distinct graph patterns.

It's just literally changed around where you're pushing on it. That's a compression low, a low that shows up because you're laying on pushing on sitting on whatever your sensor.

--- Scott Benner

Jenny notes that these lows are temporary and quickly resolve once pressure is relieved, often appearing as a rapid return to normal levels on the graph 1.

   

Managing Lows

Managing compression lows involves recognizing their patterns and responding appropriately. Scott describes how his daughter Arden sometimes rolls over in her sleep, naturally correcting the low without waking up. He emphasizes the importance of not calibrating the glucose monitor during these events, as it can lead to further inaccuracies.

If you're 108 and suddenly it says 50, do not calibrate it because it really believes it's 50, because it's reading that dispersed fluid.

--- Scott Benner

Jenny advises testing with a finger stick when unsure, as experienced individuals can often distinguish between a true low and a compression low 2.

   

Tech & Lows

The role of technology in managing diabetes is crucial, particularly in understanding compression lows. Jenny explains that all continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) read interstitial fluid, which can lead to a lag in reflecting actual blood glucose changes. This lag is more pronounced during rapid glucose changes, such as after eating or exercising.

Interstitial fluid is just the fluid between all the cells and everything within the body.

--- Jenny Smith

Scott highlights that while devices like Dexcom, Libre, and Medtronic are affected by compression, understanding their function helps users manage these occurrences effectively 3 4.