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By the Numbers: What to Look for in Phase 2

Phase 2: Identify Glucose Spikes

What am I looking for?

  • Glucose Spikes – Blood glucose readings above 180 mg/dL
  • Symptoms of High Blood Glucose (Hyperglycemia) – increased thirst/ hunger, increased frequency of urination, blurry vision, nausea, headaches.
  • Symptoms of Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia) — When glucose falls below 70 mg/dL, you may be experiencing a dangerous condition called hypoglycemia. If you have repeated hypoglycemic episodes as you observe your CGM, contact your care team immediately. If you are taking medications, they may need to be adjusted. (Learn more about hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in these Patient Safety Warnings.) 

 

Where am I looking?

Instructions for both Dexcom and Freestyle Libre users are below.

Dexcom Users:

  • Find the Daily Glucose Graphic on the Dexcom G6 app.
  • Flip your phone horizontally to see 24 hours of glucose data.
  • Notice times where glucose levels rise above 180 mg/dL (use the key to the side of the numbers on G6 as a reference).

See the graphics below for guidance:

Phase 2 Clarity screen showing 93 mg/DL

Show Clarity app average glucose line

 

 

What am I doing?

Observing 

Set the high blood glucose alert on the G6 app. Here’s how:

Click settings ->Alerts -> High -> Turn high alert -> Notify me above 180 mg/dL -> Repeat-never

See the graphics below for more guidance:

A screenshot of how to set Clarity app to an alarm on 180

Toggle to 180 mg/dL

 

 

 

Freestyle Libre Users: 

  • Find the My Glucose screen on the Freestyle Libre2 app. 
  • Notice times where glucose levels rise above 180 mg/dL (it is above the dotted red line at the top of the green area.) 

See the graphics below for guidance: 

Screen of Glucose in Range numbers on Freestyle Libre

Next, set your alarms: 

Set the high blood glucose alarm on the Freestyle Libre 2 app. Here’s how: 

Click the menu icon in the top left > Alarms > High Glucose Alarm > When glucose goes above 180.  For more guidance on setting alarms, see the graphics below: 

FSL Alarm 1

FSL Alarm 2

FSL Alarm 3

 

 

Learning 

 

Actions 

  • Journal: Write 3-5 things that spiked your glucose in the Phase 2 Journal provided in your welcome kit every day for 10 days. 
  • Notice what time your glucose spikes occur. 
  • Identify behaviors and habits that are leading to glucose spikes, for example: 
    • Overeating 
    • Eating carb-heavy meals 
    • Nighttime snacking 
    • Eating too close to bedtime 
    • Being sedentary after meals  
  • Connect with your Level2 Care Team through the Level2 app. We’re here to help! 

 

How do I lower my blood glucose? 

This topic will be covered in more detail in the next phase, but if you want to get ahead, read these summaries on two medical strategies we use to help Level2 members:  

Low-Carb Eating: The Basics 

Time Restricted Eating: The Basics 

Dec. 20 2022

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