Rarely do I calibrate my continuous glucose monitor (CGM). I have worn a CGM for a few years now. It’s a super effective way to get my glucose readings — without having to prick my fingers multiple times a day like I did for so many years.
I wear what basically looks like a button on the back of my arm. The part of it that sits just under my skin measures my glucose levels and reports it to my phone every five minutes. I can see my current reading, as well as a graph of recent readings, and other trends that are extremely helpful in managing diabetes.
The Dexcom G6 CGM I am currently wearing as I write this post is factory calibrated. So, as long as I enter the sensor code they provide any time I change my sensor, I don’t need to manually calibrate it myself. It’s designed to provide accurate glucose readings on its own.
I can’t remember the last time I needed to calibrate my CGM, thanks to this. But there may be good reason to consider doing so from time to time. Here are a few of those scenarios:
#1 – No Sensor Code
If for some reason I don’t have a sensor code, or if I don’t enter it into my device when I change my sensor, then my CGM will require a calibration. In other words, it will prompt me to check my blood sugar manually and program that reading into the CGM. This will help the system provide accurate readings.
#2 – Out of Sync
I can also choose to calibrate if my symptoms or my manual blood sugar readings aren’t matching up very closely with my CGM readings. Now, this isn’t for when my readings are 10 points off. That can happen naturally because the CGM is testing glucose in different fluid than a manual check of blood sugar. So a little variation is to be expected, especially if I’m trending up or down at the time of the comparison. But if things are truly out of sync, calibration could help it get back on track.
#3 – Required Calibrations
Other CGM systems may require a calibration as a standard part of its functionality. For example, Medtronic’s website says, “Your sensor needs to be calibrated at least 2 times a day (every 12 hours) or when you get a Calibrate now alert. Calibrating your sensor 2 or 3 times a day is a best practice and may help with sensor accuracy.”
So if you wear a CGM like me, there may be a situation in which you need to calibrate because accurate glucose readings are essential to diabetes management. Of course, reach out to your endocrinologist with any questions you have, or contact your CGM manufacturer for help.
OUR OWN CALIBRATion
Did you know that we are all “factory calibrated” too?
We are all fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator God, according to Psalm 139:13-16. From the very beginning, before we ever knew our first day on this earth, God knew us and He knew all of our days. Our Father knows us intimately, and He has from the moment He created us.
Jesus tells a wonderful illustration of the connection we are designed to have with God in John chapter 15:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5
I would encourage you to read the entire passage about the vine and the branches – it’s just so good. But I particularly love verse 5 above.
First of all, this passage shows a beautiful two-way relationship. “If you remain in me and I in you…” We are meant to be truly connected to the Father. To remain in Him. Abide in Him. And He will be with us as well.
I am also drawn to the last phrase: “apart from me you can do nothing.” We simply aren’t able to do the things God has for us without Him. Going back to our Psalm above, God has planned our days, and we are meant to carry out His will in our life. We need to be connected to God on order to do so.
But sometimes we fall out of sync.
TIME TO CALIBRATE
Have you ever noticed yourself drifting away from God? Do you remember a time you realized you hadn’t thought about God in a while? Maybe you haven’t read or prayed lately. When was the last time you were at church?
It can happen to any of us. We’re all human and we falter. In these moments, we need to realign our hearts. We need to refocus our attention. We need to calibrate our minds to God.
CALIBRATING TO GOD
Being calibrated to God is a daily decision we make, perhaps in the morning to start each day. Maybe you take a break mid-day to reset and refocus. Is it something you do before bed at night?
Regardless of your approach, here are three practical tips to make sure we calibrate ourselves to God.
1. Bible Reading
Time in God’s Word is one of the most important spiritual disciplines. The writer of Hebrews tells us that God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). God uses the Bible to teach us about Himself, about Jesus, and about ourselves. When we are calibrated to God and know His Word, we are better at detecting the lies of the enemy. Plus, the Bible is packed full of encouragement from God’s promises. There are a host of other reasons to read the Bible — it’s an extremely effective way to calibrate our hearts to God.
Not sure what to read or where to start? We have several free bible reading plans for you. Just click below for an instant download:
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2. Silence and Solitude
Silence and solitude are such important spiritual practices. With all the input we receive today, all the noise, and all the distractions of life, we simply need to unplug. When Jesus first started his ministry, he spent 40 days in the wilderness. And He is a great example for us in this.
We need to find a way to quiet our minds in order to hear from God. The idea is to stop the to do list, close out the social media apps, turn the tv off, and quiet our hearts. Perhaps you can do this in a room in your home behind closed doors, or maybe you’d prefer to go on a walk or hike to be out in God’s creation. However it works best for you, find a way to observe silence and solitude to connect with the Lord.
3. Prayer
Setting aside time for prayer is a sure way to connect in a deeper level with God. It isn’t so much a time for providing God with your laundry list of prayer requests or getting what you want. It’s about aligning our hearts and minds with Him. C.S. Lewis is often attributed as saying, “Prayer doesn’t change God. It changes me.” Prayer can change our perspective if we allow it, and it can certainly calibrate our hearts to God.
Can I pray for you as you consider calibrating your heart to God?
Dear God, I thank You for the opportunity to calibrate and retune my heart and mind to you. Please forgive me for the times I wander and go astray. Thank You for always welcoming me back with open arms to a meaningful connection with You. Lord, I pray You would help me abide in You. Help me to reach out for You day after day so I remain connected with You and Your will for my life. Help me to rest in You and live in Your plans for me, knowing You are with me always. Amen.
FOR FURTHER READING: Colossians 1:16, Ephesians 1:4-6, 1 Peter 2:9, Matthew 4:1-11
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