Diabetesarki
Situations

Devices and tech

Sensor trouble

The sensor is a good tool, but its value does not always match the real blood sugar at that exact moment. Learn to recognise when it pays to confirm from the fingertip.

Sensor accuracy

  • The value differs from a fingertip measurement by about 10 % on average
  • The value lags 10–15 minutes behind in time
  • The gap grows when blood sugar changes quickly
  • One sensor usually works for 1–2 weeks

Source: Terveyskylä

Confirm from the fingertip before a care decision

If the sensor value does not match how the child feels, or blood sugar is changing fast (especially when it is low), always check from the fingertip.

Source: Terveyskylä

Calibrate the sensor when blood sugar is steady, for example in the morning before breakfast.

Source: Terveyskylä

When the sensor can be wrong

  • Compression artefact: the child is lying on the sensor → it shows low when they are not. Lift the arm, wait a moment, confirm from the fingertip.
  • Quickly changing blood sugar → the value is 10–15 minutes behind reality
  • A fresh sensor for the first 1–2 hours → reduced accuracy
  • Heat or heavy sweating can affect the value

Source: Terveyskylä

What staff should know about the sensor

  • The sensor does not always alert at the right moment — the alarm can come late
  • If the child seems low or high but the sensor does not alert, trust the child
  • Always confirm from the fingertip before making a care decision
  • The sensor alarm thresholds are set by the parents — they are a guideline, not absolute truth

Source: Terveyskylä

Sources: diabetes.fi (Diabetesliitto, the Finnish Diabetes Association) and terveyskyla.fi (Diabetestalo / Lastentalo). This app does not replace the individual instructions you receive from your clinic. Insulin doses, correction factors and sick-day rules are always agreed with your own care team.

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