To the casual observer, diabetes management may seem like a numbers game.

And, in fact, the importance of keeping one's glucose levels within a prescribed range can't be overstated, so staying on top of that data is vital.

As the developers of the FreeStyle Libre technology, a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system — devices that provide accurate glucose readings¹ and insights into where glucose levels have been, are now and where they may be headed — we are all about the numbers.

Trust us. Those glucose numbers — those true, ongoing, insight-revealing numbers — are our focus, our North Star, our raison d’être.

We value the numbers. And those numbers are necessarily a part of the story for every person with diabetes.

But numbers aren't their whole story.

Distressful Thinking

Because living with a chronic condition means the stress-filled, responsibility-laden routine that many people have every day is just the starting line for those with diabetes.

Then tack on always needing to know what your glucose levels are. And what you're going to be eating. And when, ensuring you have the right snacks nearby. Don't neglect to consider how the day's activities may impact glucose levels, how your condition may impact others, what needs to be done in case levels fall.

The constant challenges become obvious.

This feeling has a name: Diabetes distress.

It refers to, "the stresses and strains, tough thoughts and feelings that go along with worries of people with the condition, as they struggle to manage it over time," said Dr. Susan Guzman, co-founder and director of clinical education at the Behavioral Diabetes Institute (BDI).