Understanding CGM Technology: A Complete Guide
Learn how continuous glucose monitoring can transform your diabetes management and improve your quality of life.
What is Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)?
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) represents one of the most significant advances in diabetes care in recent decades. Unlike traditional finger-stick blood glucose meters that provide a single point-in-time reading, CGM systems continuously track your glucose levels throughout the day and night, providing real-time data and trends that can dramatically improve diabetes management.
How CGM Technology Works
CGM systems use a tiny sensor inserted just under the skin to measure glucose levels in your interstitial fluid (the fluid between your cells). This sensor communicates wirelessly with a receiver or smartphone app, providing glucose readings every minute and displaying your current level, direction, and rate of change.
Key Components of a CGM System:
- • Sensor: A small wire that measures glucose in tissue fluid
- • Transmitter: Sends data wirelessly to your receiver
- • Receiver/App: Displays your glucose data and trends
- • Alarms: Alert you to high or low glucose levels
Benefits of CGM Technology
1. Real-Time Glucose Monitoring
See your glucose levels update every minute, allowing you to make immediate adjustments to food, exercise, or medication. This real-time feedback helps prevent dangerous highs and lows before they occur.
2. Trend Arrows and Alerts
CGM systems show not just where your glucose is, but where it's heading. Trend arrows indicate if your glucose is rising, falling, or stable, while customizable alarms warn you of impending highs or lows.
3. Overnight Monitoring
Perhaps most importantly, CGM provides continuous monitoring while you sleep. Many people with diabetes experience dangerous low blood sugars overnight without waking up—CGM alarms can be lifesaving in these situations.
4. Comprehensive Data Analysis
CGM systems collect thousands of data points that can be analyzed to identify patterns, optimize medication timing, and improve overall diabetes management. This data is invaluable for both you and your healthcare team.
Popular CGM Systems Available
Dexcom G7
The latest generation Dexcom system offers 10-day sensor wear, 1-minute readings, and the smallest sensor profile yet.
- • 10-day sensor life
- • 1-minute readings
- • Smartphone integration
- • Share with family/caregivers
FreeStyle Libre 3
Abbott's newest system provides real-time alarms and 14-day sensor wear with exceptional accuracy.
- • 14-day sensor life
- • Real-time alarms
- • No fingerstick calibrations
- • Compact design
Getting Started with CGM
Starting with CGM technology is easier than ever. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, now cover CGM systems for people with diabetes who meet certain criteria. The key steps include:
- Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if CGM is right for you
- Insurance verification to ensure coverage and minimize out-of-pocket costs
- Device training to learn proper insertion, calibration, and data interpretation
- Ongoing support to optimize your diabetes management with CGM data
Did You Know?
Studies show that people using CGM technology see an average A1C reduction of 0.8-1.2% within six months, along with significant improvements in time-in-range and quality of life scores.
Is CGM Right for You?
CGM technology benefits most people with diabetes, especially those who:
- • Take multiple daily insulin injections or use an insulin pump
- • Experience frequent low blood sugars or have hypoglycemia unawareness
- • Want to improve their A1C and overall diabetes control
- • Lead active lifestyles and need real-time glucose feedback
- • Struggle with traditional blood glucose monitoring
Ready to Experience CGM Technology?
Our certified diabetes educators can help you determine if CGM is right for you and assist with insurance verification and device training.