People’s approaches to managing long-term conditions like diabetes have shifted a lot in recent years. A large part of it is due to the introduction of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs). Usually, these are placed on the body and monitor your blood sugar for you all day. Initially, you could only use insulin after it was prescribed by a doctor, and it was mainly made available for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Nowadays, because of revised health rules, progress in technology and greater personal interest in health, getting CGMs has got simpler. You can now buy CGM sensors both in big pharmacies and through online stores, no prescription required. Diabetic and non-diabetic individuals are buying these to keep an eye on their health and pick healthier choices. So, is this different from what has gone before? It is interesting to look into the background of this trend, what is different now and what the future might hold.

Benefits of CGMs Over Traditional Glucose Testing

• Instant Glucose Readings: Users get updates on their sugar levels right away.
• Better Sugar Control: Using a CGM allows you to manage your blood sugar more smoothly and stay away from worrying low blood sugar incidents.
• Easy Sharing: People may send their medical information to their healthcare team from anywhere, without needing to visit a clinic.
• Fewer Finger Pricks: Most CGMs help people avoid or significantly reduce daily finger pricking.

 

Smart CGMs with real-time updates are helping to alter the way diabetes is treated. Hence, it is important that vaccinations become more accessible to the public.

Traditional Distribution of CGMs: Prescriptive Process

Getting a CGM used to be a long and detailed process. You couldn’t just buy one by going into a store. Your insurance company and doctor had to approve it.

Prescription-Only Model

Before CGMs became available in stores, people had to go through several steps to get one:

• Visit a doctor or diabetes specialist.
• Get a confirmed diabetes diagnosis.
• Fill out forms for insurance approval.
• Order the CGM through a special supplier or mail-order service.

Limitations of the Old System

• Long Wait Times: People had to wait weeks or even months to get the device.
• Not Easy for Everyone: Those without good insurance or doctor access had trouble getting CGMs.
• Tough Reorders: Patients often had to go through the same process again just to refill their sensors

This method kept CGMs out of reach for many people, especially those in low-income or remote areas.

Emergence of CGMs in Retail Pharmacies: Game-Changing Solutions

Seeing CGM sensors on pharmacy shelves is a pretty recent change. It marks a major shift in how people access health tools

When Did Pharmacies Start Selling CGMs?

In the United States, CGMs became available in pharmacies starting in 2021–2022. Top pharmacies and retailers CVS, Walgreens and Walmart added well-known models like Abbott’s Freestyle Libre and Dexcom to their shelves. Although prescriptions were needed by most people in the beginning, collecting from a pharmacy allowed orders to be handled quickly.

Recent Changes in Policy

By early 2023, new rules helped more people access CGMs:

• OTC Approval: In 2024, Libre 2 and Libre 3 sensors got permission from the FDA for their sale in stores without needing a prescription.
• Medicare Update: For people with Type 2 diabetes who take daily insulin, CMS increased Medicare coverage for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).

 

These updates allowed CGMs to become more common in everyday pharmacy settings.

Pharmacies Are New Healthcare Hubs: Importance of Transition

Having CGMs in stores is about more than just convenience. It shows how pharmacies are playing a bigger role in healthcare.

Increasing Role of Pharmacists

Pharmacists now do more than hand out pills. They often:

• Explain how to use CGMs.
• Help customers understand their sensor readings.
• Guide people to doctors if their numbers look off.

This gives patients faster support and makes it easier to manage chronic conditions.

Expanding Reach in Underserved Communities

Pharmacies are often the only nearby health resource in small towns or poor neighborhoods. Offering CGMs over the counter in these places:

• Makes care more equal.
• Helps find people who may have diabetes but don’t know it.
• Leads to quicker treatment and better health results.

 

How CGMs Are Being Sold in Pharmacies?

CGMs are now sold in two ways—by prescription and over the counter (OTC)—depending on the product and where you live.

Prescription-Based Access

You still need a prescription for some CGMs, especially if:

• You want insurance to pay for it.
• You’re using advanced models like the Dexcom G7.
• You either take a lot of insulin or have Type 1 diabetes.

The prescription process gives doctors a way to keep track of how you’re doing and guide new users.

 

OTC CGM Access

Libre 2 and Libre 3 are two examples of CGMs that are being offered directly from the shelf. Benefits of OTC CGMs include:-

• No need to wait for a doctor visit.
• Easy to buy and start using right away.
• Great option for people with Type 2 diabetes or those who want to monitor their health.

Some stores also sell bundles that come with extra sensors, mobile app support, and access to virtual care teams.

Are Patients and Providers Ready for OTC CGMs?

Just because CGMs are in stores doesn’t mean everyone knows how to use them. Readiness depends on several things.

Patient Awareness and Education

Some people are ready and excited to use CGMs, but others might face challenges:

• They don’t know what CGMs do.
• They aren’t good with technology.
• They’re afraid to apply the sensor themselves.

Pharmacist support and clear instructions can help people feel more confident.

Physician Concerns

Doctors have some worries about CGMs being sold OTC:

 

• Users might misread their data.
• Some may skip regular checkups.
• Individuals could depend too much on their own knowledge.

But studies show that when patients get the right training and pharmacist support, these problems can be reduced.

Comparing Traditional vs. Pharmacy-Based CGM Access

A straightforward comparison table that explains the differences between Traditional and Pharmacy-Based CGM is provided here:

 

Aspect	Traditional DME/Specialty Access	Pharmacy-Based Access
Availability	Prescription only	Prescription and OTC
Time to Access	Takes days or weeks	Can get it same day
Coverage	Usually covered by insurance	OTC often not covered
Clinical Oversight	High, doctor involved	Moderate, pharmacist help
Cost	Lower with insurance	Higher if paid out of pocket
Patient Empowerment	Medium	High, easy and fast access

 

CSM in Pharmacies: How It Is Changing Future

CGMs becoming available in pharmacies is more than just a new way to shop. It reflects a big change in healthcare thinking.

For Patients

• Easier access leads to better health control.
• More tools to track their own condition.
• Less shame and less hassle in managing diabetes.

For Pharmacies

• They’re becoming places for long-term care, not just medicine.
• More people visit stores.
• New income through selling tech health tools.

For the Healthcare System

• Fewer emergency trips.
• Better chances of spotting diabetes early.
• Shift from emergency care to regular health tracking.

 

Conclusion

Selling CGMs in pharmacies is still a fresh idea, but it’s quickly becoming the norm. Under the old method, patients had to deal with paper forms, meet with doctors and wait for hours. It is much simpler for people to get these devices and start looking after their health now. Pharmacies are now more about health services than just selling medicine.

Get in touch with us at Healify Now for a free consultation on CGMs. If you have doubts about CGMs, we are here to tell you how they work, how you use them and how they could benefit you.

Take your first step—book your free CGM consultation and gain control of your health with simple support and clear answers.

 

FAQs
Can Anyone Walk Into A Pharmacy And Buy A CGM?

It is possible to buy Libre 2 or Libre 3 without a prescription since they are FDA-approved. Some such as the Dexcom G7, require you to have a prescription.

Do OTC CGMs Work As Effectively As Prescription Versions?

Yes, OTC CGMs offer the same main features, such as real-time sugar tracking and phone app support. But first-time users should still talk to a healthcare expert.

Will Insurance Cover CGMs Bought In Pharmacies?

Insurance usually covers CGMs bought with a prescription. If you buy an OTC model, you may have to pay out of pocket. Some insurance plans may pay you back if you file paperwork.

Are CGMs Available In All Pharmacies?

There aren’t always all types of CGM sensors in every pharmacy. Pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart tend to sell over-the-counter medications, especially in cities and suburbs.

Can CGMs Be Used Without A Diabetes Diagnosis?

Yes, OTC CGMs can be used by people tracking prediabetes or general health. But they’re mainly for people with diabetes. It’s best to talk to a doctor for proper guidance.

Evelyn Brown