Ever wished you could watch your blood sugar trends play out live (not just a snapshot, but an entire movie)? That’s the power of a CGM! In our world of wearable tech and health tech, Continuous Glucose Monitoring is one of the most revolutionary options available for people living with diabetes.
From fingersticks to real-time data sent to your phone, the landscape of diabetes care has changed so significantly. The CGM is at the heart of it all; a technology that does not just measure glucose but allows users to make quick, informed choices regarding their health, based on accurate information.
In this article, we will tell you what CGM is, with as little jargon as possible. You will learn how it works, who it’s for, how it compares to traditional meters, and why it is changing lives around the world.
Table OF Content
CGM Meaning: Breaking Down
Let’s first define the term: what does CGM mean?
Continuous
“Continuous” is an important part of the name because it signifies that this will monitor glucose continuously. Traditional glucose testing involves periodical testing, where you know a reading at only a few finite times, like a snapshot of the moment in time. CGM is continuous and updates every few minutes so can provide much more insight into how your body reacts to food, activity, stressors, and sleep over a 24 hour period.
Glucose
Glucose is the main energy source for your body and is present in the bloodstream. With diabetes, it is crucial to keep blood glucose within a range. Too high or too low glucose is a problem; uncontrolled glucose can become an immediate detriment to function as well as having longer-lasting effects on wellness.
Monitor
Monitor describes the way CGMs track your data. Instead of just pricking a finger or using a small drop of blood that will be tested for glucose content, CGMs read glucose levels from the interstitial fluid, the fluid that is between your body’s cells. This is a non-invasive method of glucose monitoring that captures data every few minutes, constantly a CGM will monitor continuously!
How Does a CGM Work?
The CGM system has three components used together for providing users up to date glucose information.
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Sensor
The sensor is a small object that is gently inserted just below the skin, and is usually located on the stomach or on the backside of the arm. The sensor has a small filament that measures glucose in the interstitial fluid. Sensors can also be removed post-insertion but are typically replaced every 7 – 14 days depending on the CGM device in use.
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Transmitter
The transmitter sits on the sensor to wirelessly send the glucose data to a display device (this could be a phone, smart watch, or a dedicated receiver), and typically consists of both the sensor and transmitter attached. There are some transmitters that are reusable as well as some that come with the sensor included.
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Receiver or Display Device
This is how the user interacts with the data. Some CGMs have generic receivers while most CGMs now have great mobile application capabilities for users. CGMs often have modern user interfaces, which are possible because data can now be displayed on a smart/mobile device. There are some mobile applications from manufacturers that show how your glucose measurement is performing in a graphical trending capability and some applications that have alerts. With modern CGMs, users can:
- Review past data
- Get indications of direction (is glucose getting better or worse?)
- Receive alerts in real-time
Who Needs a CGM? Is It Only for Type 1 Diabetes?
Although this technology was primarily developed for individuals living with Type 1 diabetes, today CGMs are being utilized by other populations as well.
Type 1 Diabetes
For someone with Type 1 diabetes who is insulin dependent, blood sugar management is a continuous challenge. CGMs can help with this responsibility at all times, but have notable benefits when it comes to:
- Exercise
- While sleeping
- Post meals
The real-time data that CGMs provide allows for safer, and more responsive management of insulin dosing.
Type 2 Diabetes
With recent advances in technology, use of CGMs has gained some traction of late among individuals with Type 2 Diabetes, in particular Type 2 Diabetes individuals who require insulin, and individuals with extreme glucose fluctuations. CGMs can allow to help:
- Identify patterns in correlate diet and activity,
- Avoid dangerous lows, and
- Communicate with their healthcare team for medication adjustments
Gestational Diabetes
For people with gestational Diabetes, having stable glucose levels is important for both mom and baby. The CGMs provide feedback continuously, so people can maintain ranges better.
Athletes and Non-Diabetics
In addition to medical use, CGMs are being investigated by athletes and health enthusiasts for performance optimization and metabolic health tracking. However, they are not required for everyone. This is an example of an emerging opportunity for CGMs.
Benefits of Using a CGM System
- Real-Time Tracking
CGMs provide you a glimpse into the fluctuations of your glucose real-time, not just at mealtime or post-prandial (high). Whether you’re working, sleeping, working out, or just relaxing, CGMs help you see how your body is reacting.
- Predictive Alerts
CGMs allow you advance warning before your glucose gets to dangerous levels. These proactive alerts are particularly invaluable with sleep or if a person doesn’t feel the early warning signs of a low or high.
- Data-Driven Decision Making
By combining your glucose patterns from days and weeks of data, you and your provider can make informed decisions about how to best manage your care, whether it be adjusting meds or making changes to diet and meal plans.
- Reduced Finger Pricks
Most CGMs can minimize if much reduce the amount of regular finger-stick testing. This plainly makes the process of obtaining glucose readings less objectionable, and more convenient than unchanged with finger-sticks.
- Peace of Mind
For many, CGMs offer confidence over just the data. Whether you are a parent monitoring from afar on your child’s numbers, or moving between glucose fluctuations through your work day, making this process clearer and offering you comfort and control.
Common CGM Devices Available Today
If you want to see what’s out there, here’s a list of some of the most reputable CGMs available on the market:
Dexcom G6 / G7
- No finger-stick calibration
- Seamless smartphone and smart watch integration
- FDA approved for insulin dosing
Freestyle Libre 2 / Libre 3
- Small, easy-to-wear sensors
- Affordable and with optional alarms
- Tracking app and visual data summaries
Medtronic Guardian Connect
- Occasional calibration required
- Predictive alerts
- May be integrated with insulin pump systems
Eversense (Implantable CGM)
- Long-term use: 180 days
- Implanted by a healthcare provider
- External transmitter worn over the skin
Each device offers options and best elements to address individual considerations based on comfort, lifestyle/factors affecting insulin sensitivity, and budget.
Challenges and Limitations of CGMs
Despite their advantages, there are also disadvantages for CGMs:
Adhesive or Skin Issues
Some users experience sensitivities to the adhesive used in sensors which could include itching and rashes.
Calibration Requirements
Most newer devices are factory-calibrated; however, some older models also require finger-stick blood tests to calibrate accuracy.
Signal Interruption
There is a possibility for brief signal disruption if the transmitter and receiver lose connection; particularly while doing exercise or being asleep.
Cost Barriers
Although insurance coverage is expanding, CGMs can be pricey out of pocket. Nevertheless, new options and health plans are moving toward CGM.
Are CGMs Accurate?
The answer is yes — CGMs are pretty accurate, although they can’t compare to the accuracy of lab blood tests. CGMs are evaluated based on a performance measure known as MARD (Mean Absolute Relative Difference).
- You typically want a MARD less than 10% because less than 10% is excellent.
- In that category, Dexcom G7 has one of the lowest MARDs at 8.2%.
For most day-to-day management activities, CGMs are usually accurate enough to inform insulin and lifestyle decisions.
The Future of CGMs
CGMs are advancing quickly, and many innovations are expected to happen soon.
Upcoming Features Include:
- Non-invasive sensors (no insertion into the skin!)
- Wear time of 6 plus months
- Predictive AI-based alerts
- Integration with insulin pumps (Artificial Pancreas systems)
- Greater compatibility with wearable technology such as smart rings and watches
These advancements will offer users more freedom, simplicity, and accuracy in diabetes management.
FAQs About CGMs
1. What does CGM stand for?
CGM stands for Continuous Glucose Monitor, which is a device that collects a continuous glucose level monitor 24/7.
2. Does a CGM replace finger pricks?
Most CGMs will decrease finger pricks and possibly eliminate them, but some CGMs still require finger prick checks for calibration occasionally.
3. Is CGM painful to use?
Inserting the sensor may cause a little pinch when inserting. Afterward, patients can forget the sensor is even there. People will have different reactions to adhesive used for CGM.
4. How long can you wear a CGM sensor?
Depending upon the device, CGM sensors are worn for as long as 7 to 14 days. There is an implantable CGM, such as Eversense, that lasts approximately 180 days.
5. Can you use a CGM without insulin?
That’s right. Many who are Type 2 or gestational diabetics not requiring insulin might see the benefits of CGM if they look at it for making lifestyle or diet changes.
Conclusion
Continuous Glucose Monitors are giving definitive measurements to diabetes management, but more than mere data, these provide direction, peace of mind, and empowerment. This is the case whether you have Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, or are a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes, or are interested in just understanding your metabolic health. A Continuous Glucose Monitor can empower you further in managing diabetes.
Are you considering whether a CGM is right for you?
Schedule a no-pressure consultation with a trusted advisor at HealifyNow, to have your questions answered, demonstrate how Continuous Glucose Monitoring works and provide you with informed decisions about it to help you on your journey. Great diabetes management starts with understanding, and you don’t have to do the journey alone!
