Being newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can feel overwhelming. You’re learning about insulin, food, glucose management, and glucagon—all vital for your safety and health. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can help. It gives real-time insights and makes managing your diabetes easier, so you can focus on living your life.
Why People with Type 1 Diabetes Need a Continuous Glucose Monitor
Written by: Daniel Trecroci
4 minute read
March 25, 2024
What is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)?
CGMs are wearable devices that simplify glucosetracking.
They measure glucose in interstitial fluid continuously, providing updates every 1–15 minutes.
The data is sent to a transmitter and displayed on compatible devices for easy monitoring.
Four companies currently manufacture CGMs in the United States.
- Abbott (Freestyle Libre, Libre 2, and Libre 3)
- Dexcom (Dexcom G7)
- Medtronic (Guardian Connect and Guardian Sensor 3), and
- Senseonic’s Eversense.
CGMs have revolutionized type 1 diabetes management by tracking glucose trends and fluctuations in real time.
- CGMs help optimize medical therapy and prevent dangerous events, like hypoglycemia.
- People with type 1 diabetes rely on CGMs to monitor levels continuously and get instant updates from wearable devices.
- CGMs sound alerts for glucose that is too high or low and help track “time in range“—the time spent between 70 and 180 mg/dL for most individuals.
What are the parts of a continuous glucose monitor?
CGMs have three key components:
1. Sensor
- A small wire catheter is placed under your skin, usually on your belly or arm.
- Held in place with adhesive tape.
- Measures glucose in the interstitial fluid under your skin.
- Needs replacing every 7–14 days, depending on the device.
2. Transmitter
- Sends glucose data wirelessly from the sensor to a display device.
- In some systems, the transmitter is built into the disposable sensor.
3. Receiver or smartphone
- Displays glucose data in real time on a handheld receiver, smartphone app, or insulin pump.
- Allows you to view real-time glucose levels, trends, and history.
- Data can be downloaded to a computer and shared with your healthcare provider.
- Some systems continuously send data for ongoing monitoring.
Why is a continuous glucose monitor great for diabetes self-management?
There are many reasons to consider using a CGM if you have type 1 diabetes.
- Real-time CGM monitoring has led to life-changing results, helping people avoid potentially dangerous complications.
- The Centers for Disease Control highlights regularglucosemonitoring as essential for managing type 1 diabetes. It helps you understand what affects your levels.
- A March 2024 study in JAMA Network Open found that CGMs can lower the risk of vision-related complications like diabetic retinopathy.
- CGMs are invaluable for managing diabetes. They help you track how different foods, times of day, activity levels and illnesses impact your glucose.
- CGMs aren’t just helpful for people with diabetes—they also benefit caregivers and loved ones involved in diabetes care.
- Finger-stick testing provides only limited snapshots, while CGMs deliver up to 288 readings daily for a full picture of glucose trends.
Here’s how CGMs offer life-changing advantages:
- Reduce or delay serious short- and long-term complications.
- Save money by improving diabetes management and reducing emergencies like hypoglycemia.
- Give detailed glucose data for better analysis by you and your healthcare team.
- Offer real-time biofeedback to help adjust diet or insulin doses, lowering risks of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
Will I ever need to do a finger-stick test if I use a continuous glucose monitor?
- Some CGMs may require occasional finger-stick tests with a blood-glucose monitor to ensure accurate calibration.
- According to the Cleveland Clinic, finger-stick checks can offer reassurance if your CGM shows rising or falling numbers but you feel fine.
- They can also help clarify your glucose levels if you’re not feeling well, even when your CGM readings appear normal.
How much does a continuous glucose monitor cost?
- CGM devices can be expensive, but many insurance providers now cover them, helping make them more affordable.
- Be aware that your health insurance may only cover specific CGM models, and you’ll need to replace sensors and transmitters regularly.
- Check with your provider to see what devices and supplies are included in your plan.
- Additionally, many CGM companies offer resources to assist those who need financial help accessing these devices.
This content was made possible by Abbott, a Founding Partner of Beyond Type 1. Beyond Type 1 maintains editorial control over its content.
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