A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a device that measures your blood sugar levels
every few minutes throughout the day and night. It consists of a tiny sensor
inserted under the skin, often in the abdomen or upper arm, and a transmitter that
sends the glucose data to a receiver or smartphone.
There are two main types of CGMs:
Real-time CGMs: These devices display your glucose levels
continuously on a receiver
or smartphone app. You can also set alarms to go off if your glucose levels go too
high or too low.
Intermittent-scan CGMs: These devices require scanning the sensor
with a receiver or
smartphone app to get your glucose readings. You can check as often or as little as
you want, but most people scan every few hours.
CGMs can be used by people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Still, they are
especially beneficial for people with type 1 diabetes who must closely monitor their
blood sugar levels to avoid complications.
CGMs offer several benefits over traditional blood sugar monitoring methods, such as
finger pricks:
They are more convenient: CGMs eliminate the need to prick your
finger multiple
times daily to check your blood sugar.
They provide more data: CGMs give you a continuous look at your
blood sugar levels,
which can help you identify trends and patterns.
They can help you improve your blood sugar control: By seeing
how your blood sugar
levels respond to different foods, activities, and medications, you can adjust
your
diabetes management plan to keep your blood sugar levels healthy.
CGMs are generally safe, but they can cause some side effects, such as skin
irritation and bleeding at the insertion site. CGMs can also be expensive, but many
insurance plans cover them.
If you want a CGM, talk to your doctor about whether it is right for you.