Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM)

A continuous glucose monitor is a wearable device that provides real-time glucose data with decreased or zero finger sticks. It gives more insight into your blood glucose patterns or trends. This allows us to fine tune treatment specific to your needs, leading to improved blood sugars.

A CGM continuously checks the glucose level in a thin layer of fluid under the skin. Most CGM systems include a sensor, transmitter, and receiver or mobile app that work together to capture glucose data.

A CGM can:

• Measure glucose levels every few minutes, providing a more detailed picture of patterns over time. Together, you and your provider can personalize your diabetes care and make informed decisions regarding diet, exercise, medication and overall diabetes management
• Alert you to highs and lows: Most CGM devices send an alert when your glucose levels rise or fall a certain amount. With this information, you can make changes quickly. You also may be able to treat or prevent high blood sugar or low blood sugar episodes before they turn into bigger issues
• Significantly reduce how many finger stick checks you’ll need to do each day

For people with type 1 diabetes and insulin-treated type 2 diabetes, a CGM is especially valuable for safety, as it alerts you when blood sugar drops and approaches hypoglycemia.

For people with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin or those with gestational diabetes, a CGM reveals how blood sugars respond to different foods and exercise. This can help support lifestyle changes to better manage blood glucose levels.

Medicare coverage is available for those with diabetes requiring treatment with insulin.

Commercial insurance coverage varies by insurer. Contact your insurance company for coverage details.