Getting started as a person with type 1 diabetes can be overwhelming, particularly if you never even thought about blood sugar before your diagnosis. Remembering how to check your blood sugar, when, and how often is more than plenty to keep track of.

Thankfully, CGMs (continuous glucose monitors) are designed to make tracking blood glucose as simple as possible. Modern models will check your blood sugar, track trends, and alert you to highs and lows all at the same time.

Skin Grip has been reviewing the different CGM models on the market to help you find the one that matches your needs and lifestyle. Today, we will focus on the Medtronic Guardian, one of the most popular CGMs in use.

What is the Medtronic Guardian?

The Medtronic Guardian is a continuous glucose monitoring system that includes a transmitter, sensor, and smartphone app. The system will check your blood glucose level every five minutes, display whether it is trending up or down, and track your blood sugar over 24-hour periods. Instead of pricking your skin with a glucometer, the Medtronic Guardian’s sensor is placed on the back of the user’s arm and remains there for up to seven days.

How does it work?

While a fingerstick glucometer measures your glucose level directly in your blood, the Medtronic Guardian is placed in the skin on the back of the arm and measures glucose levels in the interstitial space (the area between your cells) under your skin. It uses the data to measure your blood glucose every five minutes and sends that data to your smartphone app.

How do I use my Medtronic Guardian?

The Guardian’s sensor is secured to the skin of the upper arm with a sticky adhesive, which holds the sensor against your skin. A small filament in the device will remain beneath your skin and measure your blood glucose at regular intervals. As it does so, it will transmit those readings directly to your smart phone or other mobile device.

The smartphone app will display all of the relevant information, including your current blood glucose level, the direction of your current trend, and your history. The app will also provide customizable alerts when your blood sugar reaches levels that are too high or too low.

You won’t need to worry about losing the sensor or having it fall off if you use a good Medtronic Guardian sensor patch. With the right adhesive, your sensor will remain anchored to your skin for the full seven-day lifespan of the sensor.

Though your Medtronic Guardian will come with a user’s guide, you can get support and watch helpful videos about your device here.

How much does it cost?

The exact cost of the Medtronic Guardian system will depend on your insurance coverage. Without insurance, the system (including the transmitter, sensors, and app) may cost approximately $4,760 per year. This cost is comparable to other CGM systems, such as the Dexcom G6 or Eversense. Some users may be eligible for Medtronic’s CGM Access Discount, which significantly lowers the annual cost of the system.

Another way to save is to invest in top quality tape for diabetic sensors. Not all adhesives are created equal, but the best of these tape rolls and overpatches can keep your sensors from falling out or getting damaged before their lifespan is over, which means you spend less on replacement boxes.

Will my Medtronic Guardian interfere with my daily activities?

It shouldn’t! People with type 1 diabetes can do pretty much anything while wearing their diabetic sensors. The key is to use an adhesive patch or Medtronic Guardian sensor tape.With a waterproof, sturdy, and comfortable patch, you can run, jump, sweat, and swim without worrying about losing your sensor. Knowing your sensor is safe and secure means spending less time stressing about purchasing replacements and more time enjoying your life!

What are the key features of the Medtronic Guardian?

The Medtronic Guardian measures your blood glucose level every five minutes and displays it on a smartphone app. In addition, the app will display the current trend of your blood sugar and trends over 24 hour periods. The app also allows users to set alerts that indicate when their blood glucose is too high or too low.

The Medtronic Guardian stands out with a unique feature that allows it to make predictive alerts for high or low blood glucose levels. The smart technology can use trending data to alert users 10-60 minutes before their blood glucose reaches an unsafe level.

Unlike some CGMs which can be used by young children, the Medtronic Guardian is currently only indicated for patients 14-75.

How can I get a Medtronic Guardian?

You must start with a prescription from your healthcare provider for a CGM device. Once you have a prescription, you can pay for the Guardian out of pocket or through your insurance. You can purchase the Medtronic Guardian CGM system directly from Medtronic’s website once they have verified your prescription.

At Skin Grip, we work with products, podcasts, influencers, and charities to make life better for people with type 1 diabetes. We’re proud to produce ultra-strong adhesive patches that keep Medtronic Guardian sensors in place, so their users can live a fearless life to the fullest. Contact us for a free sample.