Diabetes Technology

Which CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) is right for you?

There is no doubt that a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can improve the quality of life for just about everyone with diabetes. But you may be wondering, which CGM is best for me? When making a choice, it helps to understand what each system has to offer. In this article, we discuss today’s leading CGMs so that you can make a better decision about which CGM will be right for you. Below is a comparison of the Dexcom G6, FreeStyle Libre, and Medtronic Guardian Connect CGM systems. Before choosing a CGM you should consider these key features.     Dexcom G6 FreeStyle Libre Medtronic Guardian Connect MARD (lower number means better accuracy) 9% 10% 10% FDA Approved For ages Ages 2+ Ages 18+ Ages 14-75 Calibration Required? No, but calibration is possible if the sensor is off track   Not possible Yes,  3-4x daily Sensor Life 10 days   10 Days 7 days Warmup time (New Sensor) 2 hours 12 hours 2 hours Transmitter Lasts 3 months, no recharging Fresh Transmitter connected to each sensor Must re-charge weekly Display options Smartphone smartwatch BT connection Tandem X2 pump Handheld receiver Handheld scanner Smartphone, Smartwatch Hi/Low Alerts Yes, customizable None Yes, customizable, including extended predictive alerts Live Data Sharing Yes – high/low alerts and current glucose level/trend None Yes - high/low alerts Downloading/Data Analysis Automatic upload to Clarity software. Freestyle Libre software Automatic upload to Carelink Software Sugar IQ program for analyzing data Cost/Coverage Approx $300 per transmitter $80 per sensor   $600 per receiver     Approx $60 for scanner $40 per sensor   Covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans   Approx $1000 per transmitter $80 per sensor   Coverage Pending https://integrateddiabetes.com/choosing-a-cgm-3-heads-are-better-than-one/   Unique features of Dexcom G6, FreeStyle Libre, and Medtronic Guardian Connect CGM monitor systems.   Medtronic - Medtronic uses a Bluetooth transmitter that sends glucose readings to a phone app every five minutes and offers a predictive alert feature.   Dexcom - According to Dexcom, the G6 is currently the most water-resistant CGM on the market. It is also the only CGM that is FDA approved for children in the US. The Dexcom G6 (aside from the FreeStyle Libre) can obtain accurate readings even when the patient is taking acetaminophen.  Dexcom offers high and low alerts, customizable alarms, and data sharing.   FreeStyle Libre - Readings are not sent automatically, instead, users have to manually swipe the handheld receiver (or a smartphone) over the sensor to get glucose readings. Each scan provides a current glucose reading, a trend arrow, and an 8-hour history. It is one of two CGMs available whose reading remains accurate even with acetaminophen use.   For further comparison and potential drawbacks check out: https://integrateddiabetes.com/continuous-glucose-monitor-comparisons-and-reviews/