Tech Time
Diabetes technology
What is a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and is it right for me?
A CGM is a wearable patch with a small sensor that is inserted under your skin. It can be worn alone or paired with an insulin pump. It is usually placed on your belly or the back or your arm and will need to be replaced every 10-14 days. The CGM tracks your glucose levels 24 hours a day and you can see your glucose level at anytime just by swiping a reader device, or in some cases, your smart phone over your patch.
How does it work?
The sensor contains a tiny probe that measures interstitial glucose, which is the glucose found in the fluid between cells just under your skin. The sensor tests the glucose levels every few minutes and can be useful in helping you know which direction your glucose level is moving. Arrows on your reading device will signify if the glucose is rising, falling, or holding steady. Some CGM’s have alarms that go off when glucose levels are reaching higher or lower than the programmed limits.