Technology Corner
Continuous Glucose Monitors
Continuous glucose monitors are devices which use a catheter inserted just below the skin to monitor blood glucose frequently throughout the day. These are connected to a monitor that displays the glucose reading.
CGMs
| Brand/Product | Key Features: | Basic Specifications | Connection Range Warm-Up Time Calibration | Software/App | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G5 Mobile CGM (Dexcom) | Designed for use (7-day) & compatible with specific insulin pumps. | Real Time CGM | Receiver/smartphone w/ Dexcom app must be ≤20 ft from transmitter & sensor. | Dexcom Clarity App | Approved for children & adults: ≥ 2 years old. |
| G6 Mobile CGM (Dexcom) | Designed for 10-day use & compatible with Tandem pumps. | Real Time CGM | Receiver or smartphone w/ Dexcom app must be ≤ 20 ft from transmitter & sensor. | Dexcom Follow App (some Apple/Android devices, Tandem t:slim X2 pump): ≤10 people viewing current glucose level, Glooko, Tidepool | Approved for children & adults: ≥ 2 years old. Glucose readings not affected by taking acetaminophen 1000 mg every ≤6hrs. Compatible with Tandem pumps & Apple Watch. |
| Guardian Connect CGM System (Medtronic) | Designed for 7-day use with Guardian sensor and transmitter | Real Time CGM | Transmitter must be ≤ 20 ft from smartphone device | Guardian Connect App (Apple & Android devices) | 670G: Approved for children & adults: ≥ 7 years old |
| FreeStyle Libre 14-Day System (Abbott) | Designed for 14-day use with built-in FreeStyle blood sugar meter that shows glucose readings. | Flash CGM | Reader must be ≤ 1.5 inch from sensor for scanning. | LibreView Software: ≤20 people for viewing (downloadable on Windows & Mac) | Approved for adults ≥ 18 years old. |
| FreeStyle Libre 2 (Abbott) | Designed for 14-day use with FreeStyle Libre 2 app | Flash CGM | Reader must be ≤ 1.5 inch from sensor for scanning. | LibreView Software: ≤20 people for viewing (downloadable on Windows & Mac) | Approved for children & adults: ≥ 4 years old. |
| Eversense CGM System (Senseonics) | Sensor (90-day use) surgically placed underneath skin in upper arm by trained healthcare provider. | Implantable CGM | Transmitter must be ≤ 25 ft from smartphone device. | Eversense App: ≤5 people viewing current glucose level (on Apple/Android devices) | Approved for adults ≥ 18 years old. |