Collection: CGMs

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a small wearable system that tracks your glucose around the clock by reading the fluid just under your skin. It sends a new reading every few minutes to a reader or your smartphone, so you can see where your glucose is right now, where it's heading, and how it has trended over the past few hours or days. Most CGM systems are made up of three core pieces: a sensor that you wear, a transmitter that sends the data, and a reader or app where the numbers show up. Newer systems have combined the sensor and transmitter into a single all-in-one device.

If you'd like a beginner-friendly walkthrough, our Education page covers the basics in plain language.

A traditional blood glucose meter gives you one number at one moment in time, like a snapshot. A CGM gives you a continuous stream of readings along with trend arrows, so you can see whether your glucose is rising, falling, or holding steady. That trend information is what lets you head off lows before they happen and adjust food or insulin more confidently. Many CGM users go from testing four to six times a day to glancing at a screen whenever they're curious.

Our Learning Center has tips on how to interpret trend arrows and put your CGM data to work.

In most cases, yes-you need a prescription from a healthcare provider to order a CGM. Over-the-Counter CGMs may be obtained without a prescription. Talk with your healthcare provider for details.

A CGM sensor typically lasts 7-14 days before it needs to be replaced, depending on the brand and model. Some newer sensors can last up to 14 days or longer with proper use.

Yes, most health insurance plans (private and commercial) will cover CGMs and original medicare Part B covers them as durable medical equipment (DME) if you meet certain criteria (like diabetes diagnosis, prescription, and insulin use / history of low blood sugar).

You'll need a prescription from your healthcare provider, which most endocrinologists and primary care providers can write. Once we have your prescription, we verify your insurance benefits, walk you through what to expect from the system you've chosen, and ship your first supply. The whole process usually takes a few business days from prescription to first delivery.

If you'd like to talk through your options before bringing it up with your doctor, reach out through our Contact page and we're happy to help.