NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING (cgm)
In the past few years, there have been many new developments in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), both in terms of technology and ease of use. As of 2021, four major players are worth your consideration.
Dexcom's first-generation product was approved by the FDA in 2006 and has continued to iterate and innovate. Their current product is the G6, which uses interstitial fluid to estimate the glucose level in a person's blood and has a high level of accuracy. You can wear the G6 sensor on your belly or arm and replace it every ten days.
Much like other devices on this list, the Medtronic Guardian 3 is worn on your arm and can connect to an insulin pump and regulate its output based on current blood glucose levels. Although the proprietary mobile app displays a number of useful statistics about blood glucose, the sensors themselves must be replaced every week.
This is the easiest system to use on our list, but that comes with an important caveat. Namely, you have to flash (pass the phone over) the CGM to take a reading, but fortunately, you can do this as often as you want. The device is about a quarter's diameter, so it only takes up a little space. A dedicated mobile app and the next-generation Freestyle Libre 3 are either under FDA review or already available in other countries, so watch this space.
Unlike the other CGMs on this list, the Senseonics Eversense is a subcutaneous device, which means it sits underneath the skin. That said, you can't activate or replace it on your own and need the assistance of a physician. Once active, however, it monitors interstitial fluid, like the other devices. The device only needs to be replaced every 90 days.
Your blood sugar levels can significantly impact how your body feels and functions. That's why stable blood glucose levels can be an essential factor in supporting overall well-being.
With Nutrisense, you'll be able to track your blood glucose levels over time using a GCM, so you can make lifestyle choices that support healthy living.