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CGM Brand Information

This page lists highlights of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Brands and links to more brand resources. Please visit our Continuous Glucose Monitoring page for a full list of our CGM webpages. 

Hypoglycemia and hydroxyurea (Hydrea™, Apo-Hydroxyurea™, Mylan-Hydroxyurea™* hydroxycarbamide):  Medications with hydroxyurea could result in falsely elevated sensor glucose readings in Medtronic and Dexcom sensors (2021). Not Libre. see here)

Insurance coverage for CGM varies. Patients are asked to have their insurance companies check under "Glucose Meters" and "Medical Devices". Patients with no insurance coverage are encouraged to contact their employer's human resources department, as the employer determines the coverage available for their employees. 

Abbott's Freestyle Libre

PRODUCT SUMMARY: LIBRE

  • Libre is a Flash glucose monitoring system (may also be referred to as isCGM or intermittent scanning CGM in articles). It requires the user to physically scan the sensor with a reader or a smart phone to obtain readings. The Libre 2 alerts the user to scan for a result if it senses the user is below or above the target. 
  • Each sensor is indicated to last 14 days. 
  • No calibration is required (eg. no finger stick)..
  • No transmitter is attached; Upon scanning, the reader or smart phone app indicates if the value is above or below target.
  • Each scan provides the current glucose reading, a trend arrow (if glucose is trending up or down) and up to 8 hours of previous data in graph form all visible on the handheld device.
  • The handheld scanner is also a blood glucose meter and blood ketone meter. (Although a bolus calculator exists in the meter,it can only be accessed after doing a capillary glucose test. This feature will not be of use for those using CGM results to determine their insulin doses).
  • Capillary glucose testing is required in some cases as outlined in the product manual. Unless indicated for exceptions, no confirmatory capillary glucose test is required prior to bolusing.
  • Encourage patients review  Abbott's Sensor Adhesion Guide. 

REPORTS: LIBRE

TRAINING: LIBRE

WEBSITE & CONTACTS: LIBRE

  • Libre Website as well as Libre Professional Website
  • re Compassionate Supplies Request for MD, NP, prescribing pharmacist.
  • Contact the company for the most accurate pricing and information. Alberta covers sensors for those under 18 years of age.  Sensors are covered under NIHB, for all First Nations and Inuit people with type 1 diabetes, with prior approval. Requirements: under 19 years old and on multiple injections of short-acting insulin -OR- type 1 diabetes on short-acting insulin. . See this link for more details. or NIHB directly. 
  • Pseudo DINs  (PIN) for FreeStyle Libre and Libre 2:
    Original Libre Reader = 97799170
    Original Libre Sensor = 97799171
    Libre 2 Reader = 97799074
    Libre 2 Sensor = 97799075
    FreeStyle Precision Blood Ketone Strips (10) 97799762
  • Calgary Contacts:
    • Scott Buzahora (NW/SW Calgary -FMC, DCC, Chronic Kidney Disease Clinic; CFPCN & CWCP, ACH) Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.403-970-5768
    • Tracey Fedorchuk (NE/SE Calgary -PLC, ECHC, SHC, Mosaic PCN, CRPCN Strathmore) Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 403-618-7086
    • Lindsay Mackeracher (SW Calgary -CWCPCN, RockyView Hospital, SCHC, CRPCN & Southern AB) Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  403-389-4798

 


Dexcom 

PRODUCT SUMMARY: DEXCOM G6 

  • Dexcom is an rtCGM and can provide automated alarms and alerts for low or high gluocse readings or rate changes. 
  • A transmitter (112 day use) is attached to the sensor (10 day use with G6) and wirelessly sends results to a smart phone app or a separately purchased receiver.
  • The screen of the app or receiver shows current glucose level, a trend arrow (if glucose is trending up or down) and graphs for numerous hours previous data.
  • Capillary glucose testing is required in some cases as outlined in the product manual. Unless indicated for exceptions, no confirmatory capillary glucose test is required prior to bolusing.

REPORTS & EDUCATION: DEXCOM

WEBSITE & CONTACTS DEXCOM

  • Dexcom website
  • Dexcom Trial (Hello Dexcom) patients to access directly to obtain sample
  • G6 Instructional Videos 
  • Dexcom G6- What Clinicians Need to Know (webinar recording- 30 mins)  
  • Please contact the company for the most accurate pricing and information. Insurance coverage may be under the category of glucose meters (SMBG) or more likely, medical devices.
    • Sensors are covered under NIHB, for all First Nations and Inuit people with type 1 diabetes, with prior approval. Requirements: under 19 years old and on multiple injections of short-acting insulin -OR- type 1 diabetes on short-acting insulin. . See this link for more details. or NIHB directly.
  • Dexcom Support: and support documents are here. 
    Technical Support 1-844-832-1809. 
    Dexcom Care 1-844-832-1811
  • CONTACTS: 
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Calgary North/Central Alberta/Medicine Hat 403-463-3989
    This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Calgary, Alberta South (includes RRDTC)  403-466-8243 
    Patients: 1-844-832-1810 for all inquiries: Option 3 technical support; Option 2 insurance support

 


Medtronic Guardian 

PRODUCT SUMMARY: MEDTRONIC

  • Medtronic Guardian rtCGM is available for use in two versions. Each version requires a rechargable transmitter.
    • As a standalone CGM with phone app
    • As an integrated CGM in a Medtronic Insulin Pump; may assist in partially closed loop function (see Medtronic Insulin Pump)
  • The sensor is indicated to last up to 7 days and is attached to a rechargable transmitter indicated to perform for a year or longer. Each system provides automated alarms and alerts for low or high glucose readings. Calibration with a fingerstick capillary glucose meter is required every 12 hours.  The sensor provides Medtronic's newest pumps the ability to auto adjust insulin up or down. See our Medtronic Insulin Pump webpage for an overview of function. 

REPORTS: MEDTRONIC CARELINK 

WEBSITE & CONTACTS: MEDTRONIC

  • Visit the website for the stand-alone Guardian CGM
  • Visit the website for the Guardian integrated into Medtronic Insulin Pump 
  • Medtronic Download library (usermanuals)
  • Contacts: Calgary and area: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 403-829-1932

 

 

To view a list of all our CGM pages, please visit our main page, Glucose Sensors and Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM),