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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)

Alberta covers CGM for all AB patients on basal-bolus insulin, through Blue Cross non-group coverage [Application form: Blue Cross Non-group coverage Application]. Coverage information for Albertans is published online in the Continuous glucose monitor coverage for Albertans Fact Sheet and Coverage Maximums for Diabetes Supplies Fact Sheet. 

  • Patients must be resident of AB, have diabetes, be on basal-bolus insulin (includes patients on pump or pre-mixed insulin)
  • Dexcom and Libre covered. Medtronic CGM available by special authorization. Form is here.
  • A prescription is required.

Be aware that there is a delay in compatibility with new Smart Phone operating system updates. Patients should check company websites to learn which operating systems are compatible with devices.

Abbott's Freestyle Libre 2

PRODUCT SUMMARY: LIBRE

  • 14 day duration. Sensor and transmitter all in one. 
  • Real-time continuous glucose sensor when using using with an upgraded app. Otherwise, it is a flash glucose sensor that needs to be scanned by the phone (or external receiver obtained through Abbott).  
  • Healthcare providers can call 1-800-485-3996 if questions or contact  
  • No calibration is required (eg. no finger stick). Capillary glucose testing is required in some cases as outlined in the product manual. 
  • Encourage patients review  Abbott's Sensor Adhesion Guide. 

REPORTS: LIBRE

TRAINING: LIBRE

WEBSITE & CONTACTS: LIBRE

 


Dexcom 

DEXCOM G7- SUMMARY

Dexcom offers people with diabetes, and on diabetes, the ability to request a Dexcom G7 trial: https://www.dexcom.com/en-ca/interstitial

  • Dexcom G7 is a real-time CGM with alerts and alarms and a built in transmitter
  • 10.5 day wear
  • 30-minute warm-up. Time counts down internally in the sensor. Users can leave the current almost-ended sensor in and running; insert new sensor; end old sensor 25 minutes later and just wait 5 minutes for new sensor to start on the app.
  • MARD 8.2% overall for adults
  • Indicated in pregnancy
  • Alert changes: “delay first high alert”, “silence all alerts” (up to 6 hr)
  • A receiver is available for purchase if the person has no compatible smart phone.
  • Unless indicated for exceptions, no confirmatory capillary glucose test is required prior to bolusing.
  • Not indicated in hemodialysis.

DEXCOM G6 - SUMMARY

  • Dexcom G6 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.
  • Unless indicated for exceptions, no confirmatory capillary glucose test is required prior to bolusing.
  • Not indicated in hemodialysis.

REPORTS & EDUCATION: DEXCOM

COST ASSISTANCE

Dexcom G7 Patient Benefit Program will will cover 20% of the cost with printed or digital certificates presented to the pharmacist. Provide coupon to patient: DEXCOM_G7_TearSheet_v1r6_ROC 

WEBSITE & CONTACTS DEXCOM

 


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

 

 

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