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.
Topics
- Abbott's Freestyle Libre 2
- Dexcom
- Medtronic - see Medtronic Pump. No standalone medtronic sensor is sold.
Related:
- CGM Handouts
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring page
- Skin care products for CGM
- Non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit (NIHB) may cover some sensors for those who qualify.
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
- Login: LibreView online reports (cloud) personal and professional clinic access
- To have patients direct their data to a professional clinic account see the instructions on our patient webpage endometab.ca under Patients & Family > Appointment Preparation.
- LibreView Support: 855-450-3563 EST 9 am to 8 pm ,
- Troubleshooting - Clear Browser Cache (see here)
- Disabling or enabling "min/max results per hour" in reports. In the cloud account: Settings > daily log > edit > show min max values (toggle off or on). This setting is per patient and the default is off.
- Accessing in Libreview
- Top right click 3 horizontal lines
- Preferences
- Thresholds (to change targets when viewing all your reports in professional libreview. Does not change targets on patient device)
- or Freestyle Libre (to review any of 9 reports)
TRAINING: LIBRE
- Libre2 Resources: User Manual and Videos
- Inserting the Sensor video or other topics in Libre Canada YouTube Channel
- Abbott's full YouTube Video Library, including those for healthcare providers
WEBSITE & CONTACTS: LIBRE
- Sensor Replacements: Fastest to do online via Sensor Support Form
- Libre Website as well as Libre Professional Website
- re Compassionate Supplies Request for MD, NP, prescribing pharmacist.
- Alberta government drug plans cover sensors for those under 18 years of age. Sensors are covered under NIHB, for all First Nations and Inuit people using insulin.
- 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: 403-970-5768
- Tracey Fedorchuk (NE/SE Calgary -PLC, ECHC, SHC, Mosaic PCN, CRPCN Strathmore) Email: 403-618-7086
- Lindsay Mackeracher (SW Calgary -CWCPCN, RockyView Hospital, SCHC, CRPCN & Southern AB) Email: 403-389-4798
- LibreView Tech support: 1-800-393-6647
Dexcom G6 - production to be discontinued summer 2026.
Dexcom G7
- Request a Dexcom G7 trial: https://www.dexcom.com/en-ca/interstitial
- 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
- A receiver is available for purchase if the person has no compatible smart phone.
REPORTS & EDUCATION: DEXCOM
- Login to Dexcom Clarity Cloud Reports (personal & professional clinic access)
- To have patients direct their data to a professional clinic account see the instructions on our patient webpage endometab.ca under Patients & Family > Appointment Preparation. Note that the Dexcom G7 phone app displays a Clarity summary, but to share with the clinic, people still need the Clarity App.
- Dexcom may also be linked to Glooko
- Video Review of Clarity Online (YouTube) Sample Dexcom Clarity reports (pdf)
- Health Care Professional Recorded Education (Dexcom Deep Dive)
- Dexcom Education Hub for Healthcare Professionals
- Dexcom G7 FYI & Troubleshooting .pdf
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
- Dexcom Sensor Replacements - this link for phone number or online form (ensure that you have the serial number of the sensor available)
- Dexcom website
- Dexcom Trial (Hello Dexcom) patients to access directly to obtain sample
- Dexcom G6- What Clinicians Need to Know (webinar recording- 30 mins)
- Sensors are covered under NIHB, for all First Nations and Inuit people with type 1 diabetes, with prior approval. See this link for more details. or NIHB directly.
- Dexcom Support: (G7 support is here and booking a Dexcom Care Training Session is here) and support documents are here.
Technical Support 1-844-832-1809. Patients may schedule a private session by calling 1-844-832-1810 (Ext 4) or by going to https://outlook.office365.com/book//
Dexcom Care 1-844-832-1811 - Replacement Dexcom Sensor Replacements - this link for phone number or online form
- CONTACTS:
Calgary North/Central Alberta/Medicine Hat 403-463-3989
Calgary, Alberta South (includes RRDTC) 403-466-8243
Patients: 1-844-832-1810 for all inquiries: Option 3 technical support; Option 2 insurance support
To view a list of all our CGM pages, please visit our main page, Glucose Sensors and Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM),