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. 

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

  • Libre 2 will become a real-time continuous glucose sensor once the app is upgraded in late summer 2023. Sensors remain unchanged. These features will be enabled with the app upgrade: 
    • Continuous glucose readings available on the app without scanning
    • No need to scan every 8 hours if using the app
    • If choose to scan, those numbers will go the Logbook report
    • Alerts and alarms will be based on real-time data
    • If Bluetooth drops, people can still manually scan
    • Healthcare providers can call 1-800-485-3996 if questions or contact  
  • (NOTE, the function of the handheld scanner will not change. It will not show real time glucose results. It still requires scans every 8 hours). 
  • Each all-in-one sensor+transmitter is indicated to last 14 days. 
  • No calibration is required (eg. no finger stick). .
  • 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

 


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

For coverage, see Dexcom CGM Canada Insurance Coverage | Dexcom Provider Canada

  • 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

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),