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Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) vs blood glucose monitoring (BGM)


Ready to learn more about how CGM works? Let's dig deeper into the differences between CGM and BGM.

The CGM difference

  • Think of glucose readings as the cars of a train, where the front of the train is blood glucose and the back of the train is sensor glucose.1 Because glucose enters the bloodstream first, blood glucose readings lead sensor glucose readings.1 Eventually, sensor glucose readings catch up to blood glucose readings just like the back of the train following the front of the train.1 BGM provides a glucose value for the specific point in time when a blood drop is read, whereas CGM gives you a more complete picture of where your glucose is going, and where your glucose has been, so you can make more informed treatment decisions.1

  • The insights from CGM can help you figure out what has triggered a spike or a drop in glucose levels, such as exercise or something you ate.

    "Right away I started wanting to modify my behavior to get better results." - Vykki, CGM User

Watch Real Stories of CGM Users
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Why should I use CGM?

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CGM shows you where your glucose levels were, where they are in the moment, and where they’re headed. It also helps you see the impact of food, medicine, physical activity on your glucose levels. When you can see trends and patterns, you can make more informed insulin dosing decisions. 

No fingersticks*†

CGM uses a small sensor paired with your smartphone‡ or a reader, instead of fingersticks.*†

Feel in control

CGM is clinically proven to significantly reduce hypoglycemia,ǁ2,3 day and night, while also lowering A1c levels.ǁ4,5 Some CGM systems even have optional alarms that warn when glucose levels are outside of the target range.

How it works

Instead of taking glucose readings from your blood, CGM sensor glucose readings are taken from the interstitial fluid (ISF), a thin layer of fluid that surrounds the cells of the tissues below your skin. Blood glucose readings tend to be about 5 to 10 minutes ahead of interstitial glucose readings.

Watch to learn more

The more affordable CGM system#**6

Managing your diabetes shouldn't break the bank. See how insurance and Medicare can help cover the cost.
Learn more

 

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Ready to get started with a FREE†† trial?

Sign up for the MyFreeStyle program to try one of the FreeStyle Libre systems (CGM) —at no cost.††
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*FreeStyle Libre 2 system: Fingersticks are required if your glucose alarms and readings do not match symptoms or when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol during the first 12 hours.

†FreeStyle Libre 14 day system: Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings, when you suspect readings may be inaccurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose.

‡The FreeStyle LibreLink app is only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check our compatibility guide for more information about device compatibility before using the app. Use of the FreeStyle LibreLink app requires registration with LibreView.

IIData from this study was collected with the outside US version of Freestyle Libre 14 day system. Freestyle Libre 2 has the same features as Freestyle Libre 14 day system with optional, real-time glucose alarms. Therefore, the study data is applicable to both products.

¶Notifications will only be received when alarms are turned on and the sensor is within 20 feet of the reading device.

#Based on a comparison of list prices of the FreeStyle Libre 2 system versus competitors’ CGM systems. The actual cost to patients may or may not be lower than other CGM systems, depending on the amount covered by insurance, if any.

**Based on a comparison of list prices of the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system versus competitors’ CGM systems. The actual cost to patients may or may not be lower than other CGM systems, depending on the amount covered by insurance, if any.

†† or ♢Eligible patients will receive one (1) FreeStyle Libre 14 day sensor or one (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor and reader at $0 copay. The expiration date of the voucher is 60 days from the issue date. This program is not available for patients with gestational diabetes. Only patients 18 and older are eligible to receive an offer for the FreeStyle Libre 14 day sensor, and patients 4 and older are eligible to receive an offer for the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor and reader. This offer is void where prohibited by law. Abbott may modify or rescind this offer at any time without notice. The discounts are not available to beneficiaries of Medicare, Medicaid or other federal or state healthcare programs or residents of Massachusetts, Puerto Rico and other US territories. The free FreeStyle Libre 14 day sensor or FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor and reader is provided as a sample and is limited to one NDC per eligible person. The FreeStyle Libre 14 day sensor or FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor and reader cannot be re-sold, traded nor submitted to any third party payer for reimbursement and is not provided as any inducement for future purchases. The free sample card is not health insurance.
 
References: 1. Cengiz, Eda, and William V Tamborlane. “A Tale of Two Compartments: Interstitial Versus Blood Glucose Monitoring.” Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics 11, Suppl 1 (June 2009): S11-6. doi:10.1089/dia.2009.0002. 2. Bolinder, Jan, et al. “Novel Glucose-sensing Technology and Hypoglycaemia in Type 1 Diabetes: a Multicentre, Non-masked, Randomised Controlled Trial.” The Lancet 10057, no. 388 (September 2016): 2254-2263. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31535-5. 3. Haak, Thomas, et al. “Flash Glucose-Sensing Technology as a Replacement for Blood Glucose Monitoring for the Management of Insulin-treated Type 2 Diabetes: a Multicentre, Open-label Randomised Controlled Trial.” Diabetes Therapy 8, no. 1 (February 2017): 55-73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-016-0223-6. 4. Evans, Mark, et al. “The Impact of Flash Glucose Monitoring on Glycaemic Control as Measured by HbA1c: a Meta-analysis of Clinical Trials and Real-world Observational Studies.” Diabetes Therapy 11, no. 1 (January 2020): 83-95. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-019-00720-0. 5. Kroeger, Jens, Peter Fasching, and Helene Hanaire. “Three European Retrospective Real-World Chart Review Studies to Determine the Effectiveness of Flash Glucose Monitoring on HbA1c in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes.” Diabetes Therapy 11, no. 1 (January 2020): 279-291. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-019-00741-9. 6. Data on file. Abbott Diabetes Care.


ADC-36557 Ver 1.0 04/21

Important Safety Information

FreeStyle Libre 14 day system: Failure to use FreeStyle Libre 14 day system as instructed in labeling may result in missing a severe low or high glucose event and/or making a treatment decision, resulting in injury. If readings do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick value from a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions. Seek medical attention when appropriate or contact Abbott at 855-632-8658 or FreeStyleLibre.us for safety info.

FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3 systems: Failure to use FreeStyle Libre 2 or FreeStyle Libre 3 systems as instructed in labeling may result in missing a severe low or high glucose event and/or making a treatment decision, resulting in injury. If glucose alarms and readings do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick value from a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions. Seek medical attention when appropriate or contact Abbott at 855-632-8658 or FreeStyleLibre.us for safety info.

The product images are for illustrative purposes only.

The circular shape of the sensor housing, FreeStyle, Libre, and related brand marks are marks of Abbott. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

No use of any Abbott trademark, trade name, or trade dress in this site may be made without prior written authorization of Abbott Laboratories, except to identify the product or services of the company.

This website and the information contained herein is intended for use by residents of the United States.

ADC-29111 v17.0 02/23

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