What is the Difference Between CGM vs BGM?

How does continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) work, and what makes it different than blood glucose monitoring (BGM)?

Man making a drink in the kitchen while wearing a FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor

Learn how CGM works differently.

Glucose levels can be taken from your blood or from your interstitial fluid (ISF), which surrounds the tissue cells below your skin¹.
When worn on your body, the CGM sensor reads your glucose levels from your ISF—not from your blood—which means you don’t need to rely on fingersticks*¹.

CGM = continuous glucose monitor(ing)

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Why choose the FreeStyle Libre CGM systems?

Your glucose in real time, anytime^†

With a glance at your smartphone^‡, you’ll see the impact of every meal, every workout, and every dose^†.

Easy to apply and wear

Painless to apply^§2-3,4 and easy to wear comfortably^§2-3,4 for up to 15 days, without the need for fingersticks*.

See real results

Proven to significantly lower A1C^§5.

Find the CGM For You

“The Freestyle Libre 3 system helps me focus on what I love to do, rather than worrying about my next fingerstick. It's a game-changer for people living with diabetes.”

- Kelvin, FreeStyle Libre 3 system user

The views expressed should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary.

Affordability

The more affordable CGM systems^II6

Managing your diabetes shouldn’t break the bank. See how insurance can help cover the cost.

Ready to get started with a FREE^¶ trial?

Go to MyFreeStyle

Medicare and other payor criteria may apply. Abbott provides this information as a courtesy and does not guarantee payment or coverage.

The FreeStyle Libre 3 system and FreeStyle Libre 2 system are indicated for use in people with diabetes age 4 and older.

* Fingersticks are required if your glucose alarms and readings do not match symptoms or when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol during the first twelve hours.

† 60-minute warm-up required when starting the sensor.

‡ The FreeStyle Libre systems apps are only compatible with certain mobile devices and operating systems. Please check the Support section of our website for more information about device compatibility before using the apps. Use of the FreeStyle Libre systems apps may require registration with LibreView.

§ Study was performed with the outside US version of the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system. Data is applicable to FreeStyle Libre 2 and 3 systems, as feature sets are similar as FreeStyle Libre 14 day system, excluding alarms.

II Based on a comparison of list prices of the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system versus competitors’ CGM systems, assuming annual use of one receiver (or equivalent hardware) and quantity of transmitters and/or sensors according to use life. 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 2 system sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 system sensor for users with a compatible mobile phone operating system at $0 copay. The expiration date of the voucher is 60 days from the issue date. This program is available for patients with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes. Patients ages 18 and older are eligible to sign up and receive an offer for the (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 system sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 system sensor. Patients ages 4-17 are eligible to receive an offer for the (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor through their parent or guardian. Patients ages 2-17 are eligible to receive an offer for the (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor through their parent or guardian. 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 Kaiser Permanente, Medicare, Medicaid or other federal or state healthcare programs, residents of Massachusetts, or US territories (other than Puerto Rico). The free (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 system sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 system sensor is provided as a sample and is limited to one sample per eligible person per product identification number. The FreeStyle Libre 2 system sensor or FreeStyle Libre 3 system sensor 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. https://doi.org/10.1089/dia.2009.0002. 2. 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 (2017): 55-73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-016-0223-6. 3. Campbell, Fiona, et al. "Outcomes of using flash glucose monitoring technology by children and young people with type 1 diabetes in a single arm study." Pediatric Diabetes 19, no. 7 (November 2018): 1294-1301. https://doi.org/10.1111/pedi.12735. 4. Alva, Shridhara, et al. "Accuracy of the Third Generation of a 14-Day Continuous Glucose Monitoring System." Diabetes Therapy 14, no. 4 (2023): 767-776. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-023-01385-6. 5. 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 (2020): 83-95. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13300-019-00720-0. 6. Data on file. Abbott Diabetes Care, Inc.

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Important Safety Information

FreeStyle Libre 14 day, FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3 systems: Failure to use FreeStyle Libre 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 reading and alarms (if enabled) 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.

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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.

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The benefits of CGM vs BGM

How does continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) work, and what makes it different than blood glucose monitoring (BGM)?