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  1. Home /  What is Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)?

What is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)?

Unlike with traditional blood glucose monitoring (BGM), CGM devices, such as the FreeStyle Libre family of products, are small sensor-based systems that provide real-time glucose readings day and night, without fingersticks*†.

NOW APPROVED: The FreeStyle Libre 3 app‡ in iOS for daily insulin users
NOW APPROVED: The FreeStyle Libre 3 app‡ in iOS for daily insulin users
NOW APPROVED: The FreeStyle Libre 3 app‡ in iOS for daily insulin users

How continuous glucose monitoring works

CGM sensor CGM sensor

1. Apply the sensor

CGM sensors are small, unobtrusive, and easily applied to the back of the upper arm‡1,2.
The sensors come with an applicator and use a small, flexible tip that is inserted just under the skin3-5.

2. Sensor collects data

The sensor continuously measures and stores glucose readings when worn on your body3-5.

Icon_FSL3_Phone_App.png Icon_FSL3_Phone_App.png

3. View glucose readings on your smartphone

Start your sensor using your smartphone app§II¶ to track glucose insights and trends.

Is CGM right for you?

Benefits of CGM

With CGM, you can get real-time glucose readings and feedback on glucose levels and trends to make informed diabetes management decisions.

  • Check your glucose with a painless‡1 scan instead
    of fingersticks*†

  • Uncover hidden glucose patterns for a complete picture of where your glucose has been and where it’s going#6

  • Reduce time spent in hypoglycemia‡**1,7 and improve overall glucose control‡**1,7,8

  • Know how different activities affect your glucose levels

LEARN MORE ABOUT CGM VS BGM

Watch to learn more about the difference
between CGM vs BGM

Discover the FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3 systems — part of the #1 CGM brand worldwide††2

FDA-cleared for ages 4 & up

Our CGM systems are FDA-cleared for adults and children with diabetes, ages 4 years and above3,4.

Optional, real-time glucose alarms

 Get real-time glucose alarms‡‡§§ that notify you the minute your glucose is too low or too high.

14-day accuracy

Unsurpassed 14-day accuracy3,4 for adults and childrenIIII.

Glucose readings at your fingertips

With the FreeStyle Libre appsII¶, you can share¶¶##2 and monitor***9 your glucose levels and trends.

EXPLORE CGM SYSTEMS

The more affordable CGM systems†††2

Most covered patients pay less than $40 per month for FreeStyle Libre CGM sensors‡‡‡2.
Learn more

Image of pen and calculator Image of pen and calculator Image of pen and calculator

Ready to get started with a FREE§§§ trial?

Sign up for the MyFreeStyle program to try one of the FreeStyle Libre systems CGM systems—at no cost§§§.
Let's go

 

Woman with CGM sensor Woman with CGM sensor Woman with CGM sensor

Medicare coverage is available for the FreeStyle Libre 2 system if the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader is used to review glucose data on some days every month. Medicare and other third party payor criteria apply.

At this time, FreeStyle Libre 3 is not currently eligible for Medicare reimbursement, and Medicaid eligibility may vary by state.

Abbott provides this information as a courtesy, it is subject to change and interpretation. The customer is ultimately responsible for determining the appropriate codes, coverage, and payment policies for individual patients. Abbott does not guarantee third party coverage or payment for our products or reimburse customers for claims that are denied by third party payors.

* FreeStyle Libre 2 and FreeStyle Libre 3 systems: 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. 

‡ Data from this study was collected with the outside US version of the 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.

§ 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.

II The FreeStyle Libre 2 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 Libre 2 app requires registration with LibreView.

¶ The FreeStyle Libre 3 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 Libre 3 app requires registration with LibreView.

# Data from this study was collected with the US version of the 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.

** Data from this study was collected with the outside US version of the FreeStyle Libre 14 day system. FreeStyle Libre 3 has the same features as FreeStyle Libre 14 day system with real-time glucose alarms. Therefore, the study data is applicable to both products.

†† Data based on the number of users worldwide for FreeStyle Libre family of personal CGMs compared to the number of users for other leading personal CGM brands and based on CGM sales dollars compared to other leading personal CGM brands.

‡‡ Notifications will only be received when alarms are turned on and the sensor is within 33 feet unobstructed of the reading device. You must enable the appropriate settings on your smartphone to receive alarms and alerts, see the FreeStyle Libre 3 User’s Manual for more information.

§§ Notifications will only be received when alarms are turned on and the sensor is within 20 feet unobstructed of the reading device. You must enable the appropriate settings on your smartphone to receive alarms and alerts, see the FreeStyle Libre 2 User’s Manual for more information.

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

¶¶ The FreeStyle Libre 3 app is designed to facilitate data sharing between patients and their healthcare providers and caregivers.

## The user's device must have internet connectivity for glucose data to automatically upload to LibreView and to transfer to connected LibreLinkUp app users.

*** The LibreView data management software is intended for use by both patients and healthcare professionals to assist people with diabetes and their healthcare professionals in the review, analysis and evaluation of historical glucose meter data to support effective diabetes management. The LibreView software is not intended to provide treatment decisions or to be used as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

††† Based on a comparison of list prices of the FreeStyle Libre personal CGM systems 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.

‡‡‡ Based on prescription claims for commercially insured patients using the FreeStyle Libre personal CGM systems. Does not include Medicare, Medicaid, uninsured, and other federal or state healthcare program patients. The actual amount a patient pays may vary. The FreeStyle Libre systems requires a prescription.

§§§ or ♢ Eligible patients will receive one (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 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 or Type 2 diabetes; it is not available for patients with gestational diabetes. Patients ages 18 and older are eligible to sign up and receive an offer for the (1) FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 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. 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 sensor or (1) FreeStyle Libre 3 sensor is provided as a sample and is limited to one NDC per eligible person. The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor or FreeStyle Libre 3 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. 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. 2. Data on File. Abbott Diabetes Care. 3. FreeStyle Libre 2 User's Manual. 4. FreeStyle Libre 3 User’s Manual. 5. FreeStyle Libre 14 day User’s Manual. 6. Unger, Jeff, Pamela Kushner, and John E. Anderson. "Practical guidance for using the FreeStyle Libre flash continuous glucose monitoring in primary care." Postgraduate Medicine 132, no 4. (2020): 305-313. https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.2020.1744393. 7. 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 (2016): 2254-2263. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31535-5. 8. Yaron, Marianna, et al. "Effect of flash glucose monitoring technology on glycemic control and treatment satisfaction in patients with type 2 diabetes." Diabetes Care 42, no. 7 (2019); 1178-1184. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc18-​0166. 9. Ajjan, Ramzi A., et al. "Reduction in HbA1c using professional flash glucose monitoring in insulin-treated type 2 diabetes patients managed in primary and secondary care settings: A pilot, multicentre, randomised controlled trial." Diabetes and Vascular Disease Research 16, no. 4 (2019): 385-395. https://doi.org/10.1177/1479164119827456.

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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.

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