First, there is a tiny sensor that can be inserted under your skin, often the skin on your belly or arm, with a sticky patch that helps it stay there.

These sensors are called disposable sensors. Another type of CGM sensor—called an implantable sensor—may be placed inside your body. CGM sensors estimate the glucose level in the fluid between your cells, which is very similar to the glucose level in your blood.

Sensors must be replaced at specific times, such as every few weeks, depending on the type of sensor you have. The second part of the CGM is a transmitter. The transmitter sends the information, without using wires, to the third part, a software program that is stored on a smartphone, on an insulin pump , or on a separate device called a receiver.

Your doctor may recommend that you use a CGM if you need insulin to manage type 1 diabetes , type 2 diabetes , or another form of diabetes.

Talk with your doctor about whether using a CGM could help you manage your diabetes. Doctors can prescribe CGMs for adults and children. Some models can be used for children as young as 2 years old. Your doctor may suggest using a CGM all the time or only for a few days to help adjust your diabetes care.

All CGMs estimate blood glucose levels, but they store and display the information in different ways. Some CGMs send and display information to your smartphone or receiver automatically. But you will need to scan the CGM with a separate receiver or smartphone every few hours to view and store the data.

A third type of CGM collects data about your blood glucose level for your doctor to download and review later. Doctors provide this type of CGM to check on your diabetes care, and you wear it for a limited time. For some CGM models, you may need to do a finger-stick test with a standard blood glucose monitor to calibrate the system and make sure the CGM readings are correct.

Many CGMs work with apps that have special features, such as. For safety, it is important to act quickly if a CGM alarm sounds when your glucose level is too low or too high. You should get help or follow your treatment plan to bring your glucose level into a healthy range.

The CGM will create an alert and might display a graphic that shows whether your glucose level is rising or dropping—and how quickly—so you can choose the best way to reach your target range. Over time, keeping your glucose levels in the healthy range can help you stay well and prevent diabetes complications.

The people who benefit the most from a CGM are those who use it every day or nearly every day. Researchers are working to make CGMs more accurate and easier to use.

However, you may experience some issues while using a CGM. For safety, you may sometimes need to compare your CGM glucose readings with a finger-stick test and a standard blood glucose meter. This could be needed if you doubt the accuracy of your CGM readings, if you are changing your insulin dose, or if your CGM gives a warning alert.

You might have to replace parts of your CGM over time. Disposable CGM sensors should be replaced every 7 to 14 days, depending on the model. Some implantable sensors can last up to days. You may have to replace the transmitters of some CGMs. You may also need to reconnect the CGM, transmitter, and receiver or smartphone if your CGM is not working correctly.

Skin redness or irritation from the sticky patches used to attach the sensor may occur for some people. A CGM costs more than using a standard glucose meter, but it may be covered by your health insurance. You might be able to get financial help for diabetes care from your health insurance or other resources.

Check with your health insurance plan or Medicare to see if the costs will be covered. An artificial pancreas , also called an automated insulin delivery system AID , mimics how a healthy pancreas controls blood glucose in the body. A CGM, an insulin pump, and a software program that shares information between the CGM and insulin pump make up the artificial pancreas.

The CGM estimates glucose levels and wirelessly sends the information to a software program on a smartphone or insulin pump. The program calculates how much insulin your body needs, and the insulin pump delivers the insulin when glucose levels rise higher than your target range.

On the other hand, if your glucose levels fall lower than your target range, the artificial pancreas can lower or stop the amount of insulin given by the insulin pump. The artificial pancreas is mainly used to help people with type 1 diabetes keep their glucose levels in their target range.

The system automatically records an average glucose value every 5 minutes for up to 72 hours. Results of several finger stick blood glucose readings taken with your glucose meter at different times each day are entered into the monitor for calibration.

After 3 days, the sensor is removed and the information stored in the CGM is downloaded into a computer. You and your diabetes educator can then review your glucose levels in relation to the other data collected and make any necessary adjustments in your diabetes management plan.

The information will be presented as graphs or charts that can help reveal patterns of glucose fluctuations. The main advantage of continuous glucose monitoring is that it can help identify fluctuations and trends that would otherwise go unnoticed with standard A1C tests and finger stick measurements, and allow you to take action to avoid severe highs or lows.

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