The Continuous Glucose Monitor helps diabetes patients monitor their blood sugar levels. It was initially a painless device attached to the skin on the patient’s abdomen or arm. This was replaced with a wire put into the arm’s vein and connected to a sensor attached to the core. Although these technologies were beneficial, the current CGM uses a sensor implanted just under the skin and connected to a transmitter that sends information to a receiver. The receiver views details about how much glucose has been released in the blood. These technologies are beneficial in making diabetes management more effortless.
Since the first FDA-approved CGM appeared on the market over 20 years ago (first Dexcom G4 in 2013, first Medtronic Sof-sensor in 2002, and first Roche Accu-Chek in 1997), technological advances have helped to increase their usage and popularity. But, with that success comes competition, and the world of Continuous Glucose Monitors now has four major players in the market. With each company innovating and offering its take on the technology, the CGM market is hotter than ever!
Continuous Glucose Monitor Product and Brand
Many products and services today use technology to help solve problems. Suppliers always keep up with the latest technology to make their products more efficient and effective. The diabetes marketplace is no different. There are currently four FDA-approved continuous glucose monitoring systems on the market today. They are four items Dexcom, Medtronic, Freestyle Libre, and Senseonics. Each system has different features and benefits. It is vital to make a choice that will work best for you
Decomx
The Dexcom G6 is a fantastic addition to the broader range of diabetes tech, offering a host of innovative features that allow people living with diabetes to take more control of their treatment and monitor their condition with greater accuracy. The G6 is designed to seamlessly integrate with a wide range of smartphones using the Dexcom G6 app, allowing users to track their glucose readings and receive real-time alerts and reminders when their glucose levels are too low or too high. The G6 is a real winner for people with diabetes, offering fantastic accuracy and a streamlined, easy-to-use design.
Sensor life and Price
The G6 sensor, when properly applied and not removed too early, can last 10 full days! But don’t be worried if you remove it prematurely. You can replace it with a new sensor and start a new 10-day wear. The G6 sensor adhesive can last anywhere between 11-14 days. Please reference our sensor adhesive tips for tips on keeping your sensor on for the entire 10-day wear. Its price $60 for the sensor
Medtronic
Medtronic’s sensor can be worn on the abdomen or upper arm for up to 7 days. It can be synced with a smartphone app that allows users to record their glucose readings and receive reminders to check blood glucose. The sensor needs to be changed every few days, and there is a one-time cost of $100 per sensor. While it may seem like an expensive device, the continuous glucose monitoring that comes with it has the potential to save lives.
Sensor life and Price
Guardian Sensor monthly box of sensors includes 30 days of sensor wear to ensure you are only provided with safe, reliable and accurate sensor glucose values. its price $1000 transmitter and $80 sensor.
FreeStyle Libre
The FreeStyle Libre is a glucose monitoring system device and software worn on the upper arm’s back. It’s a sensor that helps diabetic patients to check their blood sugar levels without pain. The readings can occur through clothing, even when the patient is exercising. The sensor is waterproof and can be worn for up to 14 days at a time. It’s an excellent option for those looking for a more convenient way to monitor their glucose levels. The FreeStyle Libre is an exciting product that can help users stay in control.
Sensor life and Price
When a sensor is suitable, but when it is terrible, it isn’t good! The FreeStyle Libre 14-day reader will notify you after 14 days that you need to get a new sensor. You can either wear another FreeStyle Libre 14-day reader where the sensor will be replaced or get a new FreeStyle Libre 14-day reader using the same sensors. The FreeStyle Libre 14-day reader is an advanced glucose monitor for users who want to monitor their blood glucose levels. These sensors can scan your glucose levels without pricking your finger with needles. The FreeStyle Libre 14-day reader will help you better track your glucose levels and control your health better. Its sensor price $60 to $100.
Senseonics
Senseonics Eversense is the world’s first implantable CGM system. Its sensor is the size of a small twig and is implanted in the upper arm under the skin. The Senseonics is approved for 90 days of wear in the United States and even longer in certain European countries. The sensor is reusable, just like the other CGMs, and the data is sent to a downloadable smartphone app for easier tracking and reporting.
Sensor life and Price
The Eversense Sensor lasts up to 90 days. The sensor has a silicone ring that contains a small amount of dexamethasone acetate, an anti-inflammatory steroid drug. The dexamethasone acetate minimizes inflammatory responses, similar to standard medical devices, such as insulin pens. The sensor contains a small chip that is activated by light. This specific wavelength of red light penetrates deeply into human tissue, sense and transmit information to a small computer inside the sensor. The sensor sends that information to a thin watch-like device the patient wears on their wrist. The sensor can be worn on an area of the body where it won’t be affected by clothing, pressure, or water. The sensor is FDA-approved, so it’s safe and effective.
