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Mercey Livingston is a health and wellness writer and a certified integrative nutrition health coach. She writes about fitness and wellness for Well+Good, Women’s Health, Business Insider and Prevention.com, among others. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading and trying fitness classes around New York City.
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During her time at CNET, Kim Wong-Shing loved demystifying the world of health and making it accessible to any reader. She is also passionate about exploring the intersection of health, history and culture. Before joining CNET, she wrote stories for Glamor, MindBodyGreen, Greatist and other publications.
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The best continuous glucose monitors to pair with your phone or Apple Watch
Dekang G6
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Best Long-Term Continuous Glucose Monitor
Eversense CGM System
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monitor blood sugar level It is an essential part of daily life for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. this traditional method Pricking your finger to check your blood sugar level is not ideal. It may be uncomfortable for some people. There is an alternative: a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Designed for long-term wear and use, it makes checking blood sugar levels as easy as checking your phone.
Continuous glucose monitoring devices can be worn on the abdomen or arm and can help you make decisions based on blood glucose readings throughout the day, which can help manage diabetes. We consulted doctors and researched the most popular models to create the best continuous glucose monitor on the market. Be sure to discuss diabetes monitoring options with your doctor to develop the best health monitoring plan for you.
The Best Continuous Glucose Monitors of 2024
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The meter was recommended by Dr. Rebecca Fenichel, an endocrinologist at Westmed Medical Group, and previously recommended by Dr. Nate Favini, medical director at Forward. “For people who are interested in taking a deeper look at their blood sugar levels, I often recommend the Freestyle Libre for continuous blood glucose monitoring,” says Favini.
(Note on January 25, 2024: Since this list was first published, Freestyle Libre 3 is launched. The sensor is smaller than the Libre 2 and sends readings directly to your smartphone every minute, among other benefits.
“By placing a sensor on your arm, you can continuously track your blood sugar throughout the day and deepen your understanding of what causes your blood sugar levels to rise and fall,” he said. “People are often surprised that foods they think are good for their blood sugar levels can cause blood sugar spikes. Although continuous glucose monitors are more expensive, they can help you understand what types of foods and exercises are best for you.”
To read your blood sugar on the Freestyle Libre, you can use a CGM device to perform a quick scan to get a reading. There is also the option to send an alert if your blood sugar is too high or too low.
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“I have found continuous glucose monitoring to be an important tool in managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Josh Emdur, SteadyMD Medical Director. “CGM data provides actionable insights to help patients track their glycemic responses to dietary choices and activity levels.”
The Dexcom G6 doesn’t require you to manually scan to get blood glucose readings; instead, you get wireless readings via a dedicated receiver device or your phone or Apple Watch. The Dexcom G6 reads your blood sugar every 5 minutes, keeping track of your blood sugar levels as long as you wear it day and night. You can set custom ranges for your desired blood sugar, and you’ll be notified if your blood sugar reaches your set low or high blood sugar range.
“For patients on an insulin pump, the Dexcom G6 connects to your pump and provides a closed-loop system to shut off your insulin when your insulin levels are low. The Dexcom monitor is also approved for use in pregnancy, And providing continuous monitoring, you can see the phone being used at any time,” Fenichel said.
(Please note that on January 25, 2024: Since this article was first published, Dexcom has Launch of G7. The sensor is smaller than the G6 and has an improved alert system, among other differences.
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If you want a device that you can set up and don’t have to worry about reinserting for up to 180 days, the Eversense is a great choice for diabetes management. The healthcare provider will insert the sensor and then place the transmitter over it.
Once the sensor is installed, it does not need to be replaced for approximately 180 days, giving the sensor a long service life. The transmitter itself can alert you if your blood sugar is too high or too low, or you can send wireless readings to your phone via an app. You can share your blood sugar data in the app with your doctor or anyone else who wants to check your blood sugar readings.
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The Guardian Connect system is a CGM that quickly tells you your current blood glucose readings through a connected app, and also allows you to easily access blood glucose trends and data over time. One of the standout features of the Guardian is that you can get “predictive” alerts on your blood sugar. Unlike other CGM systems that sound alerts when your blood sugar is already too high or too low, the Guardian uses technology that can predict before when your blood sugar is likely to rise or fall too low. Another feature that comes with this monitor is the Sugar.IQ Diabetes Assistant app for diabetes management, which uses your data to help you figure out what diet, exercise, and insulin are best for you.
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When choosing a continuous glucose monitor for this list, we looked at models that have been previously recommended by doctors. We also hope to introduce CGMs with longer sensor life and include models that are popular choices for diabetics.
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“Continuous glucose monitors allow for more in-depth monitoring of blood glucose levels in people with diabetes,” Fenichel said. “They are particularly suitable for patients who must check in multiple times a day or for patients who want more frequent feedback during the day.”
While anyone can buy a conventional blood glucose meter, you will need a doctor’s prescription for a CGM system. For reasons related to your unique health and lifestyle, your doctor may recommend a continuous glucose monitoring device to track your blood sugar trends and stay on top of your insulin levels, but CGM devices may not be appropriate for everyone’s unique diabetes care plan.
A CGM device can also give you and your doctor more information about your blood sugar levels than a standard glucometer can – for example, if your blood sugar starts to drop too low, the device can warn you that your blood sugar levels are dropping, “which could be A very serious problem”. A useful feature that helps patients avoid hypoglycemia,” said Fenichel. “Not only can they tell you what your current blood sugar level is, they can also tell you whether it’s rising or falling.”
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Here are some factors to consider when purchasing a continuous glucose monitor:
- scanning frequency: Instant CGM continuously scans your blood sugar levels and automatically transmits data to your phone or receiver, sending regular alerts about your blood sugar. In contrast, with intermittent scanning CGMs, you have to scan them with your phone or receiver to view the material. Some CGMs also measure your blood sugar more frequently than others.
- Connectivity: Consider whether you want to connect the CGM to a smartphone or receiver. If you are using a mobile phone, take a closer look at the app and whether it is easy to use or offers special features.
- Test type: Consider where the CGM sensor will be placed on your body, how it will be inserted, and how often it will need to be replaced.
- Insurance coverage: Check to see if the CGM you’re interested in is covered by insurance and how much it will cost to maintain and replace parts over time.
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Can I get a continuous glucose monitor without a doctor?
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Which CGM is the cheapest?
The information contained herein is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health goals.
