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Self monitoring blood glucose levels 4 times a day is cumbersome, painful, and an inconvenience to most.  Diabetic patients across the world are discovering how simple continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can be (Pandit, 2012).

Dexcom manufactures and distributes continuous glucose monitoring systems to help diabetic patients keep track of their blood sugar levels continuously using their smart phone or receiving device.

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A sensor inserted under the skin detects glucose concentrations in the interstitial fluid by using glucose oxidase methodology. The data is then transmitted to the programmed receiver (Pandit, 2012).  CGM provides real time blood sugar readings directly to your smart phone for the patient to analyze and treat.

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What is Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)?

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Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a small wearable device that tracks your glucose throughout the day and night, notifying you of highs and lows so you can take action. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, CGM can help you make more informed treatment decisions and can lead to better glycemic control.

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Fewer finger sticks

Shareable glucose data (including with your physician's office)

Real time high or low blood sugar alerts

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved

(Pandit, 2012)

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Sensor is somewhat bulky

Alerts loudly which is okay to wake you when you are low at night, but can be distracting to co-workers or classmates during the day

Adhesive does not last the full 7 days

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Real time feedback allows patients to manage their diabetes more effectively.  Self monitoring blood glucose only allows for a snapshot of what the level is at that moment.  CGM shows the patient if their blood sugar levels are rising or falling, provides alerts when blood sugars are dangerously high or low, and allows data exporting to a personal computer or perhaps a physician's office (Pandit, 2012).  Patients willing to wear the device and who want to improve glycemic control should be prescribed a CGM system.

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Pandit, K.  (2012).  Continuous glucose monitoring.  Indian Journal of    Endocrinology and Metabolism, 16, S263-266.  doi:  10.4103/2230- 8210.104056

For more information, please visit the Dexcom homepage:

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* CGM-based treatment requires fingersticks for calibration; may result in hypoglycemia if calibration not performed or symptoms/expectations do not match CGM readings.

** The beneficiary may NOT use their phone or smart device for display of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) data and still be eligible for reimbursement by Medicare for Therapeutic CGM.

1 Click here for a list of compatible devices

2 Dexcom G5 Mobile Continuous Glucose Monitoring System, User's Guide, 2015.

BRIEF SAFETY STATEMENT
The Dexcom G5 Mobile Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System ("G5") is a glucose monitoring system indicated for the management of diabetes in persons age 2 years and older. The G5 is designed to replace fingerstick blood glucose testing for diabetes treatment decisions. The G5 also aids in the detection of episodes of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. The G5 is intended for single patient use and requires a prescription. CONTRAINDICATIONS Do not rely on the G5 CGM data if you have recently taken acetaminophen. Remove the G5 (sensor, transmitter, and receiver) before Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) scan, or high-frequency electrical heat (diathermy) treatment. The G5 is MR Unsafe. Do not bring any portion of the G5 into the MRI environment. WARNING CGM-based diabetes treatment decisions are only approved with the G5, not previous generations of Dexcom CGM systems. Calibrate at least once every 12 hours using a fingerstick. If your G5 does not display a sensor glucose reading and an arrow, or if you are getting inaccurate or inconsistent readings, take a fingerstick. If your glucose readings and alerts do not match your symptoms or expectations, take a fingerstick to confirm. Failure to do so may lead to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. The G5 is not approved for use in pregnant women, persons on dialysis or critically ill persons. If a sensor breaks and no portion of it is visible above the skin, do not attempt to remove it. Seek professional medical help if you have infection or inflammation on or near the sensor insertion point. Report broken sensors to Dexcom Technical Support. Sensor placement is not approved for sites other than under the skin of the belly (ages 2 years and older) or upper buttocks (ages 2-17 years). To "share" data, you need an internet connection and a separate compatible smart device running the Dexcom Follow App. Contact Dexcom Toll Free at 877-339-2664 or www.dexcom.com for detailed indications for use and safety information.

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CGM-based treatment requires fingersticks for calibration; may result in hypoglycemia if calibration not performed or symptoms/expectations do not match CGM readings. ** The beneficiary may NOT use their phone or smart device for display of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) data and still be eligible for reimbursement by Medicare for Therapeutic CGM.