Continuous glucose monitoring is a system that allows people with diabetes to detect trends and patterns in their glucose levels. It is different than an A1C level. An A1C test reflects your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. The A1C level is limited in that it doesn’t provide enough information to allow for immediate or short-term changes to the diabetes management plan. It is essentially ‘a snapshot in time’.
Continuous glucose monitoring is a newer technology that measures glucose levels in real time. It essentially allows people to see their glucose level 24 hours a day, with few or no fingerstick tests. It works by inserting a glucose sensor under the skin which measures interstitial glucose every 1-5 minutes. There are two main types of systems in Canada. The glucose readings are sent wirelessly to a device, either automatically or by using a manual scanner to get the reading.
Read on to learn more about continuous glucose monitoring systems in Canada. And check out the Continuous Glucose Monitoring Resources in our Self-Management Resources Section.
Continuous glucose monitoring articles
Continuous glucose monitoring: seeing is believing Can you guess the exact weight of something without a scale? The same applies to guessing what your glucose (sugar) level might be at any given time of the day. However, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices make the invisible, visible.
Glucose sensors galore! How do you make a choice?For extra insights around these decisions, glucose sensors can be incredibly helpful. In addition to seeing your current glucose number, a glucose sensor will show you a graph of where your glucose has been, and trend arrows to give you an idea where your glucose is headed.
Glucose Sensors Comparison ChartThis chart provides a comprehensive comparison of three leading glucose sensors: the Dexcom G7, Freestyle Libre 2, and the Medtronic Guardian Connect or Guardian 3 (compatible with 770G/780G insulin pumps). It covers key aspects like sensor features, insertion parts, wearable pieces, sensor sites, warm-up time, wear time, display devices, and additional functionalities.
Continuous glucose monitoring: is it right for me?Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a newer, accurate way to understand your glucose levels. Read this expert article to learn more about continuous glucose monitoring.
Continuous glucose monitors – less pain more gain!Although it is true that CGM can help you escape from the pain, mess, and inconvenience of traditional blood glucose monitoring, there are many more advantages to CGM use. Read this expert blog to learn what continuous glucose monitoring may do for you.
Differences between continuous glucose monitoring systems in CanadaContinuous glucose monitoring systems have become more commonly used in recent years by Canadians living with diabetes. There are various systems available, which have many similarities
Tips for making the most of your continuous glucose monitoring systemContinuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems are a welcome addition to the variety of devices that people with diabetes can take advantage of to ensure they keep glucose levels in check.
Understanding continuous glucose monitoring: A tool to help you manage your glucose levelsContinuous Glucose Monitoring(CGM) offers people with diabetes the opportunity to see their glucose levels in real time, on an ongoing basis.
Benefits of a continuous glucose monitoring systemContinuous glucose monitoring has many benefits, such as identifying trends in the change in blood glucose seen with exercise or the food you eat.
