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What is the difference between CGM and BGM?

 

 

Blood Glucose Meters (BGM) measure glucose levels at a single moment in time, while Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems continually check glucose levels throughout the day and night.

    • BGMs are only capable of generating a single glucose level reading, while CGM systems use data gathered over the course of an entire day and night.

 

    • Since CGM systems collect measurements 24/7, they provide dynamic information about the direction of glucose levels and rate of change. This level of proactivity is not possible with BGMs.

 

  • CGM has proved to be the best outpatient glycemic management system for reducing A1C.1
    • CGM systems help to minimize the guesswork that comes with making treatment decisions* based solely on a number from a blood glucose meter reading.

 

    • The way measurements are taken is different between the two methods. BGMs require a fingerstick while CGMs place a sensor under the skin while connecting to a transmitter which continuously sends regular intervals of glucose readings to a receiver or compatible smart device via bluetooth technology.

 

  • Unlike BGMs that require deliberate action to get a reading, real-time CGM systems work throughout the night, while the user is asleep.

Does CGM Replace Fingersticks?

Some of the latest advancements in Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems eliminate the need to take fingerstick measurements using a Blood Glucose Meter.* Other CGM systems reduce the frequency of fingersticks, but still rely on regular Blood Glucose Meter readings to ensure proper calibration. It is always recommended that CGM users take a fingerstick reading prior to making diabetes treatment decisions if glucose alerts and readings from their CGM systems do not match symptoms or expectations.

 

*If your glucose alerts and readings from your CGM do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.

Who Should use a CGM

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and American College of Endocrinology (ACE) published guidelines2that recommend:

 

    • Patients with type 1 diabetes may benefit from using a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system.

 

    • CGM may benefit patients with type 2 diabetes on multiple insulin injections, basal insulin, or sulfonylureas.

 

  • Patients that are at risk for hypoglycemia and/or have hypoglycemia unawareness may benefit from using a CGM.

 

If you are ready to take the next step, the process is simple. Provide us with a few details and we will contact you to begin your order.

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Take a deeper dive

Dive into the select CGM episodes below to learn more about the value and benefits of CGM. 

Continuous Glucose Monitoring: The basics

How the Dexcom CGM Works

The Benefits of Dexcom CGM

Taking the Next Step with Dexcom CGM

* If glucose alerts and readings from a CGM do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.

1 Soupal J, Petruzelkova L, Flekac M, et al. “Comparison of Different Treatment Modalities for Type 1 Diabetes, Including Sensor-Augmented Insulin Regimens, in 52 Weeks of Follow-Up: A COMISAIR Study.” Diabetes Technol Ther. 2016;18(9):532-538.

2 2015 AACE/ACE Guidelines. Endocr Pract. 2015, 21. Vol 21 (5) pg. 522-533.

 

BRIEF SAFETY STATEMENT

Failure to use the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (G6) and its components according to the instructions for use provided with your device and available at https://www.dexcom.com/safety-information and to properly consider all indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and cautions in those instructions for use may result in you missing a severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) occurrence and/or making a treatment decision that may result in injury. If your glucose alerts and readings from the G6 do not match symptoms or expectations or you’re taking over the recommended maximum dosage amount of 1000mg of acetaminophen every 6 hours, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions. Seek medical advice and attention when appropriate, including for any medical emergency.