What is the difference between Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and Blood Glucose Monitoring (BGM?)
The traditional method of measuring glucose levels has required fingersticks where you would prick your finger to place a small drop of blood on a test strip which would then be read by a blood glucose meter (BGM). This reading taken by the BGM provides a snapshot of your glucose level at a single point in time.
Unlike BGM, Dexcom CGM provides glucose readings in real-time, up to every 5 minutes, throughout the day and night. Each reading has your glucose number as well as arrows that show the speed and direction your glucose is heading. This can give you even more information to make appropriate diabetes treatment decisions while managing your or helping your loved one manage their diabetes*. Dexcom CGM was also designed with customizable alerts that can warn your of highs and lows when they happen so you’re able to take action to better manage glucose levels.
*If your glucose alerts and readings from the Dexcom G6 do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.