The power of prediction in diabetes with Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
Life with diabetes can feel like a never-ending balancing act that requires a lot of guesswork.
It’s no exaggeration to say that keeping a close eye on glucose levels is one of the best ways to manage your diabetes. But how do you achieve that whilst also getting on with life?
Smart devices sold separately
Until recently the only way to know your glucose levels was to prick your finger, which is still practised by many people with diabetes today.
Whilst finger pricking is able to measure your current glucose level at the time, it canʼt predict where your glucose levels are heading or how quickly. So, you end up having to finger prick again and again to try and build up a picture.
Over time, fingers can become sore and may lose sensation from repeated pricking. Many people grow frustrated at still being unable to predict hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, or keep their glucose in range.
But now, with the increase in use of real-time continuous glucose monitoring systems, this has all changed.
What is Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)?
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, such as the Dexcom CGM System, measure glucose levels every 5 minutes, letting you see how your glucose levels are changing over time, and allows you to predict what they’ll do next – without finger pricks* or scanning.
Studies have shown that Dexcom CGM systems help to reduce hypo- and hyperglycaemia and increase Time in Range (TIR).1,2,3,4,5
*Finger pricks required for diabetes treatment decisions if symptoms or expectations do not match readings.
How Dexcom CGM Works
First, the auto-applicator inserts a small sensor just beneath the skin.
Every five minutes the sensor measures glucose levels and sends data to a small transmitter worn as a stick-on patch.
The transmitter then sends the glucose readings to a small touch-screen receiver or smartphone†,‡, which turns the numbers into a continually updated story, charting glucose changes over time, and alerting the user if levels are heading too high or too low.
Benefits of Dexcom CGM
Itʼs hard to put into words the difference this kind of knowledge can make to someone living with diabetes, and to the people that love them.
By having a system that actively measures our glucose 24 hours a day and proactively alerts you to any unwanted changes, we can help stop the fear of hypos and hypers. Instead, you can start to actively avoid them.
Real-time makes a real difference.
By turning static glucose readings into an ever updating story, you can see the effects of exercise, food and different types and doses of medicine (including insulin), and learn to take control of your diabetes.
Dexcom CGM Systems are proven to lower HbA1C and increase time in range compared to flash glucose monitoring,§,6 without scanning.
Meet the Dexcom CGM System
Find out how the Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring System gives you the power to take control of your diabetes.
* Finger pricks required for diabetes treatment decisions if symptoms or expectations do not match readings.
† For a list of compatible smart devices, visit dexcom.com/en-GB/compatibility
‡ Requires the Follow app and an internet connection. Followers should always confirm readings on the Dexcom CGM app or Receiver before making treatment decisions.
§ In this head-to-head trial the Dexcom G6 was compared to Freestyle Libre 1. Generation.
1 Beck RW, et al. Effect of continuous glucose monitoring on glycemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes using insulin injections: The DIAMOND randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2017;317(4):371-378.
2 Welsh JB, et al. Comparisons of Fifth-, Sixth-, and Seventh-Generation Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2022:19322968221099879.
3 Šoupal J, et al. Glycemic Outcomes in Adults with T1D Are Impacted More by Continuous Glucose Monitoring Than by Insulin Delivery Method: 3 Years of Follow‐Up from The COMISAIR Study. Diabetes Care. 2020;43:37-43.
4 Martens T, et al. Effect of continuous glucose monitoring on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with basal insulin: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2021;325(22):2262-2272.
5 Lind M, et al. Sustained Intensive Treatment and Long-term Effects on HbA1c Reduction (SILVER Study) by CGM in People With Type 1 Diabetes Treated With MDI. Diabetes Care. 2021;44(1):141-149.
6 Visser MM, et al. Comparing real-time and intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring in adults with type 1 diabetes (ALERTT1): a 6-month, prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2021;397(10291):2275-2283.
† For a list of compatible smart devices, visit dexcom.com/en-GB/compatibility
‡ Requires the Follow app and an internet connection. Followers should always confirm readings on the Dexcom CGM app or Receiver before making treatment decisions.
§ In this head-to-head trial the Dexcom G6 was compared to Freestyle Libre 1. Generation.
1 Beck RW, et al. Effect of continuous glucose monitoring on glycemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes using insulin injections: The DIAMOND randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2017;317(4):371-378.
2 Welsh JB, et al. Comparisons of Fifth-, Sixth-, and Seventh-Generation Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2022:19322968221099879.
3 Šoupal J, et al. Glycemic Outcomes in Adults with T1D Are Impacted More by Continuous Glucose Monitoring Than by Insulin Delivery Method: 3 Years of Follow‐Up from The COMISAIR Study. Diabetes Care. 2020;43:37-43.
4 Martens T, et al. Effect of continuous glucose monitoring on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes treated with basal insulin: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2021;325(22):2262-2272.
5 Lind M, et al. Sustained Intensive Treatment and Long-term Effects on HbA1c Reduction (SILVER Study) by CGM in People With Type 1 Diabetes Treated With MDI. Diabetes Care. 2021;44(1):141-149.
6 Visser MM, et al. Comparing real-time and intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring in adults with type 1 diabetes (ALERTT1): a 6-month, prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2021;397(10291):2275-2283.
Chris is a sponsored spokesperson of Dexcom.