The evolution of the Continuous Glucose Monitor has made an impact on the many diabetes patients that use them.
Continuous Glucose Monitors have helped to improve the lives of the entire diabetes community, from patients to caregivers to health care providers.
Since the first FDA approved CGM appeared on the market over 20 years ago, technological advances have helped to increase their usage and popularity. But, with that success also comes competition and the world of Continuous Glucose Monitors now has four major players in the market.
Continuous Glucose Monitor Brands
There are currently four FDA-approved CGM systems on the market today. They are the Dexcom, Medtronic, Freestyle Libre, and Senseonics.
Certain components can be found in all CGM systems. When comparing brands and trying to make a decision, it’s important to look for the unique features that set them apart.
All four systems use a sensor that is inserted subcutaneously as well as a transmitter and receiver to allow for data collection. Each provide reporting that records and tracks activity to show trends and aid in overall diabetes management. But there are a few differences that help to distinguish between the various brands to help set them apart, like price, insurance coverage and sensor life. Let’s look at the details of each one to gain better perspective.
Dexcom
The Dexcom is considered the pioneer in CGM systems. It uses its own software called Clarity and offers customizable alerts, smartphone app compatibility and voice integration through Apple’s Siri technology. Data can be shared with up to 10 followers and can be used in patients as young as two.
- ❖ Sensor life is 10 days.
- ❖ Price1: $300 for the transmitter. $600 for the receiver. $80 per sensor.
- ❖ Covered by most private and public health insurance plans and Medicare.
Medtronic
Medtronic is considered the leader in insulin pump technology, but also makes a CGM device called the Guardian Connect. Medtronic’s sensor can be worn on the abdomen or upper arm for up to seven days. A Bluetooth transmitter can send glucose readings to a smart phone app every five minutes. The Guardian Connect is also FDA approved and can be used in patients aged 17-75.
- ❖ Sensor life is 7 days.
- ❖ Price1: $1000 for the transmitter. $80 for the sensor.
- ❖ Covered by most private plans, but not Medicare
FreeStyle Libre
The FreeStyle Libre uses a flash sensor that allows the patient to be in control of their own readings. Using a handheld receiver or smart phone app, patients can hover over the sensor to get readings which can even occur through clothing. The sensor is also waterproof and can be worn while swimming or bathing. It’s also small and lightweight and can be worn for up to 14 days. The FreeStyle Libre also has its own software and offers remote data sharing with up to 20 people.
- ❖ Sensor life is 14 days.
- ❖ Price1: $60 for the sensor scanner. $40 per sensor.
- ❖ Covered by most private and public health insurance plans and Medicare.
Senseonics EverSense System
The Eversense system is the world’s first implantable CGMs. Its sensor is the size of a small twig and implanted in the upper arm. The Senseonics is approved for 90 days of wear here in the United States and even longer in certain European countries. Like the other CGMs, it also has a downloadable smart phone app for easier tracking and reporting. The Eversense system was on a brief hiatus and has recently re-entered the US market.
- ❖ Sensor life is 90 days.
- ❖ Price1: $1400 for initial package which includes sensor, transmitter, adhesives, start guide). Then $200 to $300 for insertion and $300 to $400 for removal and reinsertion.
- ❖ Covered by most private plans, but not Medicare
Continuous Glucose Monitor Benefits
The overall benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitors are far reaching and should be factored into any decision. There is no question that CGMs allow diabetes patients to live a more active, healthier and less stressful lifestyle and here are some reasons why:
- ● Ease of Use – CGMs eliminate the need for inconvenient and painful fingersticks.
- ● 24/7 Monitoring – Continual monitoring keeps patients safe and allows them to monitor levels anytime, anywhere. CGMs can send alerts to patients, healthcare providers, and family members if levels are too high or too low providing an extra level of security.
- ● Data Collection – CGMs collect information and identify patterns that can be shared with healthcare professionals and caregivers to help avoid dangerous situations. Depending on the monitoring system, this data can be stored for up to 3 months.
- ● CGMs are advanced, user-friendly, discreet and are continually evolving to make it easier for patients living with Diabetes.
Choosing a Continuous Glucose Monitor
With so many brands available, the choice is not easy to make, but here are a few reasons why the FreeStyle Libre is our top choice. Not only is it convenient and easy to use, but it provides freedom and control, to both patients and healthcare providers. Each Freestyle Libre scan provides a current glucose reading, a trend arrow and an 8-hour history. The Freestyle Libre gives patients and healthcare providers an easy way to track daily patterns, ranges and targets and can receive alerts when they are trending high or low. Data can be shared with healthcare providers and up to ten followers which helps patients with the overall management of Diabetes and helps to keep glucose levels under control. Using the Freestyle Libre in conjunction with the LibreView downloadable app allows patients to retrieve readings right from their smart device, anytime and anywhere.
Where to Find Continuous Glucose Monitor Details
The Freestyle Libre is becoming more readily available through various channels but sorting through the facts can be daunting. At Quest Health Solutions, we can guide you through the entire process. We are not only one of the leading suppliers of Continuous Glucose Monitors in the market today, but we also offer CGM Fulfillment Solutions. Our experienced team is here to help educate you on the facts and answer any questions. To learn more or to find out how a Continuous Glucose Monitor can be part of the solution, contact us 1-877-888-7050 Option 3, Ext. 1011, email ben@questhealthsolutions.com or schedule an appointment today.