GLUCOSE MONITORING

What is continuous glucose monitoring?

     Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems use a tiny sensor inserted under the skin to check glucose levels in tissue fluid. The sensor stays in place for several days to a week and then must be replaced. A transmitter sends information about glucose levels via radio waves from the sensor to a pagerlike wireless monitor. The user must check blood samples with a glucose meter to program the devices. Because currently approved CGM devices are not as accurate and reliable as standard blood glucose meters, users should confirm glucose levels with a meter before making a change in treatment.

     CGM systems provide glucose measurements as often as once per minute. The measurements are transmitted to a wireless monitor.

     CGM systems are more expensive than conventional glucose monitoring, but they may enable better glucose control. CGM devices produced by Abbott, DexCom, and Medtronic have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are available by prescription. These devices provide real-time measurements of glucose levels, with glucose levels displayed at 5-minute or 1-minute intervals. Users can set alarms to alert them when glucose levels are too low or too high. Special software is available to download data from the devices to a computer for tracking and analysis of patterns and trends, and the systems can display trend graphs on the monitor screen.

     Additional CGM devices are being developed and tested. To learn more about such monitors and new products after approval, call the FDA at 1-888-INFO-FDA(463-6332) or at www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/default.htm

Pump, CGM Sensor and Transmitter

NIH :  Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Diabetes Forecast:  Anatomy of a CGM Sensor

diaTribe:  CGMs

Remote Glucose Monitoring in Diabetes Eases Parents’ Fears