Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) companies develop and manufacture medical devices that provide real-time glucose level measurements for people with diabetes. These companies focus on creating user-friendly, accurate, and reliable systems to help patients better manage their condition.
This article explores CGM companies and their pivotal role in diabetes management. We’ll discuss how CGM systems work and the benefits for patients and healthcare systems, and we’ll highlight leading continuous glucose monitoring companies in the field.
What is Continuous Glucose Monitoring?
Regular blood sugar monitoring is paramount for patients with diabetes. This is especially true for individuals living with type 1 diabetes and those who take insulin. Many factors affect maintaining healthy blood sugar control, such as food intake, medication, physical activity, and stress levels.
Monitoring blood sugar levels can be a constant burden, but the introduction of CGM systems offers some relief for both the patient and their healthcare provider. They help assess and adjust the treatment and management of diabetes and can also help prevent hospitalization for low blood sugar.
Patients can measure blood glucose levels at home with a blood glucose meter. Before remote patient monitoring, patients had to manually record blood sugar measurements, while healthcare providers would only get a glimpse into patient readings at in-office appointments. With remote blood glucose monitoring, patients take a daily measurement, which is then wirelessly transmitted to their healthcare provider for review.
Continuous glucose monitoring systems measure glucose levels 24 hours a day instead of periodically drawing a drop of blood from a finger. CGMs use a small sensor inserted under the skin to measure glucose levels in interstitial fluid. The sensor transmits data to a receiver or smartphone app, giving the patient’s physician real-time glucose readings and trends.
Benefits of CGM for Patients
Maintaining healthy glucose levels can help prevent diabetes complications in patients. The patients who benefit the most from a CGM system are those individuals who use CGM every day or nearly every day.
Continuous glucose monitoring companies offer solutions that provide the following benefits for individuals with diabetes:
- Real-time glucose data
- Improved diabetes management
- Reduced risk of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
- Better quality of life
Additionally, Medicare may cover a continuous glucose monitor and supplies if a patient meets all the requirements for Medicare coverage. According to Medicare.gov, a patient will qualify for a continuous glucose monitor if the following is met.
- Have diabetes mellitus.
- Take insulin or have a history of problems with low blood sugar.
- Have a prescription for testing supplies and instructions on how often to test your blood glucose.
- Have been trained (or had a caregiver trained) to use a continuous glucose monitor as prescribed by a physician.
- Make routine in-person or Medicare-approved telehealth visits with your doctor.
Benefits of CGM for Healthcare Systems
- Enhanced healthcare efficiency
- Opportunities for professional growth
- Reduced workload
- Decreased use of personal protective equipment
- Lower healthcare costs
Additional research shows continuous glucose monitoring contributes to the following improved healthcare outcomes and efficiency.
- Reduced hospitalizations due to diabetes complications
- More efficient patient monitoring
- Better data for treatment decisions
- Potential cost savings in long-term diabetes care
What are the Leading Continuous Glucose Monitoring Companies?
Dexcom: Continuous glucose monitoring companies like Dexcom are at the forefront of CGM technology. Among Dexcom’s offerings is the G6 CGM system, known for its accuracy and ease of use. The company also offers Dexcom G7, which is smaller and more user-friendly.
The Stelo Glucose Biosensor is available without a prescription for patients with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, Dexcom has the most published clinical studies demonstrating improved health outcomes with glucose sensors.
Abbott: Continuous glucose monitoring companies like Abbott have made CGM more accessible for adults and children. Abbott’s FDA-cleared FreeStyle Libre 2 system uses a calibrated sensor for superior accuracy. The system costs 70% less compared to other iCGM options. In addition, the FreeStyle Libre 2 is the only available iCGM sensor sustaining a high level of accuracy over 14 days.
Medtronic: Continuous glucose monitoring companies such as Medtronic provide integrated diabetes management solutions. Medtronic’s Guardian Connect CGM system can be used by patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes. Patients can view glucose levels, trends, and alerts on their mobile devices. The company offers 24-hour technical support, hands-on product training, and online educational resources.
Senseonics: Continuous glucose monitoring companies are pushing the boundaries of long-term use. Senseonics offers the Eversense CGM system, which features the first and only implantable sensor offering 6 months of real-time glucose readings and only 2 sensors per year for extended continuous monitoring.
Understanding Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Continuous glucose monitoring companies are advancing diabetes care by providing innovative technology that empowers patients and healthcare providers. As these companies continue to innovate, we can expect even more precise, convenient, and integrated solutions for diabetes management in the future.
Tenovi works exclusively with companies that would like to offer remote patient monitoring solutions to healthcare providers. Are your partners interested in a better remote blood glucose monitoring experience? Visit tenovi.com to learn more about our no sync, no app RPM hardware and software services.
