Continuous Glucose Monitoring - Definition, Process & Purpose
What is a CGM?
A CGM is also sometimes referred to as a CGM transmitter, CGM device, CGM sensor, continuous glucose monitoring system, CGM checker, CGM tracker, CGM glucose meter, or CGM machine.
Continuous
Glucose Monitoring
Continuous glucose monitoring allows you to see how your blood sugar levels change throughout the day. With a CGM, you can spot patterns and trends by observing real-time glucose responses to food, stress, exercise, sleeping habits, and other daily activities.
CGMs can have non-medical uses as part of a healthy lifestyle that can help you reach your wellness goals, no matter what they may be.
Curious about trying a CGM?
History of CGMs
CGMs were first developed about 20 years ago for people with type 1 diabetes to check their blood glucose levels. At the time, researchers were seeking new, non-invasive solutions that could allow for more finely-tuned adjustments to insulin.
These sensors were also a way to support guided implementation of dietary and lifestyle changes to help stabilize blood sugar levels. Over the decades, CGMs have improved and the associated costs have decreased, bringing the technology within reach of a broader audience.
Continuous glucose monitors are now becoming increasingly accessible as a consumer tool, and are even available without a prescription in some countries across Europe, as well as in Canada and India.
While the Nutrisense CGM program is not suitable for people with type 1 diabetes, the devices can have beneficial uses as part of a healthy lifestyle for many.
Continuous Glucose Monitor
A CGM device measures your interstitial glucose, or the glucose found in the fluid surrounding your body’s cells. Unlike a traditional blood glucose monitor, or finger prick, a CGM remains in place on your arm for up to 14 days, measuring your real-time glucose levels every few minutes.
How Does a CGM Work?
The CGM tracks glucose levels through a tiny sensor that is painlessly inserted under your skin using a minimally-invasive needle applicator. With the device in place and covered by a protective patch, you can scan the CGM transmitter using an NFC-enabled smartphone to send your data to a mobile application like the Nutrisense app.
Some CGM devices come with a transmitter that sends data to a CGM receiver. The CGM receiver may be part of an insulin pump or a separate device altogether.
Continuous glucose monitoring technology has seen immense growth over the last few decades and has now become more accessible to the public. These devices can be worn in water, while flying, and during other activities without hindering your day-to-day life.
You can use a CGM to view how your glucose responds to variables such as food, exercise, stress, and sleep. CGM data works to provide you with the necessary information to monitor your overall well-being and make lifestyle adjustments that can help you reach your health goals.
Your CGM will need to be replaced every seven to 14 days, depending on the brand. CGMs provided by Nutrisense last for 14 days.
How to Access Continuous Glucose Monitoring
The Nutrisense program provides easier access to anyone who wants to use CGM technology to support their well-being. Not only that, all Nutrisense CGM programs pair you with complimentary one-on-one dietitian support for your first month so you can better understand your body’s glucose response.
Continuous glucose monitor systems have historically only been available to the public through a medical prescription in the United States.
The Nutrisense CGM program takes care of the prescription for you. Costs can vary depending on the plan you choose.
At this time, Nutrisense is not covered by health insurance providers. For other coverage options, click here.
Experiment witheating windows, workout regimens, & macronutrient balance.
Nutrisense arms you with the tools to understand what makes your body tick and make changes that work for....you.
“Nutrisense taught me the how, the why, and the when to eat… This program has helped me learn how to keep losing weight and, at the same time, enjoy my food!”
Christine Aochi on How Using a CGM Helped her Understand her Blood Sugar Levels
CGM Expectations
Because CGMs read relative changes in your glucose levels with accuracy, they can be a valuable tool for solidifying healthier habits and getting results no matter what your lifestyle currently looks like.
Nutrisense members have used continuous glucose monitoring to track blood sugar level trends, and customize their diet, athletic performance, exercise approach, and other lifestyle factors in ways that work best for their individual well-being.
See how a CGM may be used as part of a healthy lifestyle to...
Build sustainable habits that improve your well-being
Support healthy blood sugar levels
Reduce the effects of stress
Lose weight
Sleep better
Your questions
answered.
Still have questions? Here are some answers to a couple of most frequently asked questions.
CGM stands for continuous glucose monitor. This small device sits on the back of your arm and tracks your glucose levels 24/7.
A CGM is made up of a sensor, transmitter, and applicator. Once applied to the back of your arm, it measures your interstitial glucose levels for up to 14 days.
You can scan your CGM using a smartphone to collect and view your data in real-time. Sensors will need to be replaced periodically, as specified by your CGM provider.
*Disclaimer: The Nutrisense program is not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any conditions such as diabetes.
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