Frequently asked questions about continuous glucose monitors answered clearly.
CGM sensors occasionally fail before their approved wear period ends. Both Dexcom and Abbott have replacement programs — here is how to document a failure and request a replacement effectively. Types of Sensor Failures No insertion signal: Sensor does not connect after correct application Early termination: Sensor stops transmitting before day 10 (G7) or day … Read more
Seeing a significant difference between your CGM and a fingerstick reading can be alarming. Most discrepancies have explanations — here is how to interpret them and when to be concerned. Expected Discrepancy: The Normal Range A difference of up to 15-20% between CGM and fingerstick is within the normal accuracy range for both devices. At … Read more
CGM has largely replaced fingerstick testing for most people with diabetes, but fingersticks remain important in specific situations. Here is when each method is more reliable and when you should use both. CGM Advantages Continuous data — every 1-5 minutes vs. a single moment in time Trend information — the direction and rate of glucose … Read more
CGM sensor wear times are set by manufacturers based on FDA approval data: 10 days for Dexcom G7, 14-15 days for FreeStyle Libre 3 and Stelo. Many users ask whether sensors can be extended beyond these periods. Here is the honest answer. Why Sensors Have Limited Wear Times The enzyme coating on the sensor filament … Read more
A growing number of people without diabetes are wearing CGMs to understand their metabolic health, optimize diet, and track the glucose impact of food, sleep, and stress. Here is what the evidence supports — and where it gets overhyped. Who Is Using CGM Without Diabetes Pre-diabetics wanting to track progression and dietary response Athletes optimizing … Read more
Insurance coverage for CGMs has expanded significantly since 2020. Here is the current coverage landscape for Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance in the US. Medicare Part B Coverage (2026) Medicare covers CGMs as Durable Medical Equipment (DME) for beneficiaries who: Have diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2) Use insulin (any type — including basal-only) Have … Read more