Questions and Answers – Continuous Glucose Monitors

What is a continuous glucose monitor?

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is an FDA-approved device that continuously measures glucose levels throughout the day. The CGM helps you understand your glucose levels and whether they have been rising or falling. This can lead to better glucose management by eating or taking insulin to prevent the highs and lows.

What is the benefit of continuous glucose monitoring?

A continuous glucose monitor can help you understand how food, exercise, and medication impact your glucose levels, so you can better manage your diabetes and stay healthy. In addition, a continuous glucose monitor’s alerts indicate when your glucose levels are too high or too low and how quickly they are changing. This will allow you to take immediate action.

How long does it take to learn to use a continuous glucose monitor?

Medtronic Diabetes’ Guardian^® Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring System is designed for ease of use. Your diabetes educator can show you how to use it and read its results.

How long does it take to get used to wearing a continuous glucose monitor?

It depends. Getting used to a new continuous glucose monitor can be like getting used to wearing glasses. There will be times when you notice the sensor more, for example when you shower or get dressed in the morning, or when you go to sleep at night.

Will I be able to feel the insertion site?

You may when you first start using your continuous glucose monitor. The tiny sensor inserts under your skin, but Medtronic Diabetes offers a patented insertion device that makes insertion easy and less painful. If you feel the sensor site, you should check to see if the site looks red or irritated. After you get used to wearing your monitor, you may forget about it until you need to change your sensor.

Can I shower or wear my glucose monitor in the water?

Medtronic Diabetes’ Guardian Real-Time System is water resistant. It is designed to protect against splashes and occasional dunking. But you should not intentionally submerge the monitor in water. The MiniLink transmitter and sensor are waterproof.

Next: Paradigm^® Real-Time Pump

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.

Last updated: 3 Aug 2008