Continuous Glucose Monitors

A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a wearable device that measures the glucose level in the fluid around your cells (interstitial fluid).

Although they do not measure blood glucose directly, CGMs infer blood glucose from the glucose content in the interstitial fluid. How closely the two match depends on the rate of change of your blood sugar. If you blood glucose is rapidly rising or falling then the CGM values will be some 10 to 15 minutes behind your blood glucose. But if your blood glucose is relatively stable, or only changing slowly, then the CGM values will reflect blood glucose measurements.

Because a CGM is taking measurements every minute, or every five minutes, they are able to provide an indication of whether your blood glucose is rising, falling, or fairly stable. That information is very valuable in making treatment decisions.

Wearing a CGM gives you lots of information about how your blood sugar reacts to:

  • different types of food;
  • exercise (walking, running, cycling, swimming, yoga, Pilates and so on); and
  • the medications that you take.

That information will materially assist you to make lifestyle choices that support you in having blood sugar levels in the desirable range. For people with type 2 diabetes, if you can afford to wear a CGM periodically then that will be educational as well as useful in alerting you to any changes in your condition. All CGMs have functionality allowing you to share your results with your GP or practice nurse.

Diabetes Wellington stocks two models of CGM:

  • Freestyle Libre 2 PLUS, which provides minute by minute readings and lasts for up to 15 days ($122); and
  • LinX, which also provides readings every minute but is smaller, has higher water resistance, and also lasts up to 15 days ($75).

Both sensors are available for purchase in our Centre.  If you are coming in to purchase sensors, please be aware we accept cash or EFTPOS (no credit cards and we don't have Paywave). The LinX is also available for purchase online - see below.

1 product
$75.00
$75.00