Managing your glucose levels is a key part of staying healthy with diabetes, and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) make that much easier. A CGM device gives you continuous feedback on your glucose levels in real-time. It helps you spot trends and avoid dangerous highs and lows. Unlike finger stick monitoring, CGMs alert you as soon as your levels are out of range, so you can take action before a problem develops. If you’re looking for a continuous glucose monitoring system, US MED® provides systems and sensors from the world’s top CGM brands, including Dexcom and Abbott.
What is a Continuous Glucose Monitor?
A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a cutting-edge diabetes management tool. This device usually comes in two parts—a wearable sensor and a receiver. CGMs consistently monitor your glucose levels, allowing you to reduce painful finger stick tests.*
How does a Continuous Glucose Monitor work?
Continuous glucose monitors use sensors, transmitters, and receivers to test and relay glucose levels. The wearable sensor uses a cannula to read glucose levels in the interstitial fluid, which surrounds the cells. A transmitter sends the glucose reading to a portable, handheld receiver or app on your smartphone.
Using a CGM is easy. Simply insert a small sensor into the skin by using an applicator. Adhesive tape holds the sensor in place on your skin. CGM sensors are waterproof, so you can wear them while showering or swimming. To learn more about how CGMs work, check out this article on the different types of CGMs.
Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitors
At minimum, CGMs can simplify glucose management by reducing frequent finger stick tests. At most, CGMs provide ease of mind and help you stay in control of your health. Data from CGMs can help you and your provider fine-tune your treatment plan for success.
Peace of Mind & Convenience
One of the biggest benefits of using a CGM device is the peace of mind that comes from having around-the-clock glucose monitoring. Whether you’re living with diabetes or caring for someone who is, having access to glucose levels without having to stop and finger test before a meal or while running errands is life-changing. With alerts, you can also go to bed knowing your CGM will wake you up in the middle of the night if your levels need adjusting.
Important to note: While CGMs are incredibly helpful, they are not a replacement for conventional blood sugar testing. It's essential to continue using a glucose meter to calibrate your CGM and confirm readings when necessary. CGM sensors also measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid, which can differ slightly from blood glucose levels. These readings may be delayed by 5-10 minutes compared to actual blood sugar levels.
Improving A1C
A CGM may be a helpful tool for improving hemoglobin A1C levels. Research shows that CGMs can increase the amount of time you spend in your ideal glucose range when used properly. As a result, your hemoglobin A1C may improve.¶
Offset Overall Healthcare Costs
Following your recommended CGM therapy can create healthcare savings estimated at $3,555-$6,747 per person, over three years through improved patient outcomes.‡
Healthcare savings are achieved through the following health benefits:
- Reduced rates for severe hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis events‡
- Reduction of A1C in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes*
- Increased “time in range” within targeted blood glucose levels¶
- Improvement in quality of life¶
Streamlined Health Management
You can easily send CGM data to friends, family, and caregivers through compatible apps. Most CGMs store your glucose data so you can make treatment decisions based on trends. Unlike single-time glucometer testing, most CGMs report on sugar levels every one to five minutes, storing at least 288 glucose readings per day in your receiver. This data takes much of the guesswork out of managing diabetes by identifying changes caused by food, exercise, and lifestyle choices.
Artificial Pancreas Systems from US MED
When used alone, continuous glucose monitors offer around-the-clock glucose monitoring and alerts for highs and lows. When paired with an insulin pump, this creates a closed-loop system, wherein the CGM and pump communicate with each other. This combination is sometimes referred to as an “artificial pancreas,” since it aims to replicate a pancreas’ response to rising or falling glucose levels.
With an artificial pancreas, those living with diabetes can live their daily lives with fewer inconveniences associated with diabetes management. To enjoy the benefits of closed-loop therapy, you can use the Tandem® t:slim X2® or Omnipod 5 insulin pumps with different product sensors, such as the Dexcom G7 sensor and the FreeStyle Libre 3+ sensor.
Order Continuous Glucose Monitors at US MED
Since 1996, people living with diabetes have trusted US MED for essential supplies. When you choose US MED, you gain more than just the diabetes supplies you need. You'll enjoy the convenience of Medicare and private insurance acceptance, automatic reorder reminders, and free priority shipping. With recognition from the American Diabetes Association and accreditations from URAC, NABP, and ACHC, US MED is committed to providing high-quality diabetes supplies and exceptional customer service. Experience the difference by calling 1-877-840-8216 or submitting US MED's online information request form today!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, continuous glucose monitors are accurate. The continuous glucose monitoring systems sold by US MED® have been FDA-approved for use by people with diabetes. As with any piece of technology, there are chances it may not work effectively 100% of the time. If you run into any unusually high or low readings from your CGM, it is best to confirm them with a finger stick test.
Yes, continuous glucose monitors are covered for those living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes under Medicare Parts D and B, provided that certain criteria are met.
To see if you qualify for continuous glucose monitoring products, consult with your provider. Or, reach out to our team of customer care representatives for a free benefits check. Most private insurance policies follow Medicare's guidelines for CGM approval. To be eligible for Medicare coverage of a CGM, a member must:
- Be insulin-treated for diabetes mellitus; OR,
- Have a history of problematic hypoglycemia*
Yes, you may get a CGM without testing blood glucose levels daily. However, your insurance company will not cover any costs. You will be responsible for the total cost of your CGM and will need a prescription from your doctor. If you choose to purchase a CGM without going through your insurance, you can do so on our retail website.
Yes, depending on your history with hypoglycemia you may be able to get a CGM for hypoglycemia management. There are 3 levels of hypoglycemia. To be eligible for a CGM you must meet one or more of the following requirements:
- Have experienced and documented two or more Level 2 hypoglycemia events. Level 2 hypoglycemia is when blood glucose levels are lower than 54 mg/dL.^^
- Have experienced and documented one or more Level 3 hypoglycemia events. Level 3 hypoglycemia is when blood glucose levels are lower than 40 mg/dL.**
Yes, you may get a CGM without taking insulin. Keep in mind that continuous glucose monitors are intended for people who manually regulate their insulin through injections or a pump. If you do not take insulin, your insurance company will not cover any costs. You will also need to get a prescription from your doctor to purchase one. If you are not taking insulin, we highly recommend that you speak with your doctor to determine whether a CGM is the right device for you.
No, we have plenty of customers that are living with Type 2 diabetes and enjoy the benefits of a CGM. Just keep in mind that for your insurance company to cover costs, you have to meet their requirements—that is, treating diabetes with insulin or having documented cases of Level 2 or Level 3 hypoglycemia. You will also need a prescription from your doctor.
Yes, you need a prescription from your doctor for a CGM. CGMs are regulated by the FDA and are only approved for use with a prescription from your doctor. US MED® will not be able to provide you with a continuous glucose monitoring device without a prescription from your doctor.
Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance providers cover continuous glucose monitors and supplies. Many variables will determine what your insurance will cover. Please call us at 1-877-840-8218 for a free benefits check to learn if your insurance will cover a CGM, and for information on what percentage of the costs they will cover.
The approval process time frame can vary based on how quickly we receive all required documents and information before shipping your order. This can take up to 21 days.
Delays typically result from not receiving your prescription from your doctor in a timely manner, when the prescription is missing information, or not getting authorization from your insurance provider promptly. In all cases, we do our best to follow up and obtain the required documents from your doctor and insurance companies.
At US MED®, we offer continuous glucose monitoring systems from leading brands, such as Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 system and the Dexcom G7.
Yes, CGMs offer continuous blood sugar monitoring. Continuous glucose monitors can greatly reduce the need for painful finger sticks. However, you may need to do a finger stick test to confirm any low or high sensor readings or if your symptoms do not match your sensor readings.
Yes, once qualified, all US MED® members receive 90-day supplies with each order, regardless of private insurance or Medicare/Medicaid coverage.
*Fingersticks required for diabetes treatment decisions if symptoms or expectations do not match readings.
‡Beck RW, et al. JAMA. 2017;317(4):371-378.
¶Noar A, et al. A1C Reductions and Improved Patient-Reported Outcomes Following CGM Initiation in Insulin-Managed T2D. Presented at ADA 80th Scientific Sessions; June 12, 2020; Virtual.
- Kovatchev B, et al. N Engl J Med 2019;381(18):1707-17. C
||See details here: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx?lcdid=33822
^^https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/patient-care/care-resources/continuous-glucose-monitoring.html
**https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/severe-hypoglycemia
Medical Review by Shirley DeLeon, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
Why Choose US MED®
Do you qualify?
If you are testing 4 times per day or more
and injecting insulin 3 times a day or more,
you may qualify for a Continuous Glucose Monitor, or CGM.
If you have any questions, you can always call 1-877-840-8218.
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For Healthcare Professionals
US MED® is America's primary choice for home delivery of quality medical supplies. Since 1996, over 1 million satisfied members have received disease state education and medical supplies from our highly trained customer service specialists. US MED®, the largest provider of Diabetic Supplies to the Medicare community, is licensed and accredited by Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) and maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We provide all products necessary to treat the Diabetes disease state, including therapies for its associated comorbidities. Our product portfolio includes, but is not limited to, the following: Diabetic testing strips, Continuous Glucose Monitors or CGMs, Insulin Pumps, Sleep Apnea and CPAP supplies, and Nebulizers.