What is the difference between Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and Blood Glucose Monitoring (BGM)?
When looking into options to monitor glucose levels and better manage diabetes, people often ask, “What is a BGM (blood glucose monitor)?" Traditional blood glucose monitors require fingersticks where you would prick your finger to place a small drop of blood on a test strip which would then be read by a blood glucose meter (BGM). A blood glucose monitor provides a snapshot of your glucose level at a single point in time.
Unlike a blood glucose meter, which measures sugar levels in your blood, a CGM provides glucose readings through real-time measurement of interstitial fluids just beneath your skin. Some CGM systems like the Dexcom G6 can display your glucose number value as well as trend arrows that show the speed and direction your glucose is heading. These insights from your CGM can give you even more information to make appropriate diabetes treatment decisions while managing your or helping your loved one manage their diabetes.*
The Dexcom CGM System was also designed with customizable alerts that can warn you of highs and lows when they happen so you can take in range longer and take action to better manage glucose levels.
*If your glucose alerts and readings from the Dexcom G6 do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.
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