Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Also known as: CGM.

What is a continuous glucose monitoring?

Many people with diabetes have to check their blood glucose several times a day. Continuous glucose monitoring provides nearly constant blood glucose levels (measured every 5 minutes) through a device that is implanted on the body.

What happens during the procedure?

A small sensor is inserted under the skin on the belly or arm. This sensor measures blood glucose in the fluid between cells. The information is sent to a data receiver with a display that provides your current blood glucose level, as well as historical information on past levels. Depending on the device, the information may be viewable on your smartphone or your insulin pump if it is compatible.

Is any special preparation needed?

No special preparation is needed for continuous glucose monitoring.

What are the risk factors?

The only risk is the possibility of inaccurate readings. Patients may need to test their blood glucose in the traditional manner (via fingerstick) occasionally to check the accuracy of the continuous glucose monitor. Calibration may be required based upon the CGM device that you are using. We also recommend that if the blood glucose on your CGM does not make sense to double check with a fingerstick blood glucose.


Reviewed by: Joshua W Tarkoff, MD

This page was last updated on: November 26, 2019 02:19 PM

Pediatric Diabetes Treatment Center

Nicklaus Children's is dedicated to the treatment and management of diabetes in babies, children and adolescents.

Learn More

Related Videos

Diabetes in children (3 of 9): Blood glucose monitoring

This is the third video of our diabetes series, "Taking charge of our child's diabetes." In this video, you will learn how to monitor your child’s blood glucose. The video answers the following questions: How do you keep track of your child’s blood sugar? What is too high or too low blood glucose? Why is it so important to check your child’s blood sugar at bedtime? What is a Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)? This video also demonstrates how to check your child’s blood sugar using a glucometer and provides tips on snacks, and how to keep a blood sugar log.