Best Continuous Glucose Monitor on Amazon
There is nothing wrong with the traditional approach of monitoring blood glucose levels. However, for the past few years, continuous glucose monitors (CGM) have proven to be a more convenient and less comfortable way to get insights into blood sugar levels. The continuous insights allow people with diabetes or prediabetes to make better-informed decisions about their diet, exercise, medication, and overall diabetes management.
“Continuous glucose monitoring has been revolutionary for people with diabetes,” says Dr. David Nathan, director of the Diabetes Center and Clinical Research at Massachusetts General Hospital. “It shows you where your blood sugar levels are and where they’re going— a graph of whether you’re on the downslope or the upslope.”
At its core, you’ll stick the device on your skin all the time and track your blood sugar on an app or a smartwatch. You can wear it on the belly or the arm to guide your decisions throughout the day based on your blood glucose readings, which can help you manage diabetes.
To help you find the best device, we scrutinized the leading continuous glucose monitors on Amazon, paying attention to health practitioners’ recommendations and what other users found most convenient.
Here is what we found out.
Best Glucose Monitor at A Glance
- Best Continous Glucose Monitor Overal: Abbott Freestyle Libre2
- Best Glucose Monitor for Long-Term: Dexcom G-7
- Best Value for Money: Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3
- Best for In-Depth Information: The Guardian Connect System
- Best Budget Continous Glucose Monitor: Dexcom G-7
1. Best Continous Glucose Monitor Overal: Abbott Freestyle Libre2
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Important Features:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth connection to smartphones or reader
- Scan frequency: Reads glucose levels every minute and stores the data for up to 8 hours
- Test type: The sensor attached to the upper arm
- Insurance coverage: Covered by many insurance plans, including Medicare in the U.S., for diabetes management
The Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 stands out as one of the best continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), offering an excellent balance between functionality and affordability. Expect real-time glucose insights, helping you understand how your food, exercise, and daily habits affect your sugar levels.
With the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2, you wear the sensor on the arm to continuously track glucose and store up to 8 hours of data. While it requires intermittent scanning to view readings, manual scanning allows users to stay engaged without becoming overwhelmed by constant data. The optional high and low glucose alarms further enhance safety and convenience. Plus, the device integrates easily with healthcare systems, making it simple to share data with providers.
At around $85 for two 14-day sensors, the FreeStyle Libre 2 offers excellent value for those seeking continuous glucose monitoring without the need for routine finger pricks. It’s secure, reliable, and a top choice for those looking for more control over their glucose management.
2. Best Budget Continous Glucose Monitor: Dexcom G-7
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Important Features:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth connection to smartphones and smartwatches
- Scan frequency: No scanning needed — provides real-time glucose data continuously
- Test type: The sensor attaches to the skin
- Insurance coverage: Widely covered by insurance, including Medicare, for diabetes management.
Unlike the Libre2, The Dexcom G7 does not require periodic manual scans. Instead, it offers a seamless, automatic experience, offering continuous glucose readings directly to your smartphone or smartwatch. Its ability to provide detailed, easy-to-download reports makes it convenient for personal tracking and healthcare management.
Though the sensor lasts ten days—slightly shorter than other products like the FreeStyle Libre 2—the G7’s high accuracy and automatic scanning are more convenient. Quick access to technical support, even on weekends, is another advantage for ongoing use.
Despite minor issues with sensor adhesion and protective cover placement, the G7 still stands out for its user-friendly interface and the absence of sticky residue after removal. For those willing to pay more for automatic, hassle-free monitoring, the Dexcom G7 is an excellent long-term investment at around $73 per 10-day sensor.
Pros
- Real-time data without manual scans
- Easy data sharing with detailed reports
- Customizable real-time alerts for highs and lows
- Seamless connectivity with smartphones and smartwatches
- Quick weekend technical support
Cons
- Shorter sensor life of 10 days
- Sensors may become loose before the ten-day end
3. Best Value for Money: Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3
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Important Features
- Connectivity: Bluetooth connection with a 33-foot range to smartphones
- Scan frequency: Continuous glucose readings without manual scanning
- Test type: A sensor is attached to the skin
- Insurance coverage: Covered by many insurance plans, including Medicare, for diabetes management
The Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3 stands out as the best continuous glucose monitor and offers exceptional value for money. It is an upgrade to its predecessor, the Libre 2, which provides real-time continuous glucose readings without the need for manual scanning, enhancing users’ convenience. Its remarkable 33-foot Bluetooth range allows for greater flexibility in monitoring glucose levels throughout the day.
In addition to its advanced connectivity, the FreeStyle Libre 3 maintains a secure attachment for the full 14-day duration, avoiding the hassle of a hard-to-remove adhesive ring that most competitors offer. You’ll also appreciate the ability to share data quickly and access detailed reports, making tracking and managing their glucose levels easy.
Pros
- Real-time continuous glucose readings without scanning
- 33-foot Bluetooth range for seamless connectivity
- Long-lasting 14-day sensor with secure attachment
- Easy data sharing and detailed reports for tracking
- Affordable price, especially with pharmacy discounts
Cons
- Limited to smartphones for reading data
- Some users may find the sensor adhesive slightly sticky
4. Best for In-Depth Information: The Guardian Connect System
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Important Features
- Connectivity: Bluetooth connection to smartphone
- Scan frequency: Continuous automatic scanning — no need for manual scanning
- Test type: Non-invasive sensor that monitors glucose at the subcutaneous level
- Insurance coverage: Coverage varies; check with your insurance provider for detail
The Guardian Connect System excels in providing in-depth information about your glucose levels, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking comprehensive diabetes management. One of its standout features
is the predictive alert capability, which sets it apart from other CGM systems. Rather than simply notifying users when glucose levels are already high or low, Guardian Connect anticipates these changes, offering alerts that warn users of potential fluctuations before they occur. This proactive approach allows for timely interventions and better control of blood sugar levels.
Besides, the Guardian Connect System has the Sugar.IQ app. This innovative app analyzes your glucose data to help you optimize your diet, exercise, and insulin usage, tailoring recommendations to your specific needs. Access to trends and historical data through the connected app allows users to gain valuable insights into their blood sugar patterns over time, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.
Pros
- Predictive alerts for potential high or low glucose levels
- Comprehensive data access via the Sugar.IQ diabetes assistant app
- User-friendly app interface for easy navigation
- Integration with other diabetes management tools, such as insulin pens or pumps
- Discreet and comfortable for long-term wear
Cons
- Requires a smartphone for data monitoring and alerts
- May have a learning curve for new users
5. Best Long-Term Continous Glucose Monitor: Eversense CGM System
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Important Features to Consider
- Connectivity: Bluetooth connection to a smartphone
- Scan frequency: Continuous monitoring without manual scanning
- Test type: Implantable sensor inserted by a healthcare provider for subcutaneous glucose monitoring
- Insurance coverage: Varies by provider; check with your insurance plan for specifics
The Eversense CGM stands out as the best long-term continuous glucose monitor, offering an impressive sensor lifespan of up to 180 days. This extended duration significantly reduces the need for frequent insertions, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a hassle-free diabetes management solution. The initial setup requires a healthcare provider to insert the sensor, after which users simply attach a transmitter above it. This design simplifies the user experience and ensures reliable, long-term glucose monitoring.
One of the key features of the Eversense CGM is its ability to provide real-time alerts for high or low blood sugar levels through the transmitter. These notifications are crucial for timely interventions, helping users maintain optimal glucose control. It wirelessly sends readings directly to a smartphone app, making it easy to track blood glucose data even when you’re on the go. The ability to share this information with healthcare providers or loved ones enhances collaborative diabetes management, empowering users to take control of their health.
Ideally, the Eversense CGM’s long sensor life can lead to long-term cost savings, as users spend less on supplies and avoid the inconvenience of frequent sensor changes. The device also provides an opportunity for enhanced patient-doctor communication, as regular data sharing can inform treatment decisions and adjustments. With its focus on user convenience and proactive health management, the Eversense CGM not only simplifies daily routines but also supports users in achieving better overall health outcomes.
Pros
- Long sensor life of up to 180 days, reducing the frequency of replacements
- Real-time glucose readings with alerts for high and low levels
- Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth for easy access to data on a smartphone app
- Data sharing capabilities with healthcare providers for collaborative diabetes management
- Subcutaneous monitoring provides continuous data without manual scanning
Cons
- Initial insertion requires a healthcare provider, which may be inconvenient for some users
- Higher upfront costs compared to some other CGM options
- Potential for discomfort during sensor insertion
- Requires regular transmitter charging for continued functionality
- Limited availability and insurance coverage can vary significantly
Who Needs a Continuous Glucose Monitor?
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are invaluable tools for individuals with diabetes who require intensive monitoring of their blood sugar levels. They are particularly well-suited for patients who need to check their glucose multiple times daily or seek more frequent feedback throughout their daily routines. However, even people without diabetes have started using CGMs to track fluctuations in their blood sugar levels.
“As CGMs are rising in popularity, people — even those who don’t have diabetes — are using them to monitor blood sugar,” explains Dr. Nathan
While anyone can purchase a standard blood glucose meter, obtaining a CGM system requires a prescription from a healthcare provider. Doctors may recommend CGMs based on specific health circumstances and lifestyle factors, ensuring that patients have access to the most effective monitoring tools for their unique diabetes care plans. For instance, patients with a history of hypoglycemia can greatly benefit from CGMs, as these devices can alert them when blood sugar levels are dropping, allowing for timely interventions.
