CGM vs BGM | Dexcom

Continuous Glucose Monitoring vs Blood Glucose Monitoring

What is the difference between CGM and BGM? Blood Glucose Meters (BGM) measure glucose levels at a single moment in time, while Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems continually check glucose levels throughout the day and night and can alert you if your glucose levels go too high or too low.

288 readings per day

BGMs are only capable of generating a single glucose level reading, while CGM systems use data gathered over the course of an entire day and night - up to 288 readings per day.

Data trend analysis

Since CGM systems collect measurements 24/7, they provide dynamic real-information about the direction of glucose levels and rate of change. This level of proactivity is not possible with BGMs.

A1C Reduction

Dexcom CGM is proven to lower A1C and reduce hypoglycemic incidents.^1,2

Know your numbers to minimize guesswork

CGM systems help to minimize guesswork that comes with making diabetes treatment decisions* based solely on a number from a blood glucose meter reading.

No fingersticks

The way the measurements are taken is different for the two methods. BGMs require a fingerstick, while CGMs place a sensor under the skin that connects to the transmitter. The Dexcom transmitter continuously sends regular intervals of glucose readings to a receiver or compatible smart device.^‡

^{* For the Dexcom G6, if your glucose alerts and readings from your CGM do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make your diabetes treatment decisions. Please see the indications for use for all other CGM system to understand the important safety information}

Know more so you can relax more

Unlike BGM, which require deliberate action to get a reading, real-time CGM systems work throughout the night, while you are asleep.^†

Does CGM Replace Fingersticks?

Some of the latest advancements in Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems eliminate the need to take fingerstick measurements using a Blood Glucose Meter.* Other CGM systems reduce the frequency of fingersticks, but stlll rely on regular Blood Glucose Meter readings to ensure proper calibration.

^{*For the Dexcom G6, if your glucose alerts and readings from your CGM do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make your diabetes treatment decisions. Please see the indications for use for all other CGM system to understand the important safety information}

Take a deeper dive

Watch and learn more about the value and benefits of CGM.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring: The basics

How the Dexcom CGM Works

The Benefits of Dexcom CGM

Taking the Next Step with Dexcom CGM

8 Reasons to Get Dexcom CGM

Erin S.
Dexcom Warrior

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*For the Dexcom G6, if your glucose alerts and readings from your CGM do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make your diabetes treatment decisions. Please see the indications for use for all other CGM system to understand the important safety information

† Stable connection required

‡ For a list of compatible devices, visit www.dexcom.com/compatibility.

1 JAMA (2017); 317(4): 317-378.

2 Welsh, J.B. et al (2019). "Accuracy, Utilization, and Effectiveness Comparisons of Different Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems." Diabetes Technol Ther 21(3)

BRIEF SAFETY STATEMENT
Failure to use the Dexcom G6 Continous Glucose Monitor System (G6) and its components according to the instructions for use provided with the device and available at: https://www.dexcom.com/safety-information and to properly consider all indications, contradictions, warnings, precautions, and cautins in those instructions for use may result in you missing a severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) occurrence and/or making a treatment decision that may result in injury. If your glucose alerts and readings from your CGM do not match symptoms or expectations or you're taking over the recommended maximum dosage amout of 1,000 mg of acetaminophen every 6 hours, use a blood glucose meter to make your diabetes treatment decisions. Seek mediacl advice and attention when appropriate, including for any medical emergency.

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