91高清黑料

How Does a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) Work?

Find out what a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) does and why they're used.

A man sitting at a table with his elbow resting on a table. He has a CGM with a sport cover on his arm.
by
Sabrina Tillman
鈥 91高清黑料
Health & Fitness Writer
Green checkmark surrounded by green circle.

Reviewed by

Sabrina Tillman
Green checkmark surrounded by green circle.

Updated by

Green checkmark surrounded by green circle.

Science-based and reviewed

Updated:
February 25, 2022
Published:
June 13, 2025
August 10, 2021

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is an FDA-approved medical wearable device that tracks your glucose levels.
  • A CGM has three parts: a sensor that captures the glucose information, a transmitter that collects data from the sensor and sends it to a receiver, and a receiver or smartphone app that displays the data.
  • Your glucose can show how your body responds to different foods, movements, stress, sleep, and more.

What Is a Continuous Glucose Monitor?

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM), is a tiny wearable device that reads the glucose levels in your interstitial fluids continuously. It is attached to your body (usually the upper arm or on the stomach) and continually monitors glucose levels via a microfilament鈥攏ot to worry, it鈥檚 not uncomfortable to put on and you barely notice it鈥檚 there once applied.

The continuous glucose monitor collects and sends glucose data to an app. When a CGM sends glucose data to the 91高清黑料 app, you can see first-hand the impact food, drink, exercise, stress, sleep, and more can have on weight loss and overall health. The 91高清黑料 app consolidates your glucose data into a simple but powerful line graph that helps you visualize whether your movement, rest, foods, drinks, stress, and more keep you within a glucose range that鈥檚 optimal for weight loss.

How Does a Continuous Glucose Monitor Work?

The continuous glucose monitor is attached to your body, continually monitoring your glucose. Using similar enzymes as blood glucose meters, the device detects glucose in the interstitial fluid (fluid between the cells).

The continuous glucose monitor checks glucose every five to 15 minutes depending on the type of CGM and monitors blood sugar overnight.

How Long Does a Continuous Glucose Monitor Last?

Once applied, you鈥檒l wear the continuous glucose monitor for 10 days at a time. You can place a flexible band-aid-type cover that鈥檚 soft yet durable on top of the sensor, and you鈥檒l barely notice the CGM is there. This waterproof patch is ideal for protecting the CGM against bumping, during sports, and when exercising intensely. Keep the continuous glucose monitor on at all times, including in the shower, when getting your sweat on, and when you sleep.

The sensor can stay in place between 10 and 14 days before it needs to be replaced. The exact duration depends on the manufacturer, but you will be alerted when it鈥檚 time to replace the sensor.

Continuous Glucose Monitor Use for Diabetics

Diabetics either don't make enough insulin or the insulin isn鈥檛 as effective. This causes glucose to rise unchecked, leading to a host of serious health complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputations.

CGMs help diabetics monitor and manage their blood glucose. With a CGM, you can see trends and gain insight into the impact of meals, exercise, and illness on glucose levels. CGM wearers can be alerted when glucose spikes or drops outside of a specific range.

For diabetics, the suggests the following blood glucose targets:听听

  • 80 to 130 mg/dL before eating
  • <180 mg/dL two hours after starting a meal

Continuous glucose monitors were created initially for diabetics and pre-diabetics to better manage their health by monitoring their blood glucose. Recent discoveries linking better blood sugar management to benefits like weight loss and increased energy are helping CGMs gain mainstream adoption.

Why Would Non-Diabetics Want Continuous Glucose Data?

Recent studies reveal that <sup>1</sup> than previously thought, and finding ways to stabilize glucose proves beneficial for health in many ways, such as:

<ul role="list"><li><sup>2</sup></li><li>Weight maintenance</li><li>Building muscle</li><li>Consistent energy</li><li>Optimal fueling strategy for peak athletic performance</li><li>Lower and control inflammation</li><li>High-functioning immune system</li><li>Lower risk of chronic diseases</li></ul>

As we wait for more peer-reviewed studies on the benefits of CGM use in non-diabetics, the 91高清黑料 app can provide visibility into how everyday circumstances, such as quality of sleep, getting cut off on the freeway or enjoying a still-warm cookie, affect your glucose. This personalized blood glucose data can prove invaluable not only for weight loss efforts but also for a better quality of life.

<div class="pro-tip">Also Read:听<ul><li>The Scientific Evidence for Using CGMs for Weight Loss</li><li>Are CGMs Accurate?</li><li>CGMs vs. Fingerstick Glucometers</li></ul></div>

What Are Normal Ranges of Glucose in the Blood for Non-Diabetics?

Glucose is sugar that鈥檚 always present in the bloodstream; your glucose level depends on how much glucose you have in your bloodstream. The amount of glucose can fall in normal, low, or high ranges depending on a variety of circumstances.听

Examples of factors that can impact blood glucose:

  • Type of food or drink consumed, when, and how much
  • Exercise
  • Stress
  • Sleep
  • Medications
  • Age
  • Dehydration
  • Illness or medical conditions
  • Menstruation

<hr class="read-mr">

Normal Blood Glucose Ranges for Adults (Non-Diabetics, 20+ Years Old)

  • Fasting: <100 mg/dL
  • Before meal: 80-130mg/dL
  • 1-2 hours after eating:听<140 mg/dL

Read more:听Find out what normal glucose levels are for non diabetics and what to do when glucose spikes.

<hr class="read-mr">

Are There Different Types of CGMs, and How Much Do They Cost?

There are different brands of continuous glucose monitors but not necessarily different types of continuous glucose monitors. Blood glucose meters also read blood glucose but require fingerstick measures and can only read a single glucose level.

The cost of continuous glucose monitors varies by brand and where you purchase (retailer vs. manufacturer). Some insurance plans may cover all or part of the cost of a CGM for those who qualify, and you may (although not always) need a prescription or doctor鈥檚 approval before purchase. Continuous glucose monitors can cost $150鈥500 a month.

{{mid-cta}}

Does 91高清黑料 Make a Continuous Glucose Monitor?

No, 91高清黑料 does not manufacture a continuous glucose monitor; rather, it鈥檚 the receiver of the blood glucose data. The 91高清黑料 app provides an immersive experience that shows you a continuous line graph of your glucose data; provides alerts when glucose spikes or dips out of your weight-loss range; allows you to track food, exercise, sleep, and hydration, and more.

More 91高清黑料 Articles About Glucose &听Blood Sugar

Glucose & Blood Sugar FAQs

Lowering &听Stabilizing Your Blood Sugar

Low-Glycemic Diet

Better health starts here.
Sign up for tips and insights that work for you!
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
  • Item 1
  • Item 2
  • item 3
Better health starts here.
Sign up for tips and insights that work for you!
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Topics discussed in this article:

References

About the author

Sabrina has more than 20 years of experience writing, editing, and leading content teams in health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. She is the former managing editor at MyFitnessPal.

View Author Bio

Please note: The 91高清黑料 team is committed to sharing insightful and actionable health articles that are backed by scientific research, supported by expert reviews, and vetted by experienced health editors. The 91高清黑料 blog is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Read more about our editorial process and content philosophy here.

Interested in learning more about metabolic health and weight management?

Try 91高清黑料.