How does CGM work?

About CGM

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is a system that measures glucose levels continuously in order to monitor levels and allows the user to detect potential patterns throughout the day and night in real-time.

Unlike fingerprick tests, which provide a measurement for a single point in time, CGM provides dynamic glucose information by depicting trends and suggesting where one’s glucose levels may be heading. These readings are obtained from a small wire inserted under the skin. By using CGM, users can notice and respond to falling glucose levels before experiencing low-glucose events and even monitor patterns while asleep. 

Benefits of CGM

CGM can offer increased convenience, improved blood glucose levels and a better quality of life than manual monitoring via fingerpricks. Research has shown that CGM can:

1. Lowers the risk of hypoglycaemia^1-3 
2. Increase time spent in range^2,4,5
3. Improvement in quality of life and well-being⁶

About the Dexcom G6 CGM System

Dexcom G6 is the latest technology in the Dexcom continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) range. The Dexcom G6 system consists of three components:

1. Applicator - a one-touch applicator easily inserts a small sensor just beneath the skin
2. Sensor and Transmitter - a slim sensor continuously measures glucose levels just beneath the skin and sends data wirelessly to a display device through a transmitter
3. Display Device - a compatible smart device or a small touchscreen Dexcom G6 Receiver displays real-time glucose readings

Dexcom G6 allows users to make treatment decisions with no calibrations, no scanning and zero fingerpricks required^†! Users are also able to share their real-time glucose data with up to 5 accounts (or "Followers") via Dexcom Share. 

†If your glucose alerts and readings from the G6 do not match symptoms or expectations, use a blood glucose meter to make diabetes treatment decisions.

NDSS CGM Subsidy Initiative

The NDSS CGM Subsidy Initiative is a fully subsidised government program that provides access to fully subsidised Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) products for eligible people with Type 1 Diabetes. 

To be eligible to access subsidised Dexcom CGM products through the NDSS:

1. The person is expected to benefit clinically from the use of CGM
2. The person or family/carer has the willingness and capability to use CGM; and
3. The person or family/carer has the commitment to actively participate in a diabetes management plan which incorporates CGM 
4. In addition, the person must be under 21, or if older, have a valid concessional status as listed below.

Concessional status
The required concessional status for this eligibility group is consistent with existing NDSS concessional arrangements but excludes the Safety Net Concession Card (SNCC) and the Safety Net Entitlement Card (SNEC) categories. People with the following valid concessional types will be eligible for the initiative (if they also meet the other eligibility criteria).

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Read the warnings available on amsldiabetes.com.au/resources before purchasing. Consult your healthcare professional to see which product is right for you.

References: 1. Martens T, et al. JAMA. 2021;325(22):2262-2272 2. Welsh JB, et al. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2019 3. Heinemann L, et al. Lancet. 2018;391(10128):1367-1377 4. Beck RW, et al. JAMA 2017;317(4):371-8 5. Beck RW, et al. Ann Intern Med. 2017;167(6):365-374 6. Lind M, et al. GOLD JAMA. 2017

Last Updated: 5th November 2023