Maintaining healthy ranges of blood sugar levels is one of the most critical aspects of most people’s lives today. This allows them to reduce the time they spend at the doctor in case of an emergency. A glucose monitoring system is vital in helping manage and record data and making decisions on how to manage it.

Blood glucose levels depend on many factors, including diet, sleep, medication, and hormonal changes. You can keep track of your blood sugar levels with a glucometer which can either be a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or a (Blood Glucose Meter). Read on to learn the benefits and the differences between the two.

What Is A CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor)?

A continuous glucose monitor tracks blood sugar levels throughout the day. It gives you an overview of your blood sugar levels throughout the day to learn what affects your blood sugar ranges. It monitors the blood sugar levels in your interstitial fluid rather than the blood, as with other glucose monitors.

A CGM helps you manage blood sugar levels when diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and allows you to use fewer finger sticks. It has a sensor placed under the skin to measure your glucose levels throughout the day. It also has a transmitter that sends the data to a wearable device such as a cell phone.

What is a BGM (Blood Glucose Meter)?

Also known as a glucose monitor, a BGM is a portable device that helps you analyze your blood sugar levels by checking your blood sugar concentration. Your blood sugar changes throughout the day, so you must check your blood sugar levels several times a day.

A BGM kit comes with a lancet that you prick your finger with to get a blood sample. After getting the blood, you run the test by placing drops of blood on the strip on the monitor to show the current blood glucose levels.

What Are the Benefits of The CGM And BGM?

Before we compare the two devices, it is important to keep in that they both perform the same functions, only in a different ways. You can check how they both work to get the best one for you.

Benefit Blood Glucose Meter (BGM) Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) 
Duration It allows you to measure the blood glucose levels for a snapshot of time. Meaning you can only measure the glucose levels only at a certain point Measure glucose levels continuously throughout the day and night, which allows you to see fluctuations throughout the day 
Data It does not gather data from different tests, thus not providing analytical reading It has a monitor for gathering and transferring data which can be translated into analytical information, which helps help you manage diabetes.
User-friendliness BGMs are less user-friendly and provide a a certain number of glucose readings but lack an alarming feature. CGMs are more user-friendly and provide you with all the details regarding your glucose levels throughout the day
Usage Use test stripes and a lancet which can often be a painful experience. You need to prick your finger every time you want to take a test Applied on the under arm or the belly. The application is painless, and there is no need for finger pricks
Cost BGMs are cheaper. Besides the monitor, everything else is disposable. CGMs are expensive per sensor. Each sensor has a lifetime of at least 7 to 14 days making it an expensive investment.

 

With the information above, you can see that a continuous glucose monitor is better than a blood glucose monitor but comes at a higher cost. BGMs are more common and affordable. CGMs are more efficient in saving time and helping you lead a better lifestyle. On top of that, you are assured of less risk of blood infection.

A CGM is also easier to use than a BGM, and you can easily track your blood sugar patterns throughout the day and learn what affects it. It is important to note that you must have a prescription from your doctor to use a CGM. You can, however ask your primary healthcare provider whether you can use one or not. Visit our website to learn more on how to control blood sugar levels.

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