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1
Choose A Sensor
Compare the sensors that are available currently. They each have pros and cons and have different qualities that which may be good for some people and bad for others.
Sensor Options
G6
by Dexcom
Dexcom G6 has 3 parts - transmitter, sensor and receiver. You can view the data on your phone or a separate receiver. It also works with the Tandem insulin pump.
Guardian
by Medtronic
The Medtronic Guardian sensor can be used alongside the 670G insulin pump or on its own using the Medtronic Guardian Connect system.
Freestyle Libre 2
by Abbott
This sensor is the smallest one available right now. It is also the most affordable. FreeStyle Libre 2 can now alert you when you’re high or low and works with a smartphone or a reader.
Eversense
by Senseonics
This sensor lasts the longest - 180 days. It has to be placed under the skin by your doctor. It has two parts, the implantable sensor and a transmitter that talks to your phone.
Alerts & Alarms
Dexcom G6
- Customizable
- Sharable
- Possible to turn off all alerts except the urgent low at 50 mg/dL
Medtronic Guardian
- Customizable
- Sharable
Libre 2
- Customizable
- Sharable
- Possible to turn of all alerts except the urgent low at 50mg/dL (app only)
Eversense
- Customizable
- Vibrates on Body
- Sharable
Data View
Dexcom G6
- Android Phone
- Apple Phone & Watch
- Pebble Smart Watch
- Dexcom Receiver
- Tandem Pump
Medtronic Guardian
- Apple Phone
- Android Phone
Libre 2
- Apple Phone
- Android Phone
- Freestyle Libre Reader
- Bigfoot Unity Mobile App
Eversense
- Android Phone
- Apple Phone & Watch
- Pebble Smart Watch
Fingersticks
Dexcom G6
- None
Medtronic Guardian
- 2 per day
Libre 2
- None!
Eversense
- 2 per day
Length of Use
Dexcom G6
- 10 Day Sensor
- 90 day transmitter (No charging)
Medtronic Guardian
- 7 day sensor
- 7 day transmitter battery needs charging weekly & replacement each year.
Libre 2
- 14 day sensor (transmitter included)
Eversense
- 90 day sensor
- Transmitter charged every 24-36 hours.
Body Attachment
Dexcom G6
- Attaches in one step. Simple insertion
- Integrated adhesive
Medtronic Guardian
- Attaches in many steps
- Requires outer adhesive
Libre 2
- Attaches in one step
- Small integrated adhesive
Eversense
- Inserted by a physician during a medical visit. Minor procedure.
- Transmitter sits outside the body and is held on by an adhesive.
2
Understand Your Costs
Choosing a CGM may depend on cost - check out the estimated costs below.
The costs vary depending on your level of coverage and how your insurance classifies CGMs. Select an option below that matches your situation.
These are the prices you would pay if you walked into costco or a pharmacy or bought from the manufacturer, without insurance coverage.Monthly Range
$315 - $400
Total Startup Range
$405 - $1000
3
Talk With Your Doctor And Get A Prescription
You may need to help your doctor comprehend why this technology will be good for you and why you want it.
The main thing you need from your doctor is a prescription. You can share the links below with your doctor to help them understand the clinical benefits. To avoid delays, ask your doctor to make sure they write out important details in the prescription, such as the fact that you will use the device everyday.
Tips for talking with your doctor
- Remember, you are in charge of your body.
- Advocate for yourself with a list of reasons why you believe it is best for your lifestyle.
- Bring a family member or trusted friend to support you.
Resources for your doctor
4
Get Insurance Approval
Once you have the prescription, the process of getting insurance approval can feel like you’re jumping through many hoops (sometimes you are), but it will be worth it.
There are two ways to get coverage. Some insurance companies have “Pharmacy Benefit” and some cover sensors through “Durable Medical Equipment (DME)”.
Contact the company you want a CGM from
CGM companies want your business and often have a helpful person on staff who understands the “ins and outs” of getting coverage. They will often walk you through the steps to confirm coverage. You will need your insurance card with your insurance policy number.
Pre-Authorization
Pre-authorization is the process that some insurance companies make you go through to get coverage for a sensor. The insurance or CGM company will let you know what is required if you need pre-authorization. Sometimes a letter of Medical Necessity may be required from your doctor, in addition to the prescription.
Preparation
Some insurance companies require your last month or more of blood sugar logs and/or A1c test results.
Wait time
Once you’ve submitted all your paperwork you may be able to move the process along by checking up every 1-2 weeks on the status. After a couple of weeks, it is absolutely justified to make a check-in call.
5
Get Your Sensor
Where you get your supplies depends on how you get your supplies covered by insurance.
If your insurance covers sensors through “Durable Medical Equipment”, the best way to get your supplies it to call the sensor company. If you’re getting your supplies through “pharmacy benefit”, you will need your prescription sent to the pharmacy. Call them to make sure they have ordered the sensors and then go pick it up!
YOU CAN SAY, “HI, IM INTERESTED IN GETTING A SENSOR, CAN YOU HELP ME WITH THAT?”
Dexcom G6
1-888-738-3646
Abbott Freestyle Libre
1-(855)-632-8658
Medtronic Guardian
1-800-633-8766
Eversense
1-844-736-7348
Pharmacies
Your local pharmacy has the ability to call to order sensors for you. Costco, Walmart, CVS and Krogers also do.
6
Get Support And Training
When you get your CGM, you can ask your clinic or the device company if they offer training sessions to people starting new diabetes devices.
Youtube has a lot of great videos of people who are inserting a sensor for the first time. You can also check out our wisdom pages to see some tips and tricks people have come up with through experienced use.