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The JDRF Artificial Pancreas Project > Overview > Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are devices that provide continuous "real-time" readings and data about trends in glucose levels. This can allow people with diabetes to understand the level of their glucose and whether it is rising or falling, and to intervene by eating food or taking insulin to prevent it from going too high or too low. Currently, two continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have been approved by the FDA, and at least one is still under review.
Why are Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) important?
Even before a 'closed loop' artificial pancreas is available, we expect continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to help people with diabetes better manage glucose levels. In fact, clinical studies have shown that patients using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) spend much more time in the normal glucose range compared with patients using conventional "finger-stick" blood glucose methods. With tighter control - as measured by long-term HbA1c testing - their risk of complications should drop dramatically.
What are the barriers to the widespread use of a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)?
There are both scientific and regulatory barriers. At least one continous glucose monitor (CGM) is still under review by the FDA. Those continuous glucose monitoring devices approved by the FDA are approved for use in addition to using finger sticks. The companies must seek approval from the FDA in the future for the devices to be used instead of finger sticks. Their use in clinical care needs to be documented as advantageous over current methods of treating diabetes in order for the medical community to recommend them. In addition, patients must find them convenient and affordable, something that will only come about with a robust market for the devices (with several to choose from) and adequate reimbursement from government and private insurance programs.
For more information about specific continuous glucose monitoring devices, click on the links below:
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Need Answers?
JDRF Volunteers are available to answer your questions about Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), the Artificial Pancreas and much more.
What Can I Do?
 
Find out how to participate in the Continuous Glucose Sensor Human Clinical Trial and Artificial Pancreas Consortium.
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