Diabetes Monitoring

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Comparison

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CGM Sensors

Major Market Players and Products

The CGM market is highly concentrated, with Abbott and Dexcom holding the largest market share, followed by Medtronic and Senseonics.

  • Abbott:

    • FreeStyle Libre systems: Known for their affordability and user friendliness. The FreeStyle Libre 3 plus, the latest model, is a real-time CGM that sends minute-by-minute glucose readings to a smartphone app, eliminating the need to scan the sensor. The sensor is also smaller than previous versions and can be worn for up to 15 days.  

    • Abbott Lingo, an over-the-counter (OTC) model, offers a 14 day wear time and is intended to be a wellness device without the real-time alerts.

  • Dexcom:

    • Dexcom G7: A real-time CGM with an all-in-one sensor and transmitter, offering a smaller size and a faster warm-up time of 30 minutes. The sensor can be worn for 10 days with a 12 hour grace period. It is approved for people as young as 2 years old and is compatible with certain automated insulin delivery (AID) systems.

    • Dexcom Stelo: An over-the-counter biosensor for adults with Type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin. It provides a 15 day wear time and offers insights into how lifestyle factors affect glucose levels but does not include real-time alerts for high or low glucose.
  • Medtronic:
    • Guardian Connect System: A CGM that provides real-time glucose readings and can also send predictive alerts, notifying users of potential highs or lows before they happen. Medtronic also has a range of integrated systems like the MiniMed 770G and 780G, which combine a CGM with an insulin pump for a closed loop system.

  • Senseonics:

    • Eversense E3: This is the only CGM with an implantable sensor, which is professionally placed under the skin and can be worn for up to 180 days (6 months). The system includes a smart transmitter worn on the body that is removable and rechargeable.

Affordability and OTC Access

Recent advances have made CGMs more financially and logistically accessible:

  • Dexcom Stelo and Abbott Lingo are now sold without a prescription, reducing barriers for early intervention and self care.

  • Subscription models and one time kits allow users to choose affordability over long term medical device contracts.

  • Retail pricing has dropped significantly for wellness focused devices, with some plans starting at $49.

Challenges and Limitations

While CGMs offer clear benefits, limitations exist:

  • OTC models lack alerts, making them less suitable for insulin users.

  • Sensor costs can still be prohibitive for uninsured populations.

  • App literacy and digital access remain barriers for some older adults or underserved users.

CGM Product Comparison

*Note: Products are continuously being enhanced and improved. Comparison date: June 2025)

ProductManufacturerWear TimePrescription RequiredTarget UsersAlerts/AlarmsApp IntegrationAvg. Retail Cost (USD)
Dexcom G7Dexcom10 daysYesType 1 & Type 2 diabetes (including insulin users)✅ Yes✅ Yes~$200/month, less with insurance / coupons
FreeStyle Libre 3 PlusAbbott15 daysYes Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes✅ Yes✅ Yes~$200/month, less with insurance / coupons
Dexcom Stelo (OTC)Dexcom15 days❌ NoAdults with Type 2 diabetes not on insulin❌ No✅ Yes$89 – $99/month for 2 sensors
Abbott Lingo (OTC)Abbott14 days❌ NoMetabolic wellness (non-diabetics, prediabetes)❌ No✅ Yes$49 (1 sensor) or $89 (2 sensors)