Continuous Glucose Monitor

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is recommended (and therefore prescribed and covered by insurance) for Type 2 Diabetics who take insulin or are at high risk of hypoglycemia. I don’t fall into either of those categories. Still, I thought the feedback from a continuous glucose monitor would be useful in the early months while learning a new way of eating and paying attention to blood sugar. This isn’t medical advice, just my experience. 

Using an over-the-counter CGM

Fortunately, the FDA has approved over-the-counter CGMs. I’m using Dexcom’s Stelo which was the first CGM approved without a prescription. Lingo and Libre Rio are also on the market as I write this. I’ve seen commercials with some diet plans advertising a CGM as part of their plan. 

I’ve mentioned working with a registered dietician nutritionist (RDN) in my doctor’s office. I’ve added the Clarity Clinic app to my phone, so my doctor’s office can monitor my glucose readings. It’s not that my numbers are flashing on a screen being observed continually as if I were a patient in the ICU. 

When we meet, my RDN downloads graphs of my reading since our last session.  My RDN has been happy with my numbers, but for conversation’s sake, she might look for the highest reading and ask “What did you have for supper on this date? ”

I’m tracking my food to keep track of macros and calories. There is so much one could watch. I focus first on protein (recommended 115 g per day), carbohydrates (trying to keep to 100 g or less per day), sugar, (my goal is 25 g per day, but some days closer to 35 if I eat fruit), all while keeping calories to 1,850 or below (because I need to lose weight). 

The information in my app, lets me easily answer the question about what I ate, even if it’s been weeks. We discussed ways to change the meal which led to my suspect reading. It might not be a matter of changing the food, but taking a 10-minute walk after a meal. 

Cost of continuous glucose monitor

The cost of a Stelo CGM is $99 per month. Each monitor works for 15 days; for the monthly price, two monitors are shipped to your door. If you subscribe (it can be paused or canceled at any time) the monthly cost goes down to $89 for two. There have been times when $89 could not be added to my budget, especially since I now have a new prescription to buy too. I know this will be the case for some. 

Applying my continuous glucose monitor

After receiving my first shipment from Stelo, I waited for a Zoom call with my RDN to apply the monitor and set up the apps to share my data. 

Picture this: I’m at work, in an office by myself when the call starts. I’ve closed the door and closed the blinds because I wore long sleeves, so I’ll have to pull one arm out of my shirt to attach the monitor. I managed to do that, it’s stuck in place on the back of my upper arm. The next step is to attach a circle-shaped sticker surrounding the monitor to help secure it. 

I’m an older woman with reduced shoulder mobility. I can’t see the back of my arm. There is no mirror in the office. So I had to scurry down the hall to have a friend help me with the troublesome sticker. It takes a village.

Now, I apply my CGM at home, in the bathroom, with mirrors to help with the process. It is manageable if you plan appropriately. 

My continuous glucose monitor gives me feedback that helps me evaluate my choices. I don’t think I’ll incur the cost indefinitely, but it’s been helpful as I learn what works with my diagnosis.