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Continuous and flash glucose monitoring

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) or flash glucose monitoring (Flash GM) provides more information than blood glucose monitoring with a finger prick check. It can help you keep your glucose levels in a healthy range.

Work with your diabetes health professionals to get the most out of your device. They can help you learn how to use and interpret the information you get, so that you can use it to make decision about how to manage your diabetes.

CGM devices are small wearable monitors that measure and show your glucose levels throughout the day and night. They can be programmed to sound alarms and send alerts if your glucose levels are outside your set target range. CGM devices also display arrows to show when your glucose levels are rising or falling, and how quickly they are changing, or staying steady.

These devices reduce the frequency of daily finger prick blood glucose checks. Devices can be standalone or work with an insulin pump or compatible smartphone or smart device (via an app).

Read more in our fact sheet Continuous glucose monitoring.

For more information about AMSL Diabetes (Dexcom) CGM devices, go to amsl.com.au.

For more information about Medtronic CGM devices, go to medtronic.com.au.

Flash GM devices are small wearable sensors that measure glucose levels throughout the day and night. A reader is scanned over the sensor to see the current glucose level. When scanned, the reader shows arrows to indicate whether glucose levels are rising or falling, and how quickly they are changing, or staying steady.

The reader can be a handheld FreeStyle Libre 2 reader which is also a blood glucose and blood ketone meter. The reader can also be a compatible smartphone or smart device via the FreeStyle LibreLink application (app).

Flash GM devices does not integrate with any insulin pumps and can only be used as a standalone device. In Australia, this technology is available in FreeStyle Libre 2.

Read more in our fact sheet Flash glucose monitoring.

For more information about FreeStyle Libre 2, go to freestylelibre.com.au.

It can be difficult for some people to keep a sensor attached, particularly if they spend a lot of time in water and/or sweat a lot during exercise. The sensor might also get displaced while playing or during sport. Tape and barrier creams can be used to help prevent this from occurring. Once a sensor comes off it cannot be reused. Talk to your health professional for advice about how to reduce the risk of your sensor falling out.

The Australian Government provides access to subsidised CGM and Flash GM products through the NDSS. You need to be registered with the NDSS and meet the eligibility criteria to access CGM and Flash GM products.

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Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.

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