CGM (continuous glucose monitor)

A continuous glucose monitor is a small wearable device (usually placed on the upper arm or abdomen) that measures interstitial glucose every few minutes for 10-14 days per sensor. CGMs are standard care for type 1 diabetes and increasingly used for type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and pre-diabetes management. Major brands include Dexcom, FreeStyle Libre, and Eversense.

Black patients with type 2 diabetes have historically had lower CGM uptake than white patients, partly because of insurance prior-authorization patterns and partly because specialist-prescription pathways are less accessible. Most state Medicaid programs now cover CGM for insulin-using patients.