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Medically reviewed by Dr. Ram Kumar on .

Treatments & technology

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

A small wearable sensor, usually worn on the arm or abdomen, that measures glucose levels continuously throughout the day and night rather than at single finger-prick moments.

Who it’s for

Many patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, particularly those on insulin or those who want a fuller picture of how food, activity, and medication affect their glucose day-to-day.

What to expect

The sensor is applied to the skin and typically worn for one to two weeks depending on the device, sending readings to a phone or reader. Your care team reviews the resulting glucose patterns with you to adjust your management plan.

Evidence basis

CGM is a standard-of-care option recognized in current ADA Standards of Care for many patients with diabetes, reducing reliance on frequent finger-prick testing and giving a more complete glucose picture than isolated readings.

Sources

  • American Diabetes Association, Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026

Medical disclaimer: Content on this page is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Outcomes vary between patients. Boston Diabetes Center is outpatient / day-care specialty centre with an on-site diagnostic lab and pharmacy — no inpatient beds; imaging and inpatient care are coordinated through partner facilities.