Continuous glucose monitor sensor
glucose sensor · continuous glucose monitor · CGM · sugar sensor on the arm · glucose monitoring sensor
A small sensor sticks to the skin and shows your sugar around the clock on a phone or reader. You need to prick your finger much less often.
With diabetes, to see your sugar all the time, including at night.
⏱ Duration: putting it on takes a few minutes; a sensor usually works for 1 to 2 weeks
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Site. Usually the upper arm or the belly, as the instructions say. The skin should be clean, without scars or moles.
- Skin. Wipe the spot with an alcohol wipe and let it dry. Do not put creams on that spot.
- Phone. Install the app beforehand and make sure your phone is charged.
- Meter. Keep your glucose meter, as you need it if how you feel does not match the sensor numbers.
What to bring
- A new sensor and applicator
- Alcohol wipes
- A phone or a reader
- A glucose meter
How it goes
- Wash your hands and check the sensor's expiry date
- Wipe your skin with alcohol and wait until it dries
- Prepare the applicator following the instructions
- Press the applicator against the skin and push, so the sensor attaches
- Carefully remove the applicator and smooth down the plaster
- Connect the sensor in the app
- Wait for the warm-up time, as the first numbers do not appear right away
What you'll feel
- The prick is barely felt
- You notice the sensor on your skin for the first hours, then get used to it
Afterwards
- Do not catch the sensor on clothing, and take care in doorways and with bags
- You can usually swim and shower, but check the instructions
- If numbers look odd, check your sugar with the meter
- Show the graphs to your doctor, who uses them to adjust treatment
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Shakiness, sweating, or confusion: check your sugar and eat something sweet, even if the sensor shows normal
- Redness, pain, or pus under the sensor: remove it and see a doctor
- A person is unconscious or having seizures: call emergency services
Common questions
Do I still need to prick my finger?
Much less often. Check by finger if how you feel does not match the numbers, or if the sensor asks.
Why does the sensor show different numbers than the meter?
The sensor measures sugar in the fluid under the skin, and it lags by a few minutes. A small difference is normal.