CGM Vs BGM | Which Monitor is Best?

Do you know? 80% of adults have prediabetes, but they do not see that they have it! It is because most people in the world say prevention is better than cure but do the opposite. In simple words, unless they develop diabetes, they do not go for blood sugar testing.

Non-diabetic people should always go for blood sugar testing, no matter what their age is! However, for diabetic people testing their blood sugar level several times a day is crucial for their health. If one is not managing and tracking their sugar level every day, it can cause many severe damages to some body organs.

Earlier, BGM (Blood Glucose Monitor) was the only reliable method to check the blood sugar level at home. But technology has opened up other options; the most popular is CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor).

Well, this article will make it easy for you to choose between CGM and BGM according to your needs. Both have pros and cons, but which monitor is the best. Let’s get started.

 

What is the Difference between CGM and BGM?

As already told, both monitoring devices have their advantages and disadvantages. CGM has a sensor that monitors glucose levels, whereas BGM needs a blood sample every time to monitor glucose levels. So, let’s first evaluate both the monitors and then conclude—which one is the best!

Continuous Glucose Monitor

CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) is a device used to measure the sugar levels in your body. Technically, CGM doesn’t measure blood sugar levels in your body. It measures the amount of glucose present in interstitial fluid.CGM is a sensor-based monitor that helps diabetic people to monitor their blood sugar levels in real-time continuously.

Components of Continuous Glucose Monitor are:

• Censor: A small sensor that gets attached underneath the skin (arm). You should change it in 7-14 days.
• Transmitter: It is attached to the sensor to send your levels to the display device. Also, it works like an alarm when your sugar level gets too high or too low.
• Display Device: As the name suggests, it is the device that displays your sugar levels. It also has software so that you can analyze your patterns and trends.

Advantages of CGM:

• You can continuously track your sugar level throughout the day and night.
• No blood sample is required. So, hurray! No more loss of blood from your body.
• Relieve from painful finger-prick technique.
• You can analyze your sugar level trends and patterns and then manage insulin doses according to your needs.
• You can also set the alarm for high or low blood sugar.
• CGM is water-resistant! It means you don’t need to worry about sensors while going to shower or the gym or doing any work. No need to change it until 10 days are over!

Disadvantages of CGM:

• Well, it is not free from finger-prick techniques. You have to calibrate the device once a day through a fingerprick. That’s a bummer!
• Some can find censor extremely irritating or uncomfortable.
• Always getting data can confuse you. Also, it can cause tension every time your sugar level is reaching even slightly high.

 

Blood Glucose Monitor:

BDM (Blood Glucose Monitor) is more common than CGM. It is a device used to measure blood sugar levels in your body. It helps people with diabetes to know their sugar level whenever they want to.

Components of Blood Glucose Monitor are:

• Fingerstick: Fingerstick is used to prick a finger to dig out blood from the tip of your finger. It takes only 2 seconds.
• Test Strip:The test strip is for taking a blood sample. One has to apply a drop of blood on the strip.
• Blood Glucose Meter: Then the strip goes into the meter, showing the sugar level present in your blood.

Advantages of BGM:

• It is reliable and considered accurate for a long time.
• It does not require any device to get attached to your body.
• You can measure your sugar level whenever you want to!
• It is easy to use, and is cost-effective.

Disadvantages of BGM:

• You have to give blood samples several times a day, which can affect your health.
• It is a painful process as you have to finger-prick every time you measure your blood sugar level.
• You cannot analyze trends and patterns of sugar levels in your body.
• It doesn’t give continuous reading throughout day and night.
• You have to check the sugar level manually. You can sometimes forget, which can affect your health.

 

CGM vs. BGM: Which Monitor is Best

As of now, through reading advantages and disadvantages, you must have found out the differences. Here’s a recap.

S.No.	CGM	BGM
1.	Censor-based device	Blood sample-based device
2.	It measures the glucose level in interstitial fluid.	It measures the sugar level in the blood.
3.	It does not require finger-prick	It requires finger-prick
4.	It gives continuous reading in real-time.	It gives reading when you use it manually.
5.	You can analyze the trends and patterns and send them to your doctor in no time.	You cannot analyze the trends and patterns. So, you have to write it down every time you check it.
6.	Suitable for people with blood problems.	Suitable for people not comfortable with censors.

So, in my opinion, the Continuous Glucose Monitor is the best monitor to have a painless measurement of glucose level. CGM is more efficient and effective as it put control on your own body. With the help of real-time sugar level readings, you can maintain your diet, sleep, insulin, exercise, and stress.

 

Wrapping Up

Whether it is BGM or CGM, both are useful in measuring your sugar levels accurately. We have discussed all the significant differences between CGM and BGM with you. Now, which monitor is best depends on your suitability and needs. It would be best if you chose whatever you find comfortable and convenient for yourself. After all, only you know what’s best for you!