CGMs, Insulin Pumps & Monitoring Devices
Modern technology can make managing Type 1 diabetes much easier. Learn about the tools that can help you stay in range and live more freely.
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)
Real-time glucose readings without finger pricks
A CGM is a small sensor that sits under your skin and measures glucose in your tissue fluid. It provides readings every minute and shows trends with arrows indicating if your glucose is rising, falling, or stable.
Benefits:
- No more routine finger pricks
- See glucose trends and patterns
- Alerts for high and low glucose
- Share data with family/caregivers
- Better A1C and time in range
Popular CGM Options:
Dexcom G7
10-day wear, 1-minute readings, smartphone app
FreeStyle Libre 3
14-day wear, real-time alarms, affordable option
Medtronic Guardian 4
7-day wear, integrates with Medtronic pumps
Insulin Pumps
Automated insulin delivery for better control
An insulin pump is a small device that delivers rapid-acting insulin continuously throughout the day. It replaces long-acting insulin and provides precise dosing for meals and corrections.
Advantages:
- More precise insulin dosing
- Flexible meal timing
- Different basal rates for different times
- Easier exercise management
- Detailed insulin tracking
Considerations:
- Requires commitment to learning
- Device attached to body 24/7
- Risk of site infections
- Higher upfront costs
- Need backup insulin plan
These systems combine a CGM and insulin pump to automatically adjust insulin delivery.
- • Tandem t:slim X2 with Control-IQ
- • Medtronic MiniMed 780G
- • Omnipod 5
Standard insulin pumps that require manual bolus calculations.
- • Tandem t:slim X2
- • Medtronic MiniMed series
- • Insulet Omnipod DASH
Other Helpful Tools
- MySugr: Log book and carb counter
- Glucose Buddy: Blood sugar tracking
- Carb Manager: Detailed nutrition info
- Dexcom/Libre apps: CGM data viewing
- Pump apps: Remote bolusing and monitoring
Still important for calibrations and when CGM isn't available.
- • Contour Next One
- • Accu-Chek Guide
- • OneTouch Verio
- • FreeStyle Precision Neo
Track insulin doses automatically with connected pen caps or smart pens.
- • InPen (smart insulin pen)
- • Gocap (smart pen cap)
- • Timesulin (dose timing cap)
- • Glucagon emergency kits
- • Glucose tablets and gels
- • Medical ID jewelry
- • Insulated insulin cases
- • Backup supplies kit
Getting Started with Technology
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Talk to your healthcare team about which technologies might be right for you. Every person's needs are different, and there's no rush to adopt everything at once.