Living with Type 1 Diabetes can be challenging, but with the right home glucose monitoring system, managing your blood sugar levels becomes a little easier. In this article, we will explore some of the best options available to help you keep a close eye on your glucose levels from the comfort of your own home. From continuous glucose monitoring systems to smart glucometers, we will discuss their features, benefits, and how they can empower you to take control of your diabetes management. So, if you are ready to discover the best tools to support your health journey, read on!
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGMS)
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems, or CGMS, are devices that are designed to continuously monitor your blood glucose levels throughout the day and night. These systems provide real-time data and are especially helpful for people with Type 1 Diabetes who need to closely monitor their blood sugar levels. Here are three popular CGMS options:
Dexcom G6
The Dexcom G6 system is a highly regarded CGMS that offers continuous glucose monitoring without the need for routine fingerstick calibrations. This system consists of a small sensor that is inserted under the skin and a transmitter that sends the glucose data to a receiver or compatible smart device. The Dexcom G6 provides accurate readings every five minutes, allowing you to track your blood sugar levels effortlessly.
Medtronic Guardian Connect
The Medtronic Guardian Connect is another reliable CGMS option for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes. This system features a sensor that is inserted into the skin, along with a transmitter that sends the glucose readings to a dedicated app on your smartphone. The Guardian Connect provides predictive alerts for high and low glucose levels, helping you to proactively manage your blood sugar and avoid potential complications.
Abbott FreeStyle Libre
The Abbott FreeStyle Libre is a widely used CGMS that offers a convenient and user-friendly approach to glucose monitoring. With the FreeStyle Libre, you wear a small sensor on the back of your upper arm, which continuously measures your glucose levels. To check your glucose readings, you simply scan the sensor using a handheld reader or your smartphone. This system does not require any fingerstick calibrations and provides valuable insights into your blood sugar patterns.
Blood Glucose Meters
While CGMS systems provide continuous monitoring, blood glucose meters are essential for daily blood sugar checks and monitoring. Here are three popular options:
Accu-Chek Guide
The Accu-Chek Guide is a reliable blood glucose meter that is known for its accuracy and ease of use. It requires a small blood sample and provides results in just a few seconds. The Accu-Chek Guide also offers a strip port light to help you see in low light conditions, making it a great option for any time of the day.
OneTouch Verio Flex
The OneTouch Verio Flex is another popular blood glucose meter that offers simple and reliable readings. This meter features a color-coded range indicator that helps you understand your blood sugar levels at a glance. The Verio Flex also has a sleek design and a compact size, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go.
Contour Next One
The Contour Next One is a highly accurate blood glucose meter that provides fast and precise results. This meter uses a small sample size and delivers readings in just five seconds. The Contour Next One also has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to sync your readings with a smartphone app for better diabetes management.
Smartphone Apps
In addition to CGMS and blood glucose meters, smartphone apps can be incredibly useful for managing your Type 1 Diabetes. Here are three apps that can help you track your blood sugar levels and manage your condition effectively:
mySugr
mySugr is a comprehensive diabetes management app that allows you to log and track your blood sugar readings, food intake, medications, and more. The app provides insights and analysis of your data, helping you make informed decisions about your diabetes care. mySugr also offers in-app coaching and reminders to help you stay on top of your diabetes management routine.
Glucose Buddy
Glucose Buddy is another popular app that allows you to track your blood sugar levels, medications, and activities. This app also offers features like food and insulin tracking, as well as a data-sharing option with your healthcare team. Glucose Buddy provides graphical representations of your data, making it easier to identify trends and patterns in your blood sugar levels.
iBGStar Diabetes Manager
The iBGStar Diabetes Manager is a unique app that works in conjunction with the iBGStar blood glucose meter. This app allows you to log your blood sugar readings and provides detailed analysis of your data. The iBGStar Diabetes Manager also offers features like carb tracking, insulin dose recommendations, and an integrated food diary to help you effectively manage your diabetes.
Insulin Pumps with Integrated CGM
For individuals with Type 1 Diabetes who require insulin therapy, insulin pumps with integrated CGM capabilities can streamline diabetes management. Here are three insulin pump options that offer integrated CGM functions:
Medtronic MiniMed 670G
The Medtronic MiniMed 670G is an advanced insulin pump that features automated insulin delivery. This pump uses a sensor to continuously monitor your glucose levels and adjusts your insulin delivery accordingly. The MiniMed 670G also has built-in SmartGuard technology that helps prevent hypoglycemia, making it a valuable tool for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes.
Tandem t:slim X2 with Dexcom G6 integration
The Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump is compatible with the Dexcom G6 CGM system, providing seamless integration between the pump and the CGM. This integration allows the pump to display your glucose readings in real-time, making it easier to make informed insulin dosing decisions. The t:slim X2 also offers other convenient features like touch screen operation and customizable insulin delivery settings.
Insulet Omnipod Dash
The Insulet Omnipod Dash is a unique insulin pump that does not have any tubing, allowing for more freedom of movement. This pump is compatible with the Dexcom G6 CGM system, providing real-time glucose readings on the pump’s interface. The Omnipod Dash also offers remote monitoring capabilities, allowing caregivers or healthcare professionals to access your glucose data remotely.
Traditional Glucose Meters
While CGMS and insulin pumps provide advanced diabetes management options, traditional glucose meters still play an important role in day-to-day blood sugar monitoring. Here are three popular traditional glucose meters:
Bayer Contour Next
The Bayer Contour Next is a trusted and accurate traditional glucose meter that provides fast and reliable results. This meter requires a small blood sample and delivers readings in just five seconds. The Contour Next also offers features like pre-and post-meal markers to help track your blood sugar levels before and after meals.
OneTouch Ultra
The OneTouch Ultra is another widely used glucose meter that offers reliable readings and easy-to-use features. This meter uses a small sample size and provides results in five seconds. The OneTouch Ultra also has a large display and straightforward interface, making it simple to navigate and understand your blood sugar readings.
Accu-Chek Aviva Plus
The Accu-Chek Aviva Plus is a popular traditional glucose meter that offers advanced accuracy and user-friendly features. This meter requires a small blood sample and delivers results in five seconds. The Aviva Plus also offers features like automatic coding and a post-meal reminder to help you maintain optimal blood sugar control.
Personalized Diabetes Management Systems
Personalized diabetes management systems can provide tailored support and guidance to individuals with Type 1 Diabetes. Here are three personalized diabetes management systems that offer comprehensive care:
Glooko
Glooko is a comprehensive diabetes management system that allows you to sync and manage your data from multiple devices, including CGMS, insulin pumps, and traditional glucose meters. This system provides easy-to-understand reports and insights into your blood sugar trends, helping you make informed decisions about your diabetes care. Glooko also offers secure data sharing with your healthcare team for improved collaboration.
Livongo
Livongo is another personalized diabetes management system that provides coaching, support, and monitoring tools to help you manage your diabetes effectively. This system offers a connected blood glucose meter that provides instant insights and personalized recommendations based on your blood sugar readings. Livongo also offers a mobile app that allows you to track your medications, meals, and activities.
One Drop
One Drop is a holistic diabetes management system that combines a mobile app with a connected blood glucose meter and coaching support. This system allows you to track your blood sugar levels, medications, meals, and activities in a user-friendly interface. One Drop also offers personalized insights and feedback, helping you make positive changes to your diabetes management routine.
Patch Insulin Delivery Systems
Patch insulin delivery systems provide an alternative to traditional insulin pump therapy, offering convenience and flexibility. Here are three patch insulin delivery systems that are available:
Medtronic MiniMed 670G
The Medtronic MiniMed 670G offers both insulin pump functionality and continuous glucose monitoring in a patch format. This system features a small, wearable patch pump that delivers insulin and a CGM sensor that provides real-time glucose readings. The MiniMed 670G offers automatic insulin adjustment based on your blood sugar levels, making it a convenient and efficient option for insulin therapy.
Dexcom G6 Patch Pump
The Dexcom G6 Patch Pump is a compact and discreet insulin delivery system that integrates with the Dexcom G6 CGM system. This system consists of a small, tubeless pump that adheres to your body and the Dexcom G6 sensor that provides continuous glucose readings. The G6 Patch Pump offers customizable insulin delivery settings and reliable Bluetooth connectivity for seamless data sharing.
Insulet Omnipod Dash
The Insulet Omnipod Dash is a tubeless patch pump system that offers insulin therapy without the need for traditional tubing. This system consists of a small, wearable patch pump that is controlled wirelessly using a handheld device. The Omnipod Dash also integrates with the Dexcom G6 CGM system, providing real-time glucose readings and streamlined diabetes management.
Implantable CGM Systems
Implantable CGM systems offer continuous glucose monitoring without the need for external devices. Here are two implantable CGM options:
Eversense
Eversense is an implantable CGM system that uses a small sensor that is placed underneath the skin. This system provides continuous glucose readings for up to 90 days, eliminating the need for frequent sensor replacements. The Eversense system also offers real-time glucose readings on your compatible smart device and customizable alerts to keep you informed about your blood sugar levels.
Senseonics Eversense XL
The Senseonics Eversense XL is another implantable CGM system that provides long-term glucose monitoring. This system features a small sensor that is implanted under the skin, offering continuous glucose readings for up to 180 days. The Eversense XL also offers an innovative on-body vibe alert for real-time glucose notifications, making it a convenient and discreet option for CGM.
Stand-alone CGM Systems
Stand-alone CGM systems offer continuous glucose monitoring without the need for additional devices or integration. Here are three stand-alone CGM options:
Medtronic Guardian Connect
Medtronic Guardian Connect is a stand-alone CGM system that offers continuous glucose readings and customizable alerts. This system consists of a small sensor that is inserted under the skin and a dedicated app on your smartphone that displays your glucose data. The Guardian Connect system also offers predictive alerts for high and low glucose levels to help you manage your diabetes effectively.
Dexcom G6
The Dexcom G6 is another stand-alone CGM system that provides continuous glucose monitoring without the need for additional devices. This system features a small sensor that is inserted under the skin and a transmitter that sends the glucose readings to a receiver or compatible smart device. The Dexcom G6 offers real-time glucose data, trend arrows, and customizable alerts for optimal diabetes management.
Abbott FreeStyle Libre
The Abbott FreeStyle Libre is a popular stand-alone CGM system that offers easy and convenient glucose monitoring. This system consists of a small sensor that is worn on the back of your upper arm and a handheld reader or smartphone app that scans the sensor to obtain glucose readings. The FreeStyle Libre provides valuable insights into your blood sugar patterns and eliminates the need for routine fingerstick calibrations.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Accessories
To enhance your CGM experience, there are several accessories available that can provide additional functionality and convenience. Here are three CGM accessories:
MiaoMiao
The MiaoMiao is a popular accessory for compatible CGM systems like the Dexcom G6 and FreeStyle Libre. This device attaches to your CGM sensor and sends glucose readings to your smartphone or smartwatch via Bluetooth. The MiaoMiao allows for continuous monitoring without the need for a dedicated receiver or handheld device.
BluCon
The BluCon is another CGM accessory that offers continuous glucose monitoring with compatible systems like the FreeStyle Libre. This device attaches to the sensor and sends glucose readings to a smartphone app via Bluetooth. The BluCon also provides customizable alerts and analytics to help you track and manage your blood sugar levels effectively.
Spibel
The Spibel is a portable sensor stabilizer that can be used with CGM systems like the Dexcom G6. This accessory helps secure the sensor in place, preventing it from dislodging or coming off during daily activities or sports. The Spibel provides peace of mind and ensures accurate and reliable glucose readings.
In conclusion, there are a wide variety of home glucose monitoring systems available for individuals with Type 1 Diabetes. Whether you prefer continuous glucose monitoring systems, traditional glucose meters, smartphone apps, insulin pumps with integrated CGM, personalized diabetes management systems, patch insulin delivery systems, implantable CGM systems, stand-alone CGM systems, or CGM accessories, there is a solution that can fit your specific needs and help you effectively manage your diabetes. Remember to consult with your healthcare team to determine the best option for your individual situation.
