CGM stands for continuous glucose monitor.

We'll cover:

A CGM is a small device that measures your glucose levels throughout the day.

To use a CGM, you insert a small sensor on the back of your arm. The sensor has a very fine, flexible filament that is inserted (you can't feel it at all!), as well as an adhesive patch that holds it in place.

The sensor takes readings from the interstitial fluid (the fluid in between our cells) throughout the day and night. A small transmitter in the sensor transmits the readings wirelessly to a monitor device (e.g. your phone), that displays the readings. On some CGMs, you can set them up so they send alerts to your phone to let you know if you blood sugar levels are rising too high or low — many people with diabetes will use these types of features.

One sensor lasts approximately 14 days, and can hold 8 hours of readings (so this means you'll need to scan regularly to have the data on your Vively app).

When first applying the sensor, it can take an hour or so to calibrate. As well as this, they are less accurate in the very first and very last part of their lifecycle.

You'll find instructions on how to apply and set up your sensor when you first open the Vively app.

While CGMs have been traditionally used in diabetes settings, research shows it can have uses outside of this. Like you!

You can live freely while wearing your CGM. You can exercise, shower and do all your normal things without worrying! We provide you with two Vively patches to help it stay extra secure.

It's difficult to compare CGMs with other glucose measuring devices (like a finger prick/blood glucose metre), as they are quite different.

This is because CGMs take readings from the interstitial fluid and finger pricks take it from a capillary source. CGM's track trends over time and can help you understand your overall condition with glucose, whereas blood tests/finger pricks give you a snapshot of one given moment in time. As the CGM measures from interstitial fluid, there is also a slight delay compared to measurements taken from blood.

It's important if you have diabetes or any other condition related to blood sugar control, that you seek professional care. Vively is not meant to replace your doctor, it is there as simple an adjunct and to help you understand your body and is not to treat your medical condition. Always seek guidance from your healthcare provider.

Within Vively, CGMs can help you to understand your general metabolic condition and how your body responds to particular stimuli, such as the food you eat, your exercise habits, stress levels and sleep.

Having access to your own personal health data can be super powerful on your health journey, and can help you to make small lifestyle changes that work for you!