What is a CGM?
A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a small wearable device that measures your glucose levels throughout the day and night, giving you real-time insights into how your body responds to food, exercise, sleep, and stress.
What’s Covered in This FAQ?
✅ What is a CGM and how does it work?
✅ Who can use a CGM?
✅ How does a CGM differ from other glucose measurement devices?
✅ Why is a CGM useful?
1. What is a CGM and How Does it Work?
A CGM continuously tracks glucose levels without the need for frequent finger-prick tests. It consists of a small sensor applied to the back of your arm, which measures glucose levels from the interstitial fluid (the fluid between your cells).
How a CGM Works:
The sensor has a tiny, flexible filament that sits just under the skin (virtually painless).
The sensor is secured with an adhesive patch and remains in place for up to 14 days.
The sensor takes readings throughout the day and night and transmits the data wirelessly to a monitoring device (such as your smartphone).
Some CGMs have alerts that notify you if your glucose levels are too high or too low—a feature often used by people with diabetes.
Note:
When first applied, the CGM may take about an hour to calibrate before providing accurate readings.
Readings are generally less accurate during the first and last few hours of sensor wear.
Instructions on applying and setting up your sensor are available in the Vively app.
2. Who Can Use a CGM?
Originally designed for people with diabetes, research has shown that CGMs can be beneficial for anyone who wants to:
✅ Better understand their metabolic health
✅ Monitor how food, exercise, sleep, and stress impact their glucose levels
✅ Make small, personalized lifestyle changes based on real-time health data
You can live freely while wearing a CGM—it’s designed to stay in place while you exercise, shower, and go about your daily activities.
3. How Does a CGM Differ from Other Glucose Measurement Devices?
While both CGMs and finger-prick blood glucose meters measure glucose levels, they work in different ways:
Feature | CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) | Finger-Prick Blood Glucose Meter |
How it Works | Reads glucose from interstitial fluid (fluid between cells) | Measures glucose directly from capillary blood |
Frequency | Continuously monitors day & night | Provides a single snapshot of glucose at one point in time |
Data Insights | Tracks glucose trends over time | Gives a one-time reading only |
Delay in Readings | Slight delay compared to blood glucose levels | Immediate blood glucose measurement |
💡 Important: If you have diabetes or a medical condition related to blood sugar regulation, always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes.
Vively is not a medical device and is meant to provide insights, not diagnose or treat medical conditions.
4. Why is a CGM Useful?
Using a CGM with Vively can help you:
Understand how your body responds to food, exercise, stress, and sleep
Track glucose trends and identify patterns over time
Make informed nutrition and lifestyle choices based on your body's unique responses
Gain valuable insights into your metabolic health without needing frequent blood tests
Having access to your own real-time health data empowers you to make small, sustainable lifestyle changes that support your long-term well-being!
Final Thoughts
A CGM is a powerful tool for understanding your metabolic health beyond just glucose monitoring. With Vively, you can turn your glucose data into actionable insights and make personalised adjustments to your lifestyle for better health outcomes.
For more information on setting up and using your CGM with Vively, check out the Vively app or reach out to our support team at contact@vively.com.au.