Understanding the differences between Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) and traditional glucose monitoring methods can help you determine which approach is best for tracking your glucose levels. Below, we break down how each method works and their key differences.
1. What is a CGM?
A Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) is a wearable device that automatically tracks glucose levels in real time throughout the day and night. The sensor is applied to the back of your arm and measures glucose levels from interstitial fluid (the fluid between your cells).
How CGMs Work:
✅ A small sensor is placed under the skin to monitor glucose levels continuously.
✅ The sensor sends data to a smartphone or reader, providing real-time glucose readings.
✅ Some CGMs, like the Freestyle Libre 2, automatically transmit glucose readings via Bluetooth, requiring no manual scanning after activation.
✅ Provides trend data, showing glucose fluctuations over time.
2. What is Traditional Glucose Monitoring?
Traditional glucose monitoring refers to using a finger-prick test (also called a blood glucose meter or BGM) to measure glucose levels at specific points in time.
How Traditional Glucose Monitoring Works:
✅ A small lancet is used to prick the fingertip and obtain a blood sample.
✅ The blood is applied to a test strip, which is inserted into a glucose meter.
✅ The meter provides a single glucose reading at that moment.
✅ Users must perform multiple tests throughout the day to track trends.
3. Key Differences Between CGMs and Traditional Glucose Monitoring
Feature | CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) | Traditional Glucose Monitoring (Finger Prick Test) |
How it Measures | Reads glucose from interstitial fluid (under the skin) | Reads glucose directly from blood |
Frequency of Readings | Continuously tracks glucose throughout the day & night | Only measures glucose at specific moments when manually tested |
Data & Insights | Provides real-time glucose trends and long-term insights | Provides a single-point-in-time reading |
Alerts & Notifications | Some CGMs can alert users to high/low glucose levels | No automatic alerts—requires frequent manual testing |
Ease of Use | Applied once and lasts up to 14 days | Requires multiple finger pricks per day |
Pain & Convenience | Minimally invasive, with no need for repeated finger pricks | Requires frequent finger pricks, which can be painful over time |
Who It’s Best For | Ideal for those who want continuous tracking and insights | Suitable for those who only need occasional spot checks |
4. Which One is Right for You?
CGMs are ideal for individuals who want continuous data, real-time trends, and deeper insights into their metabolic health.
Traditional glucose monitoring may be sufficient for those who only need occasional glucose checks.
For non-diabetics, CGMs can provide powerful insights into how diet, exercise, stress, and sleep affect glucose levels, helping guide lifestyle improvements for better metabolic health.
5. Why Vively Uses CGMs
At Vively, we use CGMs to provide real-time metabolic insights, helping you:
✅ Identify how different foods impact your glucose levels
✅ Track the effects of exercise, sleep, and fasting on glucose stability
✅ Gain a personalised understanding of your metabolic health
✅ Make smarter lifestyle choices based on real-time data
By using a CGM with Vively, you get continuous, accurate data that helps you optimise your health and wellness in a way traditional glucose monitoring cannot. 🚀