Continuous Glucose Monitors are all the rage in 2023. It's not to say that you can't use a blood glucose monitor also known as a BGM to successfully get your A1C down to 6.0 or less.
However, due to the busy schedules that most folks have today and the ability to use technology without giving it a second thought, most of you would be better off with a continuous glucose monitor.
To give you an idea of how they compare to testing and finger sticking think about driving a car versus riding a horse.
The accuracy, the speed, the comfort, and the results of a continuous glucose monitor versus a blood glucose monitor is phenomenal.
The Uncovered Expense of these Continuous Glucose Monitors
In my own practice I would write a prescription for a continuous glucose monitor and see if we could push it through the insurance company. If not there were other ways that a patient could own one of these monitors and at least use it periodically throughout the year to give them the freedom to not prick their fingers.
While there is a large expense up front to purchase the monitor if insurance does not cover it, there are financial assistance programs which are extremely hard to qualify for.
So most diabetics know that the cost is not in the one-time fee receiver itself but it is in the sensors and transmitters that need regular replacement.
So what many folks will do is use the continuous glucose monitor intermittently throughout the year. This uses fewer sensors and transmitters.
Why insurance companies will not readily pay for such incredibly successful technology to help all diabetics get there A1C down to 6.0 or less is beyond the scope of this article.
The continuous glucose monitor has three parts to it
The sensor Is the piece you put on your arm and it measures the presence of glucose which creates an electrical current which is then transmitted to the receiver.
The receiver Is part of the unit that displays a number. This number is your blood sugar level.
The transmitter passes the information between the sensor and into the unit.
What all these monitors have in common
First is that they keep improving.
What this means for you is that you can get the latest and greatest technology. However, if cost is a factor, then the good news is you can get their older version for less.
Like everything these days, you can improve a product only so much. Then after that you just start adding bells and whistles. So it really depends on what you need and what you want.
The different Continuous Glucose Monitors
The least expensive is the Libra 2. Now the Libre 3 already out by Abbott. But a Libre 2 could work just fine.
Eversense has just came out with their latest version E3 and this is interesting in that the sensor is in implantable device that a provider must insert into your upper arm. And it is good for six months.
Dexcom is coming out with their latest version G7 but they're G6 would work fine. It is the most accurate continuous glucose monitor on the market but comes at a higher cost.
If you need easy readings go ahead and get the Libra 2 and not the Libra 3 to keep your cost down.
The second thing these CGMs have in common is the fact that they require education.
One of the reasons insurance companies do not like to buy these for their premium payors is that they don’t want them sitting in a closet somewhere. They want the patient to actually use them on a daily basis. This is why they limit them to Type 1 diabetes and in some cases, insulin irregularities with Type 2 patients. They know that these situations can be life threatening and the patient will definitely learn to use the system properly.
Where can I buy a continuous glucose monitor?
You can purchase CGMs online directly from the manufacturer, from an approved third-party seller, and at some pharmacies. Keep in mind that all CGMs require a prescription.
While prices will change on a daily basis, the best we can say is:
Abbott's Libre 2 –
For the starter kit - $116.58
For Supplies:
- GoodRx.com – $132.00 - $145.00
- PharmacyChecker.com – $69.70 - $72.35
- Amazon.com – not found
- Cost Plus.com – not found
Dexcom G6 –
For the starter kit - $450 for the receiver, $300 for 1 transmitter, and $420 for 3 sensors (enough for 30 days)
For ongoing supplies:
- GoodRx.com – $172.64 - $188.95
- PharmacyChecker.com – $143.99 - $198.94
- Amazon.com – not found
- Cost Plus.com – not found
Eversense E3 –
For the starter kit - Sensor: $900 to $1,000 for each 90-day sensor. Transmitter: $600 to $800 for the 1-year warranty product.
For ongoing supplies:
- GoodRx.com – not found
- Pharmacy Checker.com - $371.45 - $393.00
- Amazon – not found
- CostPlus.com – not found