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Education Guides
CGM Administration Guides
Below are instructional sheets on how to set up your CGM. Please reference the document that is specific to your CGM device.
- G7 Start Here Guide Step-by-Step Instructions
- G7 Start Here Receiver Step-by-Step Instructions
- G6 Start Here Guide Step-by-Step Instructions
- Libre 3 Getting Started Guide
- Libre 2 Getting Started Guide
- Libre Quick Start: The First 5 Patient Training Tips
Sensor Guides
Here are documents detailing the process of applying your sensor. Please click on the link that pertains to your specific CGM device.
Dexcom G7 Resources
Videos
These video links will show you step-by-step how to set up, insert, and use your Dexcom G7.
- How to set up and insert the G7 Sensor
- How to get started with the G7 App
- How to replace your G7 Sensor with the App
- How to replace your G7 Sensor with the Receiver
- Explaining accuracy of Dexcom G7
Dexcom G7 User Guide
Reference the following guide to answer any questions regarding your Dexcom G7 device.
Dexcom G6 Resources
Videos Using the App
The following videos will walk you through each step of how to use your Dexcom G6 with the App.
- How to set up and insert the G6 Sensor
- How to insert the G6 Sensor and attach the Transmitter
- How to remove the G6 Sensor and Transmitter
- How to replace your Dexcom G6 Sensor
- How to replace your Dexcom G6 Transmitter
- How to use the Dexcom CLARITY App
- How to customize G6 alerts
Videos Using the Receiver
These videos will guide you in setting up your Dexcom G6 device using the Receiver.
- Getting started with your G6 sensor and setting up your Receiver
- How to replace your Dexcom G6 Sensor
- How to replace your Dexcom G6 Transmitter
- How to use the Dexcom CLARITY app on your computer
Dexcom G6 Training Tutorial
Click the following Training Tutorial for a complete overview of the Dexcom G6 device.
Dexcom G6 User Guide
The following user guide is a comprehensive resource to answer questions that might arise with your Dexcom G6 device.
FreeStyle Libre 3 Resources
Videos
Watch these video to learn the process for configuring and utilizing your FreeStyle Libre 3.
- Applying the Sensor
- Setting up the App & Starting the Sensor
- Viewing Glucose Readings
- Setting up Alarms
- Replacing a Sensor
FreeStyle Libre 2 Resources
Videos
These video links will show you step-by-step how to set up, insert, and use your FreeStyle Libre 2.
- Applying the Sensor
- Setting up the App or Reader
- Viewing Glucose Readings
- Setting up Alarms
- Replacing a Sensor
FAQs
What is a CGM?
A CGM is a small wearable device, called a continuous glucose monitor, that tracks glucose levels continuously. Some CGM’s display the data periodically after swiping with a reader or smartphone, while other devices display the data continuously. Many CGM units allow you to set alerts for highs and lows to assist with managing your glucose levels.
Is a CGM different from traditional blood glucose monitoring (BGM)?
Yes, a traditional BGM measures the glucose in your capillary vessels, whereas a CGM measures the glucose in the fluid around your cells (interstitial fluid). Glucose in your blood rises and falls faster than glucose in your interstitial fluid. A BGM is a check of your blood sugar at one point in time (when you stick your finger) where a CGM monitors levels continuously and records them every 1–5 minutes (dependent on your specific device).
How does a CGM work?
There are three parts to a CGM: the sensor, the transmitter, and the viewing device (receiver or smartphone). The sensor is applied to the skin (usually the back of the arm or the abdomen) and contains a thin filament that goes through the skin into the interstitial fluid, where the glucose level is measured. The transmitter attaches to the sensor and wirelessly sends the glucose readings to a receiver or smartphone. Some CGMs have the transmitter and sensor as one piece, while others have them separate. Similarly, some require a receiver, while others allow the use of a smartphone app for viewing glucose readings.
Am I a good candidate for CGM?
CGM devices provide useful information for managing diabetes by allowing access to real time trends in blood sugar level changes. Access to these trends can assist in taking preventive measures against hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Any person who has diabetes and relies on insulin for treatment or who has a history of problematic low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) could be a good candidate for a CGM.
I’m experiencing skin irritation from my CGM adhesive, what can I do?
Follow these steps to prevent skin reactions and to promote skin health:
- Clean your skin with an antimicrobial soap and dry thoroughly. You may also find it helpful to gently exfoliate your skin and trim hair around the sensor.
- Choose a site with enough fat to “pinch” up and avoid areas with broken skin, such as cuts and scabs.
- Do not use any oils or lotions around the sensor site.
- Do not insert directly after a bath/shower, and try to minimize humidity when inserting the sensor.
- Rotate your sensor site and avoid using the same site twice in a row.
- Keep your skin healthy by moisturizing your skin between sensor use, but avoid using moisturizer at the site on the day that you insert your sensor.
How do I keep my patch from peeling off?
Make sure to follow the insertion instructions and use the overpatch to keep the sensor in place. Make sure you are following these steps:
- Sensor site should be clean, flat, and completely dry.
- Choose a sensor site that has some fat under the skin.
- Put additional adhesive on the patch before applying the overpatch.
Additional Diabetes Resources:
For additional questions about any of the documentation provided on this page, please contact us here
- America Diabetes Association – A network of healthcare professionals, volunteers, families, and caregivers with the mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
- Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists – A variety of tip sheets and resources for people living with diabetes to make life with diabetes more manageable.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for Diabetes – With the mission of saving lives and protecting people, the CDC has a number of great resources from explaining diabetes basics to resources on improving your qualify of life with diabetes