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The 4 Best CGM Devices For Measuring Blood Sugar in 2024

Katrina Larsen, MS, RDN, CDCES

Published in CGMs and Sensors

5 min read

January 13, 2022
January 5, 2024
someone opening a cgm to apply it
someone opening a cgm to apply it

In the past few years, there have been many new developments in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), both in terms of technology and ease of use. As of 2024, there are four major players we think are worth your consideration. 

Our Criteria For Reviewing The Top Glucose Monitors

someone opening a box from nutrisense

There are a few things we considered when classifying the best glucose monitors in this list. These factors include:

  • Accuracy
  • Ease of use
  • Accessibility

The first, of course, is accuracy. Luckily, each of these CGM devices are comparably accurate. When it comes to ease of use, the software used by a CGM is important. We believe that the most important aspect of a CGM app is the ability to generate information that is easy to understand—and easy to access. Data that is easy to access and interpret is more accessible, allowing anyone to gain deeper insight into their health and use this information to make healthier lifestyle choices.

Since there are only a handful of available CGM systems, we haven’t had to use any “tie-breaker” criteria, but as time passes and technology progresses, we'll share any new updates. 

4 Best CGM Devices for Measuring Blood Sugar

So, with four CGM devices on the market, which continuous glucose monitor should you choose? Here are four of the best CGM devices we think are worth your consideration.

1) Best for Overall Function: Dexcom G6

dexcom monitors and the dexcom app on a phone

Dexcom had their first-generation product approved by the FDA in 2006 and has continued to iterate and innovate since then. Their current product is the G6, which uses interstitial fluid to estimate the level of glucose in a person’s blood and has a high level of accuracy. You can wear the G6 sensor on your belly or arm and replace it every 10 days. 

Why Choose this CGM

What makes the G6 our top pick is the fact that you don’t need to “wand” over the monitor to update your phone. What this means is that you will get a steady stream of glucose data from the CGM without having to do anything yourself. This allows for real time alerts, such as a dangerously low glucose value. 

Is The Dexcom G6 Compatible With iOS and Android Phones?

Yes, and it offers great compatibility with other glucose monitoring apps and regulating devices in general.  

Is It Compatible With Other Glucose Monitoring Apps?

Yes, and the FDA has approved the G6 to alter the level of insulin administered by a wirelessly connected insulin pump.

2) Best for Overall Value: Abbott FreeStyle Libre Sensors

the abbott cgm device and monitor

The FreeStyle Libre CGMs are perhaps the single easiest systems to use on our list, but that comes with an important caveat. Namely, that you have to scan the CGMs with your smartphone to activate them (and depending on the model, some older versions may require regular scanning). The device itself is about the diameter of a quarter, so it doesn’t take up much space on your arm.

When you join the Nutrisense program, you'll receive the latest FreeStyle CGMs to measure blood sugar levels.

Who Choose this CGM

Once you have the CGM on your arm and activated, the device lasts for two weeks. If you don’t mind the extra step of physically scanning the device to activate, and are looking for a small, convenient device, this a good CGM to pick. 

Is The Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 Compatible With iOS and Android Phones?

Yes, all versions of the FreeStyle Libre CGM are compatible with iPhone and Android devices. It can also be paired with the FreeStyle LibreLink app, which was designed by Abbott. If you're a member of the Nutrisense program, you'll also be able to view the data from your FreeStyle CGMs in the Nutrisense app.

Is It Compatible With Other Glucose Monitoring Apps?

Yes, there are third-party glucose monitoring apps such as the Nutrisense app that can compile and chart the data from your CGM readings using a connected mobile device. 

Is the FreeStyle Libre 3 Available Yet?

The FreeStyle Libre 3 is the latest CGM developed by Abbott, and it was released in late 2022. The Libre 3 is said to be the world's smallest CGM and most discreet sensor on the market.

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3) Best for Adaptive Technology: Medtronic Guardian 3

the medtronic cgm app

Much like other devices on this list, the Medtronic Guardian 3 is worn on your arm and can connect to an insulin pump and regulate its output based on current blood glucose levels. Although the proprietary mobile app displays a number of useful statistics about blood glucose, the sensors themselves must be replaced every week.

Why Choose this CGM

As we mentioned above, a benefit of this CGM can communicate with a Medtronic insulin pump, which is always useful. But the Guardian Connect mobile app also uses SugarIQ, which can tell you about trends in your blood glucose levels using IBM Watson AI. The longer you use it, the more data it has and the more accurate its reports will be for you.

Is The Medtronic Guardian 3 Compatible With iOS and Android Phones?

Yes, the Guardian Connect mobile app is available for iPhone and Android.

Is It Compatible With Other Glucose Monitoring Apps?

No, unfortunately this device is only compatible with the Medtronic Guardian Connect app.

4) Best for Low-Maintenance Monitoring: Senseonics Eversense 

the senseonics blood sugar app

Unlike the other CGMs on this list, the Senseonics Eversense is a subcutaneous device, which means it sits underneath the skin, similar to a skin implant. As a result, you can’t activate or replace it on your own and need the assistance of a physician.

Once active, however, it monitors interstitial fluid, just like the other devices. The device only needs to be replaced every 90 days as opposed to every seven to 14 days.

Why Choose this CGM

A significant advantage of this CGM is that it does not need to be replaced as frequently as the other devices on the market do. If you consider that the shortest “cycle” for CGM replacement on this list is seven days, this would be the equivalent of 13 of those devices in terms of how often it would need to be changed.

Since the device has acceptable accuracy and features, we can easily recommend it for people who need a basic CGM and can tolerate a subcutaneous device.  

Is The Senseonics Eversense Compatible With iOS and Android Phones?

Yes, the Eververse mobile app is available on Google Play and the App Store. 

Is It Compatible With Other Glucose Monitoring Apps?

No, at this time, the Eversense CGM is only able to be used with the Eververse app.

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Engage with Your Blood Glucose Levels with Nutrisense

Your blood sugar levels can significantly impact how your body feels and functions. That’s why stable blood glucose levels can be an important factor in supporting overall wellbeing.

With Nutrisense, you’ll be able to track your blood glucose levels over time using a CGM, so you can make lifestyle choices that support healthy living.

When you join the Nutrisense CGM program, our team of credentialed dietitians and nutritionists are available for additional support and guidance to help you reach your goals.

Ready to take the first step? Start with our quiz to see how Nutrisense can support your health.

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Find the right Nutrisense program    to help you discover and reach your health potential.
Kara Collier, RDN, LDN, CNSC

Reviewed by: Kara Collier, RDN, LDN, CNSC

Kara Collier is the co-founder and VP of Health at Nutrisense, one of America’s fastest-growing wellness-tech startups, where she leads the health team. She is a Forbes 30 under 30 recipient, frequent podcast guest & conference speaker.

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