This site is intended for heath plan professionals in Canada.

This site is intended for health plan professionals in Canada.

U.S. professionals should visit ManagedCareCGM.com

Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Continuous Glucose Monitoring - CGM

Insights & Education for Health Benefit Plan Professionals in Canada

Next-Generation Dexcom G7 CGM
System Approved by Health Canada

CanadaCGM.com Expert Interview with
Michael C. Riddell, PhD



Suzanne Lepage, a private health plan strategist with over 20 years in the
group insurance industry, is joined by Michael C. Riddell, PhD, Professor,
School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University
diabetes registry recently published in Diabetic Medicine.

Coverage Update


          All NIHB Plan Members Ages 2 Years and Older
          Managing their Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes with Insulin
          are Eligible for Dexcom G6 Coverage

Cost-effectiveness of Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Key findings from a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) for adults with insulin-treated
type 2 diabetes in Canada suggests the use of Dexcom G6 Real-Time Continuous Glucose
Monitoring (rtCGM) provides a cost-effective disease management option relative to
SMBG. The CEA is built on data from the growing body of evidence that shows rtCGM
to be transformative for many people living with diabetes.

Featured Article

CGM use Lowers Hospitalizations, may Reduce Mortality in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

New Video Resource

ADA 2023 Highlights: The Clinical and Economic Value of CGM

Watch Now

Featured Update

2021 Update from the Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines
Expert Working Group on Blood Glucose Monitoring
in Adults and Children with Diabetes

In the News

Latest Stories

Research

Evidence-Based Rationale for Expanding Access to CGM in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Treated with Nonintensive Therapies Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics – August 2023

Research

Large, Single-Center Study Shows that Increased Utilization of Technology Significantly Improved Glycemic Outcomes in Type 1 Diabetes American Diabetes Association – July 17, 2023

Non-Research Article

Next-Generation Dexcom G7 CGM System Approved by Health Canada – Business Wire – July 4, 2023

Non-Research Article

At Home Use of Closed Loop Insulin System in Pregnancy Determined to be Feasible – Diabetes Care – May 17, 2023

Non-Research Article

A review of the Symposium: “Eureka Moments: How Real-Time Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring (rtCGM) has Changed Our Practice”  – The Diabetes Communicator (Page 11) – Winter 2023

Research

Disparities in Hemoglobin A1c in the First Year After Diagnosis Among Youths with Type 1 Diabetes Offered Continuous Glucose Monitoring – JAMA – April 19, 2023

Non-Research Article

Mednow Launches New Virtual Diabetes Management Program in Partnership with Dexcom –The Globe and Mail – February 2, 2023

Video

CanadaCGM.com Expert Interview with Michael C. Riddell, PhD – CanadaCGM – January 10, 2023

Video

CanadaCGM.com Expert Interview with Dr. Alexander Abitbol, MDCM, FRCPCCanadaCGM – December 14, 2022

Research

ADA 2022: Spotlight on Real-World Evidence Supporting the Use of Real-Time Continuous Glucose MonitoringCanadaCGM – November 2, 2022

Non-Research Article

Nova Scotia moms fight for provincial coverage of continuous glucose monitorsThe Signal – November 25, 2021

Video

Mother relieved RAMQ will now cover essential medical deviceCBC News – May 26, 2021

Non-Research Article

The RAMQ reimburses a first continuous blood glucose meter for type 1 diabetics Avantages – May 26, 2021

Non-Research Article

Dexcom G6 CGM System Approved for Back of Upper Arm Wear, Offering Adults with Diabetes Greater Freedom – Newswire – Apr 20, 2021

Non-Research Article

Managing diabetes with continuous glucose monitoring, digital coaching – Benefits Canada – April 9, 2021

Non-Research Article

‘Great Manitoban Fingerprick Challenge’ created to raise awareness about diabetes and lack of coverage – Winnipeg Sun – January 16, 2021

Non-Research Article

Diabetes patients, doctors want better access to virtual careCBC News – November 7, 2020

Non-Research Article

Glucose monitoring takes new stridesGlobe & Mail – November 6, 2020

Non-Research Article

Peace of mind among new diabetes management technology benefitsGlobe & Mail – November 6, 2020

Guideline/Policy/Report

Health Canada Authorizes Interim Use of Dexcom G6 CGM by Pregnant Women in Response to the COVID-19 PandemicNewswire – July 16, 2020

Public Coverage & Policy Updates

New Resource

rtCGM Public Coverage in Canada InfographicCanadaCGM.com – February 2024

Guideline/Policy/Report

Government of Manitoba Announces Diabetes Action Plan Focused on Prevention, Management, and Access to Medication and Technology Government of Manitoba – July 2023

Guideline/Policy/Report

Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec Eases Requirements for Dexcom CGM Reimbursement  –  July 4, 2023

Guideline/Policy/Report

All NIHB Plan Members Ages 2 Years and Older Managing their Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes with Insulin are Eligible for Dexcom G6 Coverage Government of Canada – April 25, 2023

Guideline/Policy/Report

Manitoba has Expanded Coverage for Advanced Glucose Monitors and Insulin Pumps for Manitobans Over the Age of 18 Shared Health Manitoba – March 15, 2023

Guideline/Policy/Report

Dexcom Canada Partners With Green Shield and The Health Depot to Offer Plan Members a Comprehensive Digital Diabetes Care ExperienceBusiness Wire – December 12, 2022

Guideline/Policy/Report

Glucose Sensor Technology available for Islanders living with Diabetes – PrinceEdwardIsland.ca – May, 2022

Guideline/Policy/Report

Ontario Announces Public Coverage for the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System under the Assistive Devices ProgramBusiness Wire – March 7, 2022

Guideline/Policy/Report

Continuous Glucose Monitors added to both government and employer-sponsored drug plans in AlbertaPharmacy Benefact – February 1, 2022

Guideline/Policy/Report

Green Shield Canada now reimbursing continuous glucose monitoring systems at pharmacy GSC Pharmacy Update – November, 2021

Guideline/Policy/Report

Updated Coverage Status of Glucose Monitoring Devices by Provincial Jurisdiction – Diabetes Canada – October 2021

Guideline/Policy/Report

Effective September 28, 2021, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and Flash Glucose Monitoring (FGM) systems are covered by Manitoba Pharmacare for eligible clients 25 years old and younger – Province of ManitobaSeptember 28, 2021

Guideline/Policy/Report

Expanded medical device coverage for people with diabetes in BCBC Gov News – June 11, 2021

Guideline/Policy/Report

Enhanced Supports For Saskatchewan Residents With DiabetesSaskatchewan.ca – June 1, 2021

Guideline/Policy/Report

Diabetes organization pleased with Manitoba government’s commitment to help youth with the diseaseCTV News Winnipeg – April 8, 2021

Guideline/Policy/Report

Manitoba & Saskatchewan Announce Expanded Coverage for Diabetes TechnologyJDRF – April 7, 2021

Guideline/Policy/Report

P.E.I. government makes important investment in support of Islanders living with diabetesDiabetes Canada – March 17, 2021

Guideline/Policy/Report

Employers play important role in preventing and managing diabetesMedavie Blue Cross – November 13, 2020

Guideline/Policy/Report

Government of Yukon will fully fund the costs of continuous glucose monitors for all Yukonerswww.yukon.ca – October 1, 2020

Our American Cousins

New Resource

AMCP Market Insights Health Plan Best Practices: Implementing Continuous Glucose Monitoring to Improve Patient Outcomes in Diabetes- Journal of Managed Care and Specialty Pharmacy– January 8, 2024

New Resource

Payer and Health System Experts Share Insights on the Role of CGM in Population Health Management– American Journal of Accountable Care via ManagedCareCGM.com- December 6, 2023

New Resource

ADA 2023 Highlights: The Clinical and Economic Value of CGM – ManagedCareCGM.com – September 15, 2023

Latest Research in Diabetes Technology: Highlights from ATTD 2022 –  ManagedCareCGM.com – July, 2022

Video

ADA Standards of Medical Care: Recommendations for Continuous Glucose Monitoring – A Video Resource – ManagedCareCGM.com – May, 2022

Video

The Value of rtCGM in Optimizing the Management of T2D – A Video Resource – ManagedCareCGM.com – January 2022

Lower A1c and Reduce Hospital/ED Use in Members with Insulin-Treated Type 2 Diabetes via Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring –  ManagedCareCGM.com – September 2021

Non-Research Article

FDA gives the go ahead for third-party developers to integrate real-time CGM data into their digital health apps and devices. – Business Wire – July 2021

Research

Optimize Outcomes in Insulin-Treated T1 and T2D via Evidence-Based Coverage Criteria with Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring –  ManagedCareCGM.com – June 2021

Event

Improving Quality Metrics and Reducing Cost of Care with Access to Real-Time Continuous Glucose MonitoringManagedCareCGM.com – May 2021

Non-Research Article

Welldoc’s BlueStar, Dexcom G6 CGM to be offered as single diabetes platform – First World Health Tech – April 5, 2021

Expert Interviews

In The Know: Introduction To CGM

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is a method to track glucose levels throughout the day and night. CGM systems take glucose measurements at regular intervals and translate the readings into dynamic data, providing glucose direction and rate of change. Having this context helps CGM users proactively manage glucose highs and lows, and gives added insight into impacts that meals, exercise and illness may have on an individual’s glucose levels. CGM can also contribute to better diabetes management by helping to minimize the guesswork that comes with making treatment decisions based solely on a number from a blood glucose meter reading. Studies have shown that CGM systems may help reduce A1C levels and reduce hypoglycemia, whether users are on insulin injections or pump therapy.

CGM Product Comparisons

Standalone Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Flash Glucose Monitoring Comparison Chart

Product Attributes and Performance

G6® Continuous Glucose

Monitoring System (Dexcom)1

FreeStyle® Libre Flash Glucose

Monitoring System (Abbott)2

Monitoring Method

Real-Time CGM

Intermittent Scan CGM

Data Availability

Continuously available without user intervention

Available with user intervention
(i.e. must scan sensor)

Age Indication

2 years and older

18 years and older

Health Canada Approved Sensor Placement

Upper Arm, Abdomen (adults)

Abdomen, Upper Buttocks (pediatrics)

Upper arm

Factory Calibrated

Yes

(manual calibration optional)

Yes

Approved to Replace Fingerstick Blood Glucose Testing for Treatment Decisions

Yes
Except fingerstick confirmation when symptoms don’t match readings or G6 doesn’t show number, arrow, or both

Yes

Except fingerstick confirmation is required:

  • During times of rapidly changing glucose
  • To confirm hypoglycemia
  • To confirm impending hypoglycemia
  • When symptoms don’t match readings
  • During first day of wear

Approved to Aid in the Detection of Episodes of Hyperglycemia & Hypoglycemia

Yes

No

Health Canada Warning for Patients Diagnosed with Hypoglycemia Unawareness

No

Yes

Sensor Wear

10 days

14 days

Sensor Survival [Adults ≥18]

94% @ 10 days

86% @ 14 days

Sensor Expiration Warning

Yes; 24 h, 6 h, 2 h, 30 min

No

Sensor Warm-up Time

2 h

1 h

Water Resistance

Up to 24 hours in 2.4 meters [8 feet]

Up to 0.5 hours in 1 meter [3 feet]

Known Interfering Substances

Acetaminophen if dosed > 1 g every 6 h in adults
Hydroxyurea causes falsely higher readings

Ascorbic Acid at >500 mg may cause falsely higher readings
Salicylic Acid at >650 mg may cause falsely lower readings

Approved for Use with Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) Systems

Yes

No

Insulin Pump integration

Yes

Tandem t:slim X2® with AID

No

Mobile Device Connectivity

Yes

Apple iOS and Android via Bluetooth

(See list of supported devices at http://www.dexcom.com/compatibility)

Yes

iOS and Android can be used to scan sensor for data via near field communication

Smart Watch Compatibility

Yes

(See list of supported devices at http://www.dexcom.com/compatibility)

No

Protective Safeguards (Alerts/Alarms)

Customizable Threshold Alerts / Alarms [Low / High]

Yes

No

Predictive Low Glucose Alert [Within 20 mins]

Yes

No

Urgent Low Glucose Alarm

Yes

No

Rapidly Rising/Falling Rate of Change Alerts

Yes

(optional)

No

Alert Schedule

[i.e. Different Alert Setting at Night]

Yes

(optional)

No

Share Alerts / Alarms

Yes

(optional)

No

Signal Loss Alert / Alarm

Yes

(optional)

Yes

Repeat Alerts / Alarms

Yes

(optional)

No

Accuracy

MARD (Average % Discrepancy Between Sensor Readings and YSI Glucose)

9.0%

9.5%

Percentage of Readings within ±  20% /± 1.11mmol/L

94%

91%

Accuracy in Hypoglycemia: Concurrence of Sensor Readings with YSI-Measured Values in Low Range [Adult: 2.2-3.3 mmol/L]

68%

29%

Data Management, Reporting & Sharing

Data Availability

Continuously available without user intervention

Available with user intervention

(i.e. user must scan sensor)

Data Storage

Automatically & continuously stored without user intervention

Data stored when user scans sensor

Sensor must be scanned at least once every 8 h to prevent data loss

Data Sharing / Remote Monitoring

Yes

Readings continuously automatically shared with followers

Yes

Readings are shared when the user scans their sensor

Trend Arrows

Yes

Yes

Trend Graphs

1, 3, 6, 12, 24 h

8, 24 h

Smart Phone Push Notifications with Insights, Coaching

Yes

Automated via Dexcom CLARITY® App

Opt-In

No

Cloud-Based Data Management Program

Yes

Automated upload via Dexcom CLARITY® Mobile App

Yes

LibreView®

Data stored and shared when user scans sensor

Sensor must be scanned at least once every 8 h to prevent data loss

  1. Dexcom G6 CGM System User Guide
  2. FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System User’s Manual & Quick Reference Guide

Video Resources Review Publications

In The Workplace: Diabetes & CGM Health Plan Policy

In Publication: CGM Health & Economic Evaluations

Clinical Guidelines & Research

Find the latest expert treatment guideline recommendations, clinical trials, and real-world evidence.

View All Resources 🍁 = Canadian Content
New Resource

Study Finds Poor Attainment of Glycemic Targets Among Canadian Adults with DiabetesCanadian Journal of Diabetes – September 11, 2023

Research

Evidence-Based Rationale for Expanding Access to CGM in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Treated with Nonintensive Therapies Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics – August 2023

Non-Research Article

New Supplement Highlights the Latest CGM Evidence and Insights – Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics – June 2023

Research

LOIS-P Looks at Hypoglycemia Incidence with Sensor-Augmented Pump in Pregnancy – Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics 

Research

LOIS-P Study Examines Insulin Use and Glycemic Control in Pregnancy with CGM – Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics – November, 2021

Research

Blood Glucose Monitoring in Adults and Children with Diabetes: Update 2021Canadian Journal of Diabetes – 2021

Guideline/Policy/Report

American Association of Clinical Endocrinology [AACE] Clinical Practice Guideline: The Use of Advanced Technology in the Management of Persons With Diabetes MellitusAACE Endocrine Practice – June 2021

Guideline/Policy/Report

Diabetes Technology Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes 2021 – American Diabetes Association – Diabetes Care – 2021

Research

Benefits of Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Pregnancy Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics – March 2021

Guideline/Policy/Report

NICE Guideline Update: Diabetes in pregnancy: Management from preconception to the postnatal periodwww.nice.org.uk – 2020

Research

Glycemic Outcomes in Adults With T1D Are Impacted More by Continuous Glucose Monitoring Than by Insulin Delivery Method: 3 Years of Follow-Up From the COMISAIR StudyDiabetes Care – 2020

Research

Alarm Settings of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems and Associations to Glucose Outcomes in Type 1 DiabetesJournal of the Endocrine Society – 2020

Guideline/Policy/Report

Effects of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Metrics of Glycemic Control in Diabetes: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsDiabetes Care – 2020

Research

Glycemic Outcomes with Early Initiation of Continuous Glucose Monitoring System in Recently Diagnosed Patients with Type 1 DiabetesDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics – 2019

New Resource

Clinical Practice Guidelines: Monitoring Glycemic ControlCanadian Journal of Diabetes – 2018🍁

Research

A randomized controlled pilot study of continuous glucose monitoring and flash glucose monitoring in people with Type 1 diabetes and impaired awareness of hypoglycemiaDiabetic Medicine – 2018

Research

Effect of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Glycemic Control, Acute Admissions, and Quality of Life: A Real-World StudyJournal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism – 2018

Research

Baseline Glycated Hemoglobin Values Predict the Magnitude of Glycemic Improvement in Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: Subgroup Analyses from the DIAMOND Study ProgramDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics – 2018

Guideline/Policy/Report

Clinical Implications of Real-time and Intermittently Scanned Continuous Glucose MonitoringDiabetes Care – 2018

Research

Continuous Glucose Monitoring vs Conventional Therapy for Glycemic Control in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Treated With Multiple Daily Insulin Injections: The GOLD Randomized Clinical TrialJAMA – 2017

In The Spotlight

Digital Health Care

Explore latest thinking and developments in digital health care for employees, including the role of CGM in virtual care and remote monitoring of diabetes.

View All Resources 🍁 = Canadian Content
New Resource

Continuous glucose monitoring in diabetes improves outcomes and enhances patient self-management – Canadian Medical Association Journal – November 14, 2023

Research

Continuous Glucose Monitoring: An Opportunity for Population-Based Diabetes Management – Population Health Management – October 14, 2022

Guideline/Policy/Report

Digital Diabetes Care: Virtual pathways to improved employee health, productivity & safety with data-driven disease managementEmployee Health Plan Policy Discussion Paper – 2021

Webinar

Digital Diabetes Care: Improving employee health, productivity & safety [Free Webinar] – Benefits Canada Chronic Disease @ Work Conference – 2021 🍁

Research

The Digital/Virtual Diabetes Clinic: The Future Is NowDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics – 2021

Research

Use and perception of telemedicine in people with type 1 diabetes during the COVID19 pandemicEndocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism – 2020

Guideline/Policy/Report

Realizing the Full Potential of Virtual Care in OntarioOntario Chamber of Commerce – 2020🍁

Non-Research Article

Virtual care for T1D during the COVID19 pandemic and beyondJDRF – 2020 🍁

Non-Research Article

Digital health care for the long termGlobe & Mail Event Summary – 2020🍁

Research

Diabetes Telehealth Solutions: Improving Self-Management Through Remote Initiation of Continuous Glucose MonitoringEndocrine Society – 2020

Non-Research Article

The Future of Health > Health On DemandMercer Marsh Benefits – 2020 🍁

Non-Research Article

Harnessing technology to enhance Type 1 diabetes care and support workforce sustainability during COVID 19 and beyondBusiness Health – 2020 🍁

In Practice: CGM Resources For Clinical Professionals

Continuing Education Programs

Gain insights from leaders in the field of diabetes and health benefits in these Continuing Education activities.

View All Resources 🍁 = Canadian Content