Key Takeaways

• Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) measure blood sugar continuously and allow you to track patterns in blood sugar through mobile apps, while traditional glucose meters provide blood sugar measures at a point in time using a blood sample.
• Signos can support healthy lifestyle changes through a CGM, personalized blood sugar targets, and a nutritionist’s support.
• Consider factors such as ease of use, cost, and insurance coverage, and lifestyle factors when choosing a glucose monitor.

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Many factors can impact your blood sugar, such as what and when you eat, physical activity, certain medications, and even stress! But everyone is different. Monitoring your blood sugar is key to learning about what impacts your numbers. Finding patterns and understanding how these factors influence your blood sugar is the first step in taking charge of your health to keep your blood sugar in range and manage your diabetes.

Blood sugar monitoring technology is constantly evolving and improving. You're not alone if you’re overwhelmed by the different products available! Keep reading to learn about advancements in monitoring technology as of 2025 to help you feel confident in choosing the best glucose monitor for you.

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are wearable devices that measure your blood sugar continuously. CGMs are inserted under the skin, typically on the upper arm, but sometimes on the abdomen or thigh, using a tiny needle. Once the CGM is installed, you can track your blood sugar using Bluetooth technology to connect the sensor to an app on your phone. Smartphone apps may include alerts that let you know if your blood sugar is too high or too low and display a target range to see any spikes or dips easily. Each sensor provides about 10-14 days of data before needing to be replaced.

There are a number of CGMs available on the market. As of 2025, the latest CGMs claim to be smaller, more accurate, and easier to use. Here is a breakdown of the features and benefits of two CGMs: the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3 and the Dexcom G7. As always, talk with your healthcare provider to make the best choice to meet your unique needs.

• Accuracy: The FreeStyle Libre 3 is more accurate than its previous model, with a mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 7.9%, compared with 9.3% in the FreeStyle Libre 2 (smaller numbers here are better). The Dexcom G7 has a MARD of 8.2%.
• Frequency of glucose readings: Previous models of the FreeStyle Libre required users to scan the sensor with their phone before displaying glucose levels. With the FreeStyle Libre 3, glucose readings are automatically sent to your phone every minute, giving you instant access to your health data. Similarly, with the Dexcom G7, data is automatically sent to the phone every 5 minutes. There is no need to scan the sensor to see blood glucose levels, which means there is no risk of missing out on important data, since your numbers will all be stored in the app.
• Size and physical features: The FreeStyle Libre 3 is smaller and more discreet than previous models - roughly the size of two stacked pennies. Though slightly larger, the Dexcom G7 is about half the size of the G6. It also features an integrated sensor and transmitter combined into one device, making it easier to apply to the body than previous models.
• Sensor lifespan: FreeStyle Libre 3 sensors can be worn for 14 days, while Dexcom G7 sensors can be worn for 10 days. New to the Dexcom G7 is a 12-hour grace period. New sensors can take several hours to calibrate, providing erroneous readings. The grace period extends the life of each sensor beyond this calibration time.
• Approved uses: Both the FreeStyle Libre 3 and the Dexcom G7 are approved for type 1 and type 2 diabetes management, in diabetes during pregnancy, and for gestational diabetes.
• Insulin pump integration: The Dexcom G7 can connect with certain insulin pumps to allow automated delivery based on real-time glucose readings. The FreeStyle Libre 3 does not yet allow insulin pump integration, though Abbott plans to roll out this feature.

Traditional Blood Glucose Meters

While CGM devices provide continuous measures of blood sugar, traditional glucose meters let you measure your blood sugar at a specific time. Traditional glucose meters are useful when you need to know your blood sugar level at a specific time, such as before a meal or before dosing insulin. They can also be used to calibrate a CGM or, if your CGM is not working correctly, to ensure you are correctly dosing insulin, or to let you know if your blood sugar is low and you need to eat.

To use a glucose meter, prick your finger using a lancet and put a drop of blood on a test strip. The meter will measure the glucose in the blood sample to provide your current blood sugar level.

Glucose meters have been around for a long time, and many options are on the market. Here are two popular options:

• Care Touch Blood Glucose Monitoring System: This is a best-selling, affordable option with a comprehensive kit (glucometer, test strips, lancing device, lancets, and travel case) for immediate use.
• Diathrive Blood Sugar Test Kit: This glucose meter is noted for its simplicity, portability, and painless usage.

Innovative Developments in Glucose Monitoring

While blood sugar monitoring is common among people with diabetes, in recent years, more and more people without diabetes have been using CGMs to learn more about their health. Blood sugar monitoring may help improve health to avoid diabetes, lose weight, and make healthier choices.¹ New technologies have made it easier to monitor blood glucose, even without a diabetes diagnosis.

Last year, the FDA approved the first over-the-counter CGM. In June, Abbott released the Lingo. Unlike the FreeStyle Libre, which is intended for people with diabetes, the Lingo can be used by people without diabetes who want to improve their overall health and wellness. Because of this, there are some important differences between the FreeStyle Libre and the Lingo. The Lingo does not provide alerts for hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It also measures a much narrower range of blood sugars. Importantly, while many insurance plans cover CGMs for people with diabetes, the Lingo is not likely to be covered.

The data provided by a CGM can help you make choices about your diet, exercise, and lifestyle to improve your health. But so much data can also feel overwhelming. Having data doesn’t translate to knowing what to do with that data. How can knowing what causes your blood sugar to increase help you prevent that increase?

Enter Signos. Signos has the only CGM system specifically designed for weight loss. Managing your blood sugar can help lower insulin levels, which may lead to weight loss and lower body mass index (BMI).² CGM use also leads to lifestyle improvements, including increased physical activity,³ may also help you lose weight.

By combining CGM and AI technology with access to in-app nutritionists and community support, Signos helps unlock your path to better health and weight loss. The program includes:

• Real-time blood sugar and trends
• A personalized blood sugar target
• In-app nutritionists for support
• See how meals impact your blood sugar
• Meal impact predictions for logged meals
• Workouts and activity tracking
• Fasting and meal-timing tips
• Monitor sleep, hydration, and stress
• Weekly reports to track wins

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Glucose Monitor

So many different options are on the market to measure your blood sugar. How can you choose the right glucose monitor to meet your needs? When choosing a glucose monitor, here are some factors to take into account:

• Ease of Use: Choose a glucose monitor that is easy for you. When choosing a CGM, consider things like: How easy is it to apply a new sensor? How often do you need to replace the sensor? Is the smartphone app easy to use? When choosing a traditional glucose meter, are the size and shape of the meter and test strips easy to hold onto and use? Is the text on the screen easy to read?
• Cost and Insurance Coverage: CGMs can be expensive if not covered by your health insurance, while traditional glucose meters are much more affordable. Insurance coverage varies, but most commercial insurers and Medicare cover CGMs. Coverage typically depends on your specific insurance plan and your diabetes management needs. Medicare usually covers CGMs if you have diabetes and either take insulin or have a history of hypoglycemia. Contact your insurance provider to learn which products are covered under your plan.
• Lifestyle Compatibility: A glucose monitor must fit into your daily routines and match your personal preferences to help you improve your health. For example, traditional glucose meters are less costly, but measuring your blood sugar manually can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Integrating with a glucose monitor may save you time and energy if you use an insulin pump. 

Everyone is different and has different health needs and lifestyles. Choose a glucose monitor that aligns with your individual needs and personal preferences. If you still aren’t sure which option is best for you, talk with a healthcare provider who can give you a personalized recommendation.

The Bottom Line

Whether you have diabetes or simply want to improve your health, blood sugar monitoring is an invaluable tool to have at your disposal. Glucose monitoring technologies are constantly improving and becoming more accurate and easier to use. Choose a glucose monitor that meets your health needs, fits your budget, and is compatible with your lifestyle.

Learn More About How to Improve Blood Sugar Health With Signos’ Expert Advice

Blood sugar health seriously affects how you feel and how well your body functions. That’s why it’s so important to be able to accurately measure your blood sugar to identify patterns.

Signos CGM empowers you to improve your health by keeping track of your diet, exercise, sleep habits, and blood sugar (glucose). Learn more about blood glucose levels on Signos’ blog.

Signos has a team of health experts who compile evidence-based nutrition information to help you improve your health and wellness. Check out the resources here.

Take a quick quiz to determine if Signos is a good fit for you.