Unlike a fasting blood glucose test which measure your glucose level at one point in time, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) tracks your glucose level over the course of the day. It provides real-time feedback on how foods and other lifestyle factors, such as exercise, sleep and stress, influence your glucose level. The insights you receive from continuous glucose monitoring are educational and motivating.
If you have prediabetes, knowing how your body reacts to certain foods and other lifestyle factors – and proactively making changes – may help prevent type 2 diabetes.
How does continuous glucose monitoring work?
At Medcan, we use the Abbott FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM system. This system consists of a sensor the size of a Loonie that you wear on the back of your upper arm, a transmitter that attaches to the sensor and a smartphone app that displays your glucose data in real time.
When you wear the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor, a thin filament is inserted under the skin and measures glucose levels every minute of the day. This data is then transmitted to the FreeStyle Libre 2 app.
How Medcan's CGM program works
Medcan will provide you with a FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM sensor that you will wear for 14 days. We will send you all the information you need to apply the glucose sensor and set up the FreeStyle Libre 2 app. Alternatively, if you prefer to have a Medcan nurse help you set up the app and apply the CGM sensor, an in-person appointment can be arranged.
You will use the app to log your meals and exercise, as well as make any notes about your stress level or sleep quality.
The program is intended for individuals without diabetes, those at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes and those who have prediabetes. This program is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with diabetes, who have disordered eating, or who are pregnant.
45-minute dietitian consultation
Midway through wearing the glucose sensor, you will meet virtually with a Medcan registered dietitian for a 45-minute consultation. Your dietitian will review and interpret your Glucose Report, which includes your average glucose level, estimated hemoglobin A1c, daily glucose graphs and mealtime glucose patterns.
Based on this information, you will receive personalized lifestyle recommendations to prevent glucose spikes and dips. You can implement these recommendations right away to see their effect on your glucose.
Program Fee: $795
An insurance receipt can be provided if your benefits plan covers counselling by a registered dietitian. Once you have completed the program, additional follow-ups may be added for additional support. Four 15-minute follow-ups are $285.
Sign Up for the Medcan's Continuous Glucose Monitoring Program