How a CGM Can Transform Life for People with Diabetes
Managing diabetes as we age can feel like a constant balancing act. Changes in how our body responds to food, medications, and exercise make controlling blood sugar more complex, but what if there was a way to take control without the hassle of constant fingersticks?
That’s exactly what a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) does.
With modern CGMs people with diabetes can finally have peace of mind and real-time insight into their health. Even better? Medicare now covers these CGMs, and Appy Medical makes getting one effortless!
What Is a Continuous Glucose Monitor?
A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a small wearable device that tracks your blood sugar levels automatically throughout the day and night. Instead of checking your levels with a fingerstick 3–5 times a day, CGMs give you up to 288 readings per day—delivered right to your smartphone or an included reader.
The result: you see not just where your glucose is right now, but also where it’s headed. You can stop sugar crashes before they happen and understand how meals, activity, and medication affect you—all without guesswork.
Scientific Benefits of CGM Use
Unfortunately, as we age we are:
More prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can cause dizziness, confusion, and dangerous falls【1】.
More likely to detect new medications that interact and affect glucose control【2】.
Often dealing with changes in appetite, kidney function, and energy levels.
Traditional blood sugar meters simply can’t catch every drop or spike. But CGMs provide a comprehensive view of your glucose patterns, helping fine-tune treatment and share your records with your doctor.
CGMs Can Help:
- Fewer Low Blood Sugar Events: In the WISDM trial, older adults using a CGM had 43% fewer episodes of hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL) compared to those using traditional meters【3】.
- Improved A1C Levels: A 2021 study in JAMA found that seniors using CGMs lowered their A1C by 0.5% on average over 6 months, while also reducing dangerous lows【4】.
- Better Quality of Life: Patients using CGMs reported less diabetes distress, more confidence in managing their glucose, and fewer hospital visits【5】.
Our Sensors: FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus vs. Dexcom G7
Both devices offer Medicare-covered, fingerstick-free monitoring. Here’s what makes them stand out:
FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus
- 15-day wear time
- Real-time readings every minute
- Smallest sensor on the market
- No scanning needed—readings stream to your smartphone
- Alarms for highs and lows, customizable for comfort
- High accuracy with a Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) of 7.9%
- Now approved for insulin-dosing decisions (no fingerstick backup needed)【6】
Ideal for people seeking simplicity, discretion, and affordability
Dexcom G7
The smartest, most customizable CGM for active seniors.
- 10-day wear time
- Updates every 5 minutes
- Built-in predictive alerts: warns up to 20 minutes before lows
- Quick 30-minute warm-up time
- Accuracy: MARD of 8.2%, trusted for insulin dosing
- Data sharing with caregivers and healthcare teams
- Integrates with iPhone, Android, and many insulin pumps
Ideal for those wanting more control, custom alerts, and integrated tech
Covered by Medicare. Delivered by Appy Medical.
Navigating Medicare approvals, doctors, and device setup can be confusing—but not with Appy Medical on your side.
Why Choose Appy?
At Appy Medical, we do all the heavy lifting so you can focus on your health—not the red tape.
🟦 90-Day Supplies, Delivered Free
Enjoy the convenience of a full supply every 90 days—no more pharmacy trips or refill hassles.
🟦 We Handle Doctors & Insurance
We coordinate everything with your doctor and Medicare so you don’t have to.
🟦 White-Glove, Hands-Off Service
We take care of the paperwork, approvals, and communication. You just wear your CGM and feel the benefits.
🟦 Friendly, U.S.-Based Support
Our compassionate care team is ready to help, explain, or troubleshoot—without phone trees or long hold times.
🟦 Start-to-Finish Setup Support
We walk you through choosing a device, applying your first sensor, and reading your data.
How to Get Started in 3 Easy Steps
- Ask your doctor if a CGM is right for you (if you use insulin or have low blood sugar, you likely qualify).
- Choose your device: Libre 3 Plus for simplicity, Dexcom G7 for smart alerts.
- Let us handle the rest: From paperwork to delivery, we’ve got you covered.
References
- American Diabetes Association. Older Adults: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2024. https://diabetesjournals.org
- CDC. Diabetes and Older Adults. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/older-adults.html
- Pratley RE, et al. CGM in Older Adults With T1D: WISDM Study. Diabetes Care. 2020.
- Vigersky RA, et al. Benefits of CGM in Older T2D Patients. JAMA. 2021;326(9):936–944.
- Polonsky WH, et al. CGM Improves Diabetes-Related Quality of Life. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics. 2022.
- Abbott. FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus System Overview. https://freestyle.abbott