How do I know if I need a continuous glucose monitor for my diabetes?

If you’re type-1 diabetic (T-1), you need CGM. Period. Even if you have to do without HBO to make it happen, you should.

If you’re the parent of a T-1 kiddo, the CGM will add at least 10 years to your life in improved sleep and reduced stress, and Lord only knows how many decades to their lives. And this is not negotiable with your child. Don’t ask.

If you’re an insulin-using type-2 diabetic (T-2), you’ll be safer and better controlled with CGM. Tell your doctor to write a letter to your insurance company outlining how you’ll die slowly and expensively if they don’t cover one.

If you’re a T-2 on oral agents of the sulfonylurea class, which tends to cause hypoglycemia, you should have a CGM.

If you’re a pregnant diabetic woman, you should wear a CGM full term even if you need to take out a bank loan to make it happen.

If you’re a non-insulin using, nonsulfonylurea taking T-2, do you need to have, or should you have a CGM? To be honest, you probably don’t need one, at least not all the time.