Continuous glucose monitoring companies design and manufacture wearable sensors that track glucose around the clock. For care teams, the CGM companies a program works with now shape how patients get support between visits. The field has moved fast since this article first ran. Sensors last longer. Over-the-counter options are on pharmacy shelves. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) now recommends CGM for a much wider group of adults.
This guide covers how CGM works and what the 2026 clinical guidance says. It also reviews where the leading continuous glucose monitoring companies stand today. Finally, it explains how CGM data fits into remote patient monitoring (RPM) programs, with coverage and coding basics for care teams.
What Is Continuous Glucose Monitoring?
Continuous glucose monitoring companies all build on the same basic design. A small sensor sits just under the skin, usually on the upper arm or abdomen. It measures glucose in interstitial fluid, the fluid between cells. Every few minutes, the sensor sends a reading to a smartphone app, a handheld reader, or an insulin pump.
That steady stream of data is the real difference. A fingerstick shows one number at one moment. A CGM shows direction, speed of change, and patterns across days and nights. Most systems also send alerts when glucose trends high or low, including during sleep.
Interstitial readings can trail blood glucose by several minutes. For that reason, many systems still call for a fingerstick check when readings don’t match how a patient feels. For a plain-language overview of sensors, alerts, and limitations, see our guide to CGM basics.
What the 2026 ADA Standards of Care Say About CGM
Clinical guidance is one reason continuous glucose monitoring companies are reaching more patients. The ADA Standards of Care for 2026 recommend CGM at diabetes onset and anytime after for adults on insulin. The recommendation also covers adults on non-insulin therapies that can cause hypoglycemia. It then extends to adults on any diabetes treatment in which CGM aids management.
That last group is large. Most adults with type 2 diabetes do not use insulin, and many receive their care in primary care practices.
New trial data supports the change. The CONNECT randomized trial was presented at the ADA Scientific Sessions in June 2026. It enrolled 283 adults with type 2 diabetes who were not on insulin, across 22 U.S. primary care practices. Participants who used a CGM had lower A1C and more time in range than those in routine care. They also reported less distress related to their diabetes.
The 2026 Standards made another notable change. For adults 65 and up, CGM was already recommended for type 1 diabetes. It now also covers type 2 diabetes treated with insulin.
Benefits of CGM for Patients
The patient benefits of CGM are well documented, especially for people who wear a sensor every day or nearly every day. Patients who use CGM can expect:
- Real-time glucose readings and trend arrows without frequent fingersticks.
- Alerts for highs and lows, including overnight.
- Lower A1C and more time in range for many users, as shown in clinical trials such as CONNECT.
- A clearer view of how meals, activity, sleep, and medication affect their glucose.
- Less day-to-day burden, which CONNECT participants reported as lower diabetes distress.
The value is practical. A patient can see glucose rising after a meal and talk with their care team about what to change. That conversation is easier with two weeks of data than with a single reading.
Benefits of CGM for Care Teams and Health Systems
Continuous glucose monitoring companies also build tools for the clinicians who review the data. Standard reports, such as the ambulatory glucose profile, show a patient’s typical day on a single page. Time in range gives care teams and patients a shared target that is easier to discuss than A1C alone.
For care teams, CGM offers:
- Earlier insight into hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia between office visits.
- More complete data for medication adjustments.
- Fewer handwritten logs to collect, transcribe, and review.
- Remote review that fits telehealth and RPM workflows.
CGM does not replace in-person care. It gives clinicians a clearer picture of what happens between appointments, so follow-up can happen sooner when something changes.
The Leading Continuous Glucose Monitoring Companies
A small group of continuous glucose monitoring companies leads the U.S. market. Each has updated its lineup since this article was first published. The details below come from company announcements and FDA clearances. Confirm current indications with each manufacturer before recommending a device.
Dexcom
Dexcom is one of the most established CGM companies. The FDA cleared the Dexcom G7 15 Day for adults with diabetes in April 2025. It offers up to 15.5 days of wear, including a 12-hour grace period. Dexcom reports an overall MARD of 8.0% for the system.
Dexcom also sells Stelo, an over-the-counter glucose biosensor for adults who do not use insulin. The company has received FDA clearance for Smart Basal, a CGM-integrated tool that supports basal insulin dosing for type 2 diabetes. Care teams that work with Tenovi can view Dexcom data through our Dexcom integration. Hourly average glucose appears next to the patient’s other vitals.
Abbott
Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre family is one of the most widely used CGM platforms in the world. Current sensors include FreeStyle Libre 2 Plus and FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus. Both offer 15-day wear. Libre 3 Plus sends real-time readings straight to compatible smartphones.
Abbott also offers two over-the-counter biosensors. Lingo is aimed at general wellness. Libre Rio is designed for adults with type 2 diabetes who do not use insulin. Abbott also makes the Instinct sensor, which works with MiniMed insulin pumps.
MiniMed
Medtronic has moved its diabetes business into a standalone company called MiniMed. MiniMed completed its initial public offering in March 2026 as part of that separation. Its sensor lineup includes Simplera Sync, which works with the MiniMed 780G automated insulin delivery system. The Simplera platform also includes a version for use with the InPen smart insulin pen. MiniMed also offers Instinct, the Abbott-made sensor that launched with MiniMed systems in December 2025.
Senseonics
Senseonics takes a different approach. Its Eversense 365 system uses a fully implantable sensor. The FDA cleared it in September 2024 for adults 18 and older with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
A trained clinician places the sensor under the skin of the upper arm during a brief office procedure. The sensor lasts up to one year. Patients have one insertion a year instead of one every 10 to 15 days. A removable transmitter sits on the skin over the sensor. After day 14, the system needs a fingerstick calibration about once a week. Eversense 365 is also cleared as an integrated CGM, so it can work with compatible insulin pumps.
How to Compare Continuous Glucose Monitoring Companies
No single CGM fits every patient. Care teams evaluating continuous glucose monitoring companies can work through a short checklist.
- Indication and age. Confirm the device is FDA-cleared for the patient’s age and diabetes type.
- Wear time and insertion. Most sensors are self-applied every 10 to 15 days. Implantable sensors need an office visit but last much longer.
- Prescription or over the counter. OTC biosensors suit some adults not on insulin. Prescription systems are the standard for insulin users.
- Data access. Check whether readings can flow into the platforms your care team already uses.
- Pump and pen compatibility. This matters for patients on automated insulin delivery or smart pens.
- Coverage. Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial plans each have their own criteria and supply channels.
- Patient experience. Phone compatibility, alert settings, adhesive comfort, and training support all affect daily use.
Medicare Coverage for CGM
Medicare covers therapeutic CGMs under Part B as durable medical equipment. After the Part B deductible, patients pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. According to Medicare.gov, coverage applies when a provider prescribes the device and the patient meets set conditions. In general, patients must:
- Have diabetes.
- Use insulin, or have a documented history of problem low blood sugar.
- Have a prescription from a provider who met with them to evaluate their condition.
- Have completed training, or have a caregiver trained, to use the CGM as prescribed.
Medicare widened coverage in 2023 to include beneficiaries on any type or amount of insulin. The full criteria sit in the Glucose Monitors local coverage determination, L33822. Medicaid and commercial policies vary by plan, so verify coverage for each patient.
How CGM Fits Into Remote Patient Monitoring
Continuous glucose monitoring companies and RPM programs share a goal. Both help care teams catch changes early and support patients between visits.
Many RPM for diabetes programs use cellular blood glucose meters. Others add CGM data for patients who already wear a sensor. Both approaches have a place. A fingerstick meter works well for patients who test a few times a day and want a simple device. CGM fits patients who need continuous trend data, such as many insulin users. Some programs use both.
For care teams, the practical question is where the data lands. Picture a clinician who sees CGM trends next to blood pressure, weight, and remote glucose monitoring readings in one view. That clinician can spot a problem sooner and follow up with a better-informed plan. Fewer logins and fewer manual exports also give staff more time with patients.
CGM Coding Basics
CGM services have their own CPT codes, separate from RPM device and management codes. The AAFP summarizes them this way:
- CPT 95249 covers startup and training for a personal CGM that the patient owns. It may be reported once during the time the patient owns the receiver.
- CPT 95250 covers professional CGM using practice-owned equipment, including sensor placement, training, removal, and a printout. It is not reported more than once per month.
- CPT 95251 covers analysis, interpretation, and a report of CGM data. It is not reported more than once per month.
This material is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, compliance, billing, coding, or reimbursement advice. CPT® codes, descriptions, and Medicare payment rates referenced here are drawn from publicly available sources, are subject to change, and may vary by payer, locality, and patient circumstances. Tenovi makes no representation or guarantee regarding coverage, payment, or the appropriateness of any code for a particular patient or service, and any presented are illustrative only. Providers are solely responsible for independently determining medical necessity and applicable coding, coverage, documentation, and billing requirements and for submitting accurate claims. Consult applicable payer guidance and qualified billing, coding, compliance, or legal professionals before making billing decisions. CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.
Some programs pair CGM interpretation with RPM management services for the same patient. Payer rules on combining these codes vary, so confirm with each payer before billing. The goal of any program should be timely, proactive care, with coding that follows the service delivered.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Companies FAQs
This section answers common questions care teams ask about continuous glucose monitoring companies. It covers the leading manufacturers, how CGM differs from a meter, Medicare coverage, accuracy, and how CGM data works in RPM programs.
1) Who are the leading continuous glucose monitoring companies?
In the U.S., the leading continuous glucose monitoring companies are Dexcom, Abbott, MiniMed, and Senseonics. Dexcom and Abbott offer both prescription and over-the-counter sensors. MiniMed pairs its sensors with its insulin pumps. Senseonics makes the only implantable, year-long CGM.
2) What is the difference between a CGM and a blood glucose meter?
A blood glucose meter measures glucose in a drop of blood from a fingerstick at one moment. A CGM measures glucose in interstitial fluid every few minutes, all day and night. The CGM shows trends and sends alerts. The meter is still used to confirm readings and, with some systems, to calibrate.
3) Does Medicare cover continuous glucose monitors?
Yes, for eligible beneficiaries with diabetes. Medicare covers therapeutic CGMs under Part B when the patient uses insulin or has a history of problem low blood sugar. A provider must evaluate the patient and prescribe the device. After the deductible, the patient typically pays 20% of the approved amount.
4) Can people with type 2 diabetes who don’t use insulin benefit from a CGM?
The 2026 ADA Standards of Care recommend CGM for adults on any diabetes treatment in which CGM aids management. The CONNECT trial found lower A1C and more time in range in adults with type 2 diabetes not on insulin. Insurance coverage for this group still varies by plan.
5) What does MARD mean for CGM accuracy?
MARD stands for mean absolute relative difference. It measures how far, on average, CGM readings fall from laboratory reference values. A lower MARD means readings track more closely with lab results. Companies report MARD from their own clinical studies, so study design matters when comparing numbers.
6) Can CGM data be used in a remote patient monitoring program?
Yes. Many RPM platforms can bring in CGM data alongside other vitals, either through manufacturer APIs or device integrations. Tenovi, for example, supports Dexcom CGM data in its clinician dashboard. Care teams should confirm payer rules before billing CGM and RPM services for the same patient.
Understanding Continuous Glucose Monitoring Companies
Continuous glucose monitoring companies have changed diabetes care in a short time. Sensors now last 15 days, or a full year with an implantable option. Over-the-counter devices reach adults who never qualified before. The 2026 ADA Standards of Care support CGM for a much wider group of adults. New trial data from primary care backs that shift. For care teams, the next step is turning CGM data into timely follow-up. That works best when glucose trends sit next to the rest of a patient’s vitals. It also helps to check coverage and coding before a program starts.
Tenovi provides the devices, data, and logistics that power remote patient monitoring and remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) programs. We serve RPM software companies, chronic care management companies, telehealth platforms, health systems, payers, and pharmacies. Our cellular devices and Bluetooth devices with the Tenovi Cellular Gateway send readings automatically. With our Dexcom integration, glucose trends and other vitals share one view. Contact us today for a free demo and consultation.
