Comparison of CGM systems: SIBIONICS vs. Dexcom, Medtronic, and Libre

CGM blood glucose monitoring systems are indispensable tools for continuous glucose monitoring. These devices enable people with diabetes to effectively control their blood sugar levels. This minimizes the risk of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

The medical technology market offers popular brands such as SIBIONICS, Dexcom, Medtronic, and Libre. Each system has its own characteristics, advantages, and limitations. Therefore, choosing a device requires special attention. This article helps analyze the leading CGM systems and compare their accuracy, service life, prices, compatibility, and ease of use.

What is CGM and why is it needed?

CGM is a continuous glucose monitoring system. The device allows you to track your readings in real time without having to constantly prick your skin. The device measures data every few minutes.

How are blood sugar levels measured? A small sensor is placed under the skin to measure glucose in the interstitial fluid. The transmitter then sends this information to a reader or smartphone. The main functions of the system are:

• maintaining stable blood glucose levels;

• detecting hypo- or hyperglycemia;

• analyzing the effect of food and activity on readings;

• enabling physical activity and nutrition to be adapted to the individual needs of the body;

• transmitting measurements to healthcare professionals.

Blood sugar monitoring systems significantly improve the lives of people with diabetes. They provide accurate glucose readings for quick treatment adjustments.

CGM system comparison table

How is blood sugar tested? A CGM system monitors the sugar level in the interstitial fluid. A small sensor is inserted under the skin and regularly measures the amount of glucose. The data is transmitted to a phone or a special device. The table below shows the key differences between popular devices in terms of their main characteristics.

Characteristic/System	SIBIONICS GS1/GS2	Dexcom G7	Medtronic	Libre
Measurement accuracy	9/10	10/10	Guardian 4 — 8,5/10 Guardian 3 — 7/10	Libre 3 — 9,5/10 Libre 2 — 8/10
Sensor life, days	14	10-14	7	14
Measurement interval, minutes	1	5	5	1
Market availability	Regional markets	Widely available	Widely available	Widely available
Compatibility with smartphones	Android, iOS	Android, iOS	Android, iOS	Android, iOS
Average price per sensor, dollars	67-72	107	50	65-85
Connection to insulin pumps	-	+	+	-
Alert support	+	+	+	-

Dexcom G7 and Libre 3 are considered the most accurate and reliable devices for real-time use. SIBIONICS confidently holds a high position, especially among more affordable systems. Devices with a rating of 8 and below may be less accurate during sharp sugar spikes or at night.

Advantages and limitations of each system

When choosing a CGM system, consider your budget, lifestyle, type of treatment, accuracy requirements, and convenience. To do this, it is important to study the key features of each device.

SIBIONICS

SIBIONICS sensors continuously monitor glucose levels (up to 288 measurements per day). Advantages of the device:

• affordable price;

• 14-day service life;

• high accuracy;

• daily monitoring;

• waterproof;

• alarm signals.

The device does not integrate with insulin pumps. The system has undergone fewer clinical trials than its counterparts.

Dexcom

Dexcom G7 is a modern device for regular glucose monitoring that provides accuracy, comfort, and control in diabetes management. Advantages of the device:

• minimal error;

• integration with insulin pumps;

• 30-minute warm-up time;

• automatic data transfer to your doctor and to the cloud;

• no calibration required.

The sensor is expensive. It lasts up to ten days, which is less than similar systems. A compatible smartphone and a constant internet connection are required to get the most out of the device.

Medtronic

Continuous glucose monitoring systems developed by Medtronic allow you to monitor your glucose levels around the clock. They provide the user with information about current values and warn of possible deviations from the norm. Key advantages:

• deep integration with Medtronic systems;

• support for a closed-loop system (artificial pancreas);

• good accuracy;

• use of glucose prediction algorithms.

The system has a significantly shorter service life than its counterparts — only 7 days. The device often requires calibration.

Libre

FreeStyle Libre monitoring systems are designed to track blood glucose levels in humans. Libre 2 requires scanning the sensor with a smartphone or scanner to obtain readings. Libre 3 transmits glucose data in real time to a smartphone every minute. Advantages of the devices:

• compact sensor for measuring blood sugar;

• long service life;

• customizable alarms;

• affordable price.

The systems do not officially support insulin pumps. Functionality is limited to the use of Abbott's proprietary app, which may not be available in some countries.

Practical application and options for using continuous glucose monitoring systems

CGM has long gone beyond medical applications. The systems have become an everyday self-monitoring tool for millions of people with diabetes.

Modern devices are extremely convenient, accurate, and adaptable to individual user needs. Practical use:

1. Glucose control in type 1 diabetes — intensive insulin therapy, monitoring sugar fluctuations, rapid response to changes, connection to insulin pumps.

2. Type 2 diabetes management — understanding the impact of food, physical activity, and medication on blood sugar levels, identifying hidden spikes, and increasing motivation to change lifestyle.

3. During physical activity — training or sports, long trips, stressful situations, preventing sharp drops in blood sugar during cardio or strength training.

4. Nighttime monitoring — monitoring nighttime hypoglycemia, which is difficult to detect, preventing serious complications, and maintaining restful sleep.

5. For parents — remote monitoring of a child's blood sugar levels. The “share” technology in Dexcom and Libre allows you to receive data in real time on another device.

6. Use at work and at home — convenience at work, on the road, and when traveling. The systems are ideal for active, busy people who need continuous monitoring without distraction.

7. Clinical use — insulin dose adjustments by an endocrinologist, identification of «blind spots» when the patient does not feel a drop in sugar, selection of therapy for gestational diabetes and diabetes in the elderly.

CGM systems are not just a replacement for glucometers, but an element of everyday health management. They significantly improve the quality of life for people with diabetes, help avoid dangerous glucose fluctuations, and provide control in any situation, from sports to sleep.

What to choose in 2025: recommendations by user type

The choice of a continuous glucose monitoring system depends on your goals and medical requirements. Each device can be useful in different situations and for specific types of users:

1. SIBIONICS is ideal for people who need accurate and stable blood glucose measurements and a long sensor life.

2. Dexcom is an excellent choice for patients with type 1 diabetes who need integration with an insulin pump and maximum accuracy.

3. Medtronic is ideal for those who want a complete diabetes management system with pump integration and automatic insulin dosing.

4. Libre is an affordable and simple option for blood sugar monitoring without extra features, but with the ability to track over a long period of time.

For beginners or people with type 2 diabetes, Libre is an affordable and convenient monitoring system. It provides basic blood sugar monitoring without the need for complicated setup. Users with type 1 diabetes or those who actively use insulin pumps should consider Dexcom or Medtronic. These devices are highly accurate and compatible with pumps. SIBIONICS is suitable for beginners, people with type 2 diabetes, and those who want a convenient, affordable device and do not need advanced automation.

Conclusion

Before using a glucometer, it is worth considering continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. These devices have become an integral part of modern life for people with diabetes. They allow for more accurate blood sugar control, reduce the risk of dangerous conditions, and make treatment more flexible and personalized.

In 2025, the CGM market offers a wide range of solutions, from high-tech and integrated devices such as Dexcom G7 and Medtronic Guardian to affordable and easy-to-use devices such as Libre 3 and SIBIONICS GS2. Each of the options presented has its own features and advantages that make it suitable for a specific category of users.

Bimedis platform offers great deals on medical equipment and continuous glucose monitoring systems, especially if you're looking for a mix of price, accuracy, and ease of use