A new diagnosis is a lot to take in, and picking a glucose monitor shouldn't add to the stress. If your doctor has mentioned a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) — or you're just tired of finger-pricks — this guide walks you through it in plain language: how to tell if a CGM is a fit, how the options compare, whether it's covered, what you'll actually pay in Canada, and how to get started. You don't have to figure it out alone. This is general information, not medical advice — your diabetes care team is the best guide for what's right for you.
The quick answers if you're just getting oriented (details below).
A CGM is a small wearable device that continuously tracks your glucose (sugar) levels throughout the day and night. Instead of finger pricks, CGMs use a tiny waterproof sensor with a filament placed just under the skin to measure glucose in the interstitial fluid. The sensor transmits data to your phone or reader, giving you real-time insights, trends, and alerts.
CGMs are used by:
CGMs consist of a:
Clinical studies continue to show CGMs improve glycemic control, reduce time spent in hypo/hyperglycemia, and increase confidence and engagement in self-management.
Curious if a CGM is right for you? Start with a free virtual consultation in the care section of the Endor Health app.
A CGM is a small sensor you wear that checks your glucose around the clock and sends readings to your phone — so instead of finger-pricks here and there, you see the full picture and where things are heading. It tends to help most when you're adjusting to a new diagnosis, taking insulin, or tired of guessing between checks — and it's especially useful if you're prone to lows and want alerts before they hit. Whether it's the right step is a conversation for you and your care team — this guide just helps you walk in already knowing the landscape.
This is a worry we hear frequently, and the honest answer: for most people it's simpler than they expect. You apply the sensor yourself with a spring-loaded applicator, it reads automatically, and your phone shows the numbers — no finger pricks required. If tech isn't your thing, that's exactly why support matters: Endor can walk you through your first application and setup, and a Certified Diabetes Educator can help you make sense of what you're seeing.
The Freestyle Libre 3 Plus is the smallest CGM sensor available.
The Medtronic Guardian 4 is for use only with a Medtronic Insulin Pump.
There's no single "right" CGM — the best fit depends on your routine, your coverage, and how you like to manage things. Plain questions to weigh with your care team:
CGMs measure your glucose levels throughout the day and night. But how do we know how accurate their readings are?
Accuracy is measured using something called MARD (Mean Absolute Relative Difference). In simple terms, MARD compares the CGM’s readings to lab-tested blood sugar results. A lower MARD means the CGM is more accurate. For example, a MARD of 9% means the CGM readings are, on average, within 9% of lab-tested values.
Accurate readings are important for everyone using a CGM, but especially for people who take insulin, either through injections or a pump. If your CGM reading is off, it could lead to taking too much or too little insulin — which can cause low or high blood sugars. That’s why choosing a CGM with strong accuracy is key for safe and effective diabetes management.
| Device | Price |
|---|---|
| Dexcom G7 | $91.50 (or $73.20 with prescription) for 10 days |
| FreeStyle Libre 2 | $102 for 14 days |
| FreeStyle Libre 3 | $114 for 15 days |
| Guardian 4 | $390 for 30 days |
| CGM | MARD – Adults | MARD – Pediatrics |
|---|---|---|
| FreeStyle Libre 2 | 9.2% | 9.7% |
| FreeStyle Libre 3 | 8.2% | 8.2% |
| Dexcom G7 | 8.2% | 8.1% |
| Medtronic Guardian 4 | 10.6% | 11.6% |
Several factors can affect the accuracy of CGM readings. Accuracy may be reduced during the sensor’s warm-up period, and rapid changes in blood sugar—such as after eating or exercising—can create a delay between your actual blood glucose and the CGM reading.
Lying on the sensor (called “compression”) can sometimes lead to falsely low readings, and dehydration may reduce the quality of interstitial fluid readings. Proper sensor placement on approved body sites is important, as off-label sites may yield less accurate results. Skin issues, poor adhesion, or scarring at the insertion site can also interfere with performance. While most newer CGMs no longer require calibration, some older systems do, and incorrect calibration can affect accuracy. Additionally, certain medications (like high-dose acetaminophen) and damaged or expired sensors may impact results.
If a reading seems off, it’s safest to confirm with a fingerstick poke and glucometer, especially before making insulin dosing decisions.
All CGMs available in Canada allow you to share your glucose data with healthcare providers and loved ones through connected apps and cloud-based platforms. This can be especially helpful for people who use insulin or are managing diabetes closely with a care team.
Sharing your data allows your healthcare providers to review your glucose trends and make more informed decisions about your treatment. It can also give family members or caregivers peace of mind and help them support you more effectively, particularly in situations where you’re at risk for low or high blood sugar.
Overall, data sharing makes diabetes management more connected, proactive, and collaborative.
This is where most people get stuck, so here's how it works in Canada. What you pay usually comes from three buckets, and most people combine them:
Eligibility differs by province and by which type of diabetes you have.
Two things to know early: a prescription is usually what unlocks coverage even where you don't strictly need one to buy a sensor, and the "sticker" price is rarely what you actually pay once coverage is applied. This is where Endor does the legwork — the app checks what applies to you (your province and your insurance), shows what you'd pay after coverage, helps you access programs and assistance you qualify for, and bills eligible plans directly so you're not paying upfront and chasing reimbursement. Our province-by-province coverage pages go deeper.
For something this important, it's fair to ask who you're dealing with.
Once you and your care team land on a CGM, getting it shouldn't be a project. In the Endor app you can start a new order or move an existing prescription over, choose your CGM, and have it delivered free across Canada — filled through licensed partner pharmacies, eligible plans billed directly, automatic prescription refills set up so you stay stocked. Diabetes care, delivered — without the trip to the counter.
The things people tell us they're actually anxious about — answered plainly.
Device specs & accuracy (manufacturer, Canada)
Coverage & eligibility (provincial + Diabetes Canada):
Clinical / general guidance:
This information is for general education and isn't medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about what's right for you.
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