Over the Counter Glucose Monitors - Are They Right for You?

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Jill Chadwick

News Director

Office: (913) 588-5013

Cell: (913) 223-3974

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jchadwick@kumc.edu

Kansas City, Kan- Dr. Sean Kumer, Chief Medical Officer at the University of Kansas Health System, discussed the rise of over-the-counter continuous glucose monitors (CGM) for diabetes management.

Dr. Dan Tilden and physician assistant Charlotte Burns, who lives with type 1 diabetes, highlighted the benefits of CGM for tracking glucose levels every five minutes, providing trend data, and aiding lifestyle changes.

 The FDA approved two new over-the-counter CGM systems, Lingo and Libre Rio, designed for wellness and type 2 diabetes, respectively.  

Dr. Sean Kumer,

  • Dr. Kumer discusses the impact of real-time glucose data on patient motivation and lifestyle changes.
  • He clarifies that over-the-counter CGM systems do not require a prescription.

Charlotte Burns, Physician Assistant and patient

  • Charlotte Burns shares her perspective as a patient and provider, emphasizing the daily benefits of CGM data.
  • She discusses how over-the-counter CGM systems can improve patient engagement, especially for those not meeting insurance requirements.

Dr. Kristin Grdinovac, Endocrinologist, Director of Cray Diabetes Self-Management Center, The University of Kansas Health System

  • Dr. Kristin Grdinovac explains the benefits of over-the-counter CGM systems for wellness and metabolic health.
  • She explains that these devices are good for type 2 diabetes patients who do not use insulin and for wellness monitoring.

Dr. Dan Tilden, Endocrinologist, Cray Diabetes Self-Management Center, The University of Kansas Health System

  • Dr. Tilden explains that Lingo is designed for wellness, while Libre Rio is for type 2 diabetes.
  • He explains how CGM can help identify diabetes risk earlier and improve treatment.