Technology

CGMs for children: a parent's guide to continuous glucose monitors

By Gary Rapson, Max's dad8 October 20265 min read

A continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, has changed daily life for many families living with Type 1 Diabetes. Fewer finger pricks, alarms that warn you about highs and lows, and the ability to see your child's levels on your phone. Here's what parents need to know.

What is a CGM?

A CGM is a small sensor that sits on the skin, usually on the arm or tummy, with a tiny flexible filament just under the skin. It measures glucose in the fluid between cells every few minutes, day and night, and sends the readings to a phone, reader or insulin pump.

In England, NICE recommends that all children and young people with Type 1 Diabetes are offered real-time CGM. If your child doesn't have one yet, ask your diabetes team.

Numbers, arrows and graphs

The number is the current glucose reading in mmol/L.
The arrow shows which way levels are heading and how fast: rising, falling or steady.
The graph shows the last few hours, so you can spot patterns, such as after breakfast or PE.

Because the sensor measures fluid under the skin rather than blood, readings can lag a little behind a finger-prick test, especially when levels are changing quickly. Your team will tell you when to double-check with a finger prick.

Alarms

CGMs can alert you when levels go above or below limits set with your diabetes team, or are changing fast. Many parents use "follow" apps to see readings and get alerts on their own phone, which can be a huge comfort at night and when your child is at school.

Alarm fatigue is real. If alerts are going off too often, talk to your team about adjusting the settings rather than ignoring them.

CGMs and insulin pumps

Some CGMs can connect to an insulin pump to create a hybrid closed loop system, which adjusts background insulin automatically. Read more in our insulin pumps guide.

Tips for sensor changes

Let your child choose the site and help with the change when they're ready.
Clean, dry skin helps sensors stick. Overpatches or tape help during sport and swimming.
Rotate sites to keep skin healthy.
Make it fun: stickers, a countdown, or a superhero name for the sensor.

Wear it with pride

Look closely at Max's photo on our Meet the team page and you'll spot his sensor on his arm. Like his pump, it's part of his hero kit. Seeing characters and real children wear their tech proudly helps young heroes feel the same.

Please note: this article is general information written by a parent, not medical advice. Always follow the plan and advice of your child's diabetes team.