A CGM changes the whole job of parenting Type 1 – fewer surprise finger sticks, more graphs, and a new hobby called “why did it peel again.” Picking a brand is step one. Keeping it on a kid is step two.
Prescription devices only – your endocrinologist helps choose. What follows is a quick map of common options, a solid comparison chart link, and the adhesive/water posts we actually use at home.
Not medical advice. Every kid and care plan is different. Check with your diabetes care team before changing how you manage T1D, and always follow their sick-day, dosing, and device instructions.
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Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Devices
Prescription required for CGM devices. Talk with your Endocrinologist to determine the best CGM device for managing your Type 1 Diabetes.
CGM Comparison Chart
Explore the differences between CGM devices.
AACE’s website has the best CGM Comparison chart.
Keeping a CGM on a kid (real life)
Picking a brand is only half the story. The other half is adhesive, water, and sports – the part nobody covers in the brochure. These are the parent posts we actually use:
- Make a Dexcom stick for 10 days – prep, overpatches, what changed with G7
- CGMs and pumps in water – pools, oceans, and edge peel
- Swimming with T1D
Accessories we actually buy
Device brands are prescription. The sticky stuff around them is usually not. A few staples from our house (not medical advice – patch-test new adhesives):
- Skin Tac wipes – barrier wipe before a site so the sensor has a better chance of lasting
- Overpatches / overlays sized for your CGM (G7 vs Libre shapes differ) – we walk through options in the Dexcom stick post
- Adhesive remover wipes – getting sensors off without wrecking skin matters as much as sticking them on
- Arm bands or light wraps for sports weeks when edges keep lifting
New to all of this? Start with what you actually need to buy after diagnosis.