Another CGM Approved in Europe for Pregnancy: Dexcom G6 Joins Freestyle Libre
Divya Gopisetty and Albert Cai
In Europe, the Dexcom G6 CGM received approval for pregnant women with diabetes
Dexcom’s G6 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) received European approval (“CE Mark”) to be used by women with diabetes during pregnancy. This official label is set to launch in spring of 2020 and will apply to women with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. The Dexcom G6 is already approved for people with diabetes over the age of two.
CGM can help provide awareness of blood glucose trends, which is especially important for pregnant women and their babies. The 2019 ADA Standards of Care recommend that pregnant women with gestational, type 1, or type 2 diabetes spend the majority of the day in the tighter blood sugar range of 63-140 mg/dl. CGM can allow people with diabetes to work with their healthcare team to better understand their time in range and improve their diabetes management by reducing hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
During pregnancy, insulin (the hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy and lowers blood sugar) may not be able to perform its typical role due to interference from other hormones produced by the developing baby. With gestational diabetes, the body’s insulin can’t keep blood sugar levels in the target range. This leads to higher blood sugar levels that can cause health risks for both the mother and baby.
You can learn more about diabetes during pregnancy here. The late gestational diabetes guru Dr. Lois Jovanovic also shared a few pieces of advice for pregnant women with diabetes. We encourage you to consider these tips as you communicate with your support system and healthcare professional.