Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGM) Available in Ireland

This page was last updated on 23 October 2024.

Continuous and Flash Glucose monitoring systems, sometimes referred to as “patches, " are devices that monitor glucose levels 24 hours a day. These devices take a glucose value every 5 minutes or less, giving the wearer an average blood glucose level and where it’s heading (trend arrow) for that hour.

For more information about how CGMs work, this webpage “About CGMs” provides more detail.

 

What CGMs are Available in Ireland?

There are currently four companies offering 7 CGM Systems in Ireland:

  • Abbott provides the Freestyle Libre versions 1 and 2

  • Dexcom ONE+, G6 and G7,

  • Medtronic offers the Guardian Connect System and

  • Windsor Pharmaceuticals provides the GlucoRx Aidex

All the CGMs listed are included in the HSE’s Long-Term Illness scheme or available to buy directly from the company supplying them online or through your local chemist.


Can I get any CGM?

In July 2024, the HSE’s Medicines Management Programme created Lists of Preferred CGM sensors. There are two lists of Preferred CGMs: List A and List B. List A is the preferred list.

List A

The MMP recommends that a person with diabetes who is not using an insulin pump is offered a CGM from List A when:

  • They are using a CGM for the first time,

  • Or when the continuation of CGM is being reviewed as part of their clinic appointment

List B

This list of CGMs is mainly comprised of those used as part of closed-loop insulin pump systems, with the exception of GlucoRx Aidex.

If you are an existing user of a CGM from List B and do not use an insulin pump, you will be asked to switch to a CGM from List A unless there is clinical justification for continued use of a CGM sensor from List B.

HSE Preferred CGM List A

HSE Preferred CGM List B

Maximum Number of Sensors allocated

Each person is allowed a set number of CGMs per year depending on the CGM they use. Failed or faulty sensors need to be reported to the company providing them (see image below from HSE Pharmacy Circular 00924 RE Identification of preferred continuous glucose monitoring sensors).

Replacement Sensors

If replacement sensors are required, patients should be advised to contact the individual companies:

  • Freestyle Libre (Abbott Diabetes Care): 1800 776 633 open from 8 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday and from 9 am to 5 pm on Saturdays

  • Dexcom: 1800 827 603 open Monday to Friday from 7 am to 6 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm


What are the differences between the sensors?

An easy-to-understand CGM Comparison Chart is available from the Diabetes Specialist Nurse Forum UK website, which was updated in September 2024. This resource allows you to compare CGM features side by side.

View the table here. Insert image also.

You can also go to each of the following websites to find out more about their products:

Coming soon:

Medtronic's Simplera CGM was approved in Europe in October 2023, and as companies can apply to update their products to newer versions, it is hoped that this will be available mid-late 2024.

It is also hoped that Freestyle Libre 3, which is pump compatible, is available in the UK but not yet in Ireland.

Similar to the Simplera, it is hoped that Libre3 will be launched in Ireland in December 2024, if not sooner.