Want to make your CGM battery last longer? Discover five key optimisation techniques to extend battery life, reduce sensor swaps, and improve glucose tracking efficiency. Plus, explore the Vively CGM Program.

Key takeaways

• Smart power management techniques like low-power chips and adaptive battery controls help extend CGM battery life.
• Choosing the right battery type and a CGM with a longer sensor lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements.
• The Vively CGM Program integrates glucose data with health tracking apps to provide real-time metabolic insights.

Introduction

Keeping your Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) running efficiently can save you time, money, and hassle. A longer battery life means fewer interruptions and more reliable glucose tracking. Whether you're using a CGM for diabetes management or metabolic health tracking, optimising battery performance can make a big difference.

This article explores five smart techniques to extend your CGM’s battery life, along with insights into the Vively CGM Program for non-diabetics.

CGM battery optimisation at a glance

Want to get more life out of your Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) battery? Here are 5 key ways to do it:

1. Use low-power components
2. Manage data smartly
3. Adapt to battery levels
4. Choose the right battery
5. Use smart on/off controls

These tricks can help your CGM last longer between changes, saving you money and hassle.

Quick comparison of CGM sensor wear times:

The article covers each optimisation technique in detail, plus info on the Vively CGM Program for non-diabetics. It also includes tips for getting the most out of your CGM sensor and battery life.

5 ways to make cgm batteries last longer

Want to squeeze more life out of your Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) battery? Here are five key strategies:

1. Use low-power components

CGM makers are getting smart with power-saving tech. Take Atmosic's M2 and M3 chips. They use fancy-sounding "Controlled Energy Harvesting" and "Lowest Power Radio" tech. The result? Your CGM might never need a battery change.

2. Smart data management

I-SENS came up with a clever trick: check for missed data less often. It's like checking your phone for messages every hour instead of every minute. Less checking = less power used.

3. Adapt to battery levels

Dexcom's CGMs are like good drivers who slow down when the gas tank is low. When the battery's running out, the CGM adjusts how often it sends data. It's all about making that last bit of juice count.

4. Pick the right battery

Battery choice matters. Many CGMs use lithium-ion polymer (LiPo) batteries. They pack a punch and last long. Grepow's shaped pouch batteries, for example, can handle over 1000 charges.

5. Smart on/off controls

It's like turning off the lights when you leave a room. CGMs can turn off parts they're not using during data transmission. Small savings add up.

As Dr Michelle Woolhouse said,

"Getting the most out of your CGM battery comes down to smart energy use. Features like optimised data transmission and efficient battery choices help keep it running longer, so you can focus on your health without worrying about power."

Vively CGM Program

Vively's CGM Program brings continuous glucose monitoring to non-diabetics at a fair price. It's all about helping you see how your daily choices impact your glucose levels.

Curious about how CGM can enhance your overall health? Our blog on 7 ways CGM can improve your metabolic health explores how continuous glucose monitoring supports better energy levels, weight management, and long-term well-being.

Battery life

The Vively CGM sensor lasts 14 days. That means fewer sensor swaps and less battery drain on your connected devices.

Data management

Vively makes managing your data a breeze:

• The app pulls in data from your CGM, sports watches, and what you eat
• You get real-time insights on how food, sleep, and exercise affect your glucose
• After each sensor use, you'll get a Glucose Insights Report

To get the most out of Vively:

• Scan your CGM every 8 hours
• Log what you eat and drink
• Track your workouts and sleep
• Hook up a wearable or use Google Fit/Apple Health
• Use Notes/Tags for extra context

Understanding your CGM data is key to better health decisions. Learn how Vively calculates your wellness score using your CGM data to track and improve your metabolic health effectively.

Device integration

Vively plays nice with other devices:

User support

One user commends Vively, saying:

"The Vively app is fantastic at integrating data from the CGM, my sports watch (Garmin) and my diet. Real time integrated data has provided great insights and helped me make appropriate changes."

But some folks have hit snags with customer support and CGM device issues.

The program includes:

• A course on managing your metabolism
• 3 months of the Vively beta app
• Personalised education and habit-building tech

Vively CGM Program costs $249 for one sensor and 3 months of app access. Want more sensors? You can grab them for $129 each through the app.

Good and bad points

Let's break down Vively's CGM program:

Users have mixed experiences:

"The Vively app is fantastic integrating data from the CGM, my sports watch (Garmin) and my diet. Real time integrated data has provided great insights and helped me make appropriate changes."

But some face minor issues:

"The food logging feature is quite limited; it doesn't offer many options when trying to log meals."

Cost breakdown:

• $249: One sensor + 3 months app access
• $129: Each additional sensor

It's pricier upfront but cheaper than medical-grade CGMs (up to $6,000/year).

Vively sits between basic tracking and medical devices for non-diabetic health optimisation. But weigh the benefits against potential app issues and ongoing sensor costs.

Wrap-up

Want to get the most out of your CGM battery? Here's what you need to know:

1. Prep your skin

Clean and exfoliate before applying the sensor. This simple step can add 2-4 days to your sensor life.

2. Shield your sensor

Use protective patches to guard against wear and tear. Your sensor will thank you.

3. Play musical chairs with your sensor sites

Rotate locations to keep your skin happy and your sensor sticking.

4. Let your CGM be lazy (sometimes)

Some CGMs are smart enough to nap when they're not needed, saving precious battery life.

5. Know your device's superpowers

FreeStyle Libre? 30-minute splash resistance. Dexcom G7? Waterproof for a full day at 8 feet deep.

These tricks don't just boost battery life; they can make your readings more accurate too. Plus, with CGMs costing $40-$100 weekly, a longer-lasting sensor means more cash in your pocket.

Remember: A happy sensor means happy glucose readings (and a happier you).

Avoiding CGM errors is essential for accurate glucose monitoring. Discover the top 5 common CGM mistakes and how to avoid them to improve sensor accuracy, data interpretation, and diabetes management.

Conclusion

Maximising your CGM battery life doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple steps like using low-power components, managing data efficiently, and choosing the right battery can help extend performance and reduce sensor swaps. With smart optimisation techniques, your CGM can last longer, saving you both time and money.

For those looking to take their glucose monitoring to the next level, the Vively CGM Program offers real-time insights and seamless integration with health tracking apps. Whether you're managing diabetes or improving metabolic health, optimising your CGM battery life ensures you get the most out of your device—without unnecessary interruptions.

‍Vively is a metabolic health app that can help women undergoing the menopause transition improve their quality of life. The Vively app integrates with continuous glucose monitors (CGM) to help women understand how their lifestyle is impacting their blood sugar levels. This, combined with in-app education and support can help women improve their symptoms. Chat to your doctor about whether Vively may suit you.