Though BGM (Blood Glucose Monitoring) and CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) provide information about your glucose levels, there are some key differences:

Measuring frequency
The frequency of obtaining glucose values is different between using a BGM and CGM. Using a BGM, you might check your blood glucose levels several times a day, typically before meals and bedtime, depending on your type of diabetes and medication.

With CGM, your glucose level is measured continuously. The glucose values measured by the sensor in your skin are transmitted every 5 minutes and combined to create a glucose curve. You get a full picture of your glucose levels over the time you are wearing the sensor.

Measuring glucose levels in blood vs interstitial fluid
BGM and CGM also differ in where the glucose values are measured. BGM measures glucose in capillary blood drawn from your fingertips (or sometimes other places like the palm of your hand). The sensor of the CGM solution, in contrast, is placed in your skin, more specifically, in the fat layer below the skin (subcutaneous fat tissue). There, your glucose level is measured in the fluid between the cells (interstitial fluid, not blood).

Accu-Chek SmartGuide device

• Adults, 18 years of age and older
• People with diabetes
• Caregivers of people with diabetes

Accu-Chek SmartGuide app

• Adults, 18 years of age and older
• People with diabetes
• Caregivers of people with diabetes

Accu-Chek SmartGuide Predict app

• Adults, 18 years of age and older
• People with diabetes

Yes, the Accu-Chek SmartGuide CGM solution can be used during pregnancy.

Every 5 minutes the CGM sensor sends glucose values to the Accu-Chek SmartGuide app. The app communicates with the sensor via Bluetooth® Low Energy. Each sensor has a wear time of up to 14 days and requires calibration using a blood glucose meter. The Accu-Chek SmartGuide  Predict app enhances this feature set by collecting and using data from the Accu-Chek SmartGuide app to enable glucose predictions and glucose pattern detection.

Accu-Chek SmartGuide app
The Accu-Chek SmartGuide app continuously monitors your real-time glucose values from the Accu-Chek SmartGuide sensor and displays the information on your smartphone or smartwatch. The app receives, stores, and processes your CGM data wirelessly, via Bluetooth® Low Energy connectivity. You can customise your settings and glucose alarms.

Accu-Chek SmartGuide Predict app
The Accu-Chek Predict app collects and uses information from the Accu-Chek SmartGuide sensor.

The app enhances the Accu-Chek SmartGuide app feature set by providing you with an estimate of your upcoming glucose values and allows you to set reminders when certain pattern trends are revealed.

You can seamlessly transition between the apps using an app switch button available in both apps.

Yes, you can use the Accu-Chek SmartGuide CGM solution while travelling. Remember to pack a charging cable and/or a power bank to ensure that your smartphone always has power, especially during a long trip. Bring your blood glucose meter for calibration and as a backup.

When at the airport you can leave the Accu-Chek SmartGuide sensor on your body to pass through full-body scanners. Keep your medical certificate ready for any queries from security personnel. Spare sensors inside your luggage can pass through airport screenings as well.

Your sensor communicates with your smartphone via Bluetooth® Low Energy. On most airplanes, the operation of devices with active Bluetooth connectivity is now officially permitted. However, to be on the safe side, check in advance with the airline to see to what extent smartphone operation is permitted during the flight. During the flight, the smartphone must be switched to airplane mode.

When you turn on airplane mode on your smartphone, Bluetooth might automatically switch off as well (depending on your smartphone model). In this case, to re-establish the communication despite the active flight mode, follow the steps below to enable communication with Bluetooth between your sensor and your smartphone:

- iOS devices:
1. Open the Control Center.
2. Tap the icon for Bluetooth wireless technology to turn communication on.

- Android devices:
1. Open the quick settings by swiping down from the top of the screen.
2. Tap the icon for Bluetooth wireless technology to turn communication on.

Changing Time Zones:
If you travel to a different time zone, the time in your smartphone adjusts to the local time (as soon as you deactivate flight mode when you are travelling by airplane). The Accu-Chek SmartGuide app also adopts the local time for all displayed CGM values, so there is no overlap or duplication of CGM values. This is possible because the values are stored in the background in a universal time (UTC) and are adjusted automatically to the time zone you are in.

If you want to go swimming you can keep the sensor on your body. The Accu-Chek SmartGuide sensor may be submerged for up to 60 minutes at a depth of up to 1m. However, the adhesive can come off more easily in water, so using additional waterproof tape is recommended.

If you plan to spend time at high altitude, keep in mind that the Accu-Chek SmartGuide sensor is only guaranteed to work up to an altitude of 9,842 feet (3000 meters). Also clarify the allowable altitude for the blood glucose meter you are taking with you.

Keep in mind that physical activity has an effect on glucose levels, so it’s a good idea to regularly check your current level in the app when in doubt (e.g., when leaving the smartphone at the poolside when swimming).

The Accu-Chek SmartGuide sensor should be stored at temperatures between 2 and 27°C, i.e. either in a shady place or in the refrigerator.