Minimally Invasive CGM Technology (Dexcom/Abbott)

Minimally Invasive Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) measure glucose in interstitial fluid (ISF) rather than capillary blood, utilizing subcutaneous filaments. The market is a duopoly between Abbott (FreeStyle Libre) and Dexcom.

Abbott utilizes "Wired Enzyme" technology (Osmium mediators) to achieve oxygen independence and low manufacturing costs, while Dexcom relies on flux-limiting membranes to manage the glucose-oxygen ratio on standard platinum electrodes. Both companies have achieved MARD scores below 10%, allowing for "Non-Adjunctive" FDA labeling, which permits insulin dosing without confirmatory fingersticks. This technological maturation has relegated traditional diabetic test strips to a backup role, primarily for calibration or verification during rapid glucose changes where the physiological lag between blood and ISF is most pronounced.