Cost Per Blood Glucose Reading

Each method's per-reading cost is calculated from all consumable and hardware components:

The meter is amortised over 2 years (730 days), reflecting typical replacement cycles. CGM readings default to 288/day (one reading every 5 minutes, as produced by Freestyle Libre, Dexcom, and similar sensors).

• Data density: CGM provides 288 readings per day vs 4-8 with fingerstick. The cost per reading is dramatically lower - but the question is whether you need that many readings.
• Hypoglycaemia prevention: A single A&E visit for severe hypoglycaemia can cost EUR500-3,000+. CGM's continuous alarming has demonstrated significant reduction in such events, particularly overnight.
• Time-in-Range improvement: Studies show CGM users improve Time-in-Range by 10-15 percentage points on average, reducing long-term complication risk and downstream costs.
• Insurance coverage: Many plans now cover CGM for Type 1 and insulin-dependent Type 2. With coverage, out-of-pocket CGM cost drops significantly - often below equivalent fingerstick costs.
• Sensor lifespan: If you extend CGM sensor wear (where medically appropriate), your per-reading and per-day cost decreases further.
• Calibration fingersticks: Some CGM systems require 1-2 calibration fingersticks per day - add this to your CGM total for a complete comparison.