New Skin-Based CGM Reads Glucose Faster Than Current Sensors

What This Study Found

Researchers tested a new type of continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that reads glucose from the skin (dermis) instead of the layer of fat just under the skin. In a study of 55 people with type 1 diabetes, 93% of readings from the new dermal sensor had a time lag of 0 to 2 minutes. By comparison, popular CGMs like the Abbott Libre 3 and Dexcom G7 showed time lags ranging from −10 to more than 10 minutes. This means the new sensor detected blood sugar changes much faster than current devices.

Why Does Time Lag Matter?

All current CGMs measure glucose in the fluid between fat cells — not directly in the blood. This creates a delay between what is actually happening in your bloodstream and what your sensor displays. Even a 10-minute delay can be a real problem when your blood sugar is dropping fast.

Here is why that gap matters in everyday life:

• Missed or delayed low alerts: If your sugar drops quickly, your sensor may not warn you in time to act.
• Wrong insulin doses: Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems — like hybrid closed-loop pumps — make dosing decisions based on CGM readings. A lagging sensor can cause the system to give too much or too little insulin.
• Lower time in range (TIR): The researchers used a computer model to show that even small delays in sensor readings can significantly reduce the percentage of time your glucose stays in your target range (typically 70–180 mg/dL).

What the Researchers Did

The study was carried out at two clinical centers in the United States. Participants wore the new Laxmi dermal CGM alongside either an Abbott Libre 3 or a Dexcom G7. All sensors were compared against a YSI glucose analyzer, which is considered the gold standard for accurate blood glucose measurement. Researchers then used a well-accepted diabetes computer simulation (the UVA Type 1 Diabetes Simulator) to model how different time lags affect real-world glucose control.

What This Could Mean for People With Diabetes

The researchers point out that fear of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is one reason many people keep their glucose targets higher than recommended. A sensor that catches drops in near real time could reduce that fear and allow for tighter — yet safer — glucose management. The result could be more time in range and better long-term diabetes control.

It is important to note this is an early clinical study. The dermal CGM technology is not yet widely available, and larger, longer-term studies are still needed before it becomes a standard option.

How This Connects to Your CGM Supplies

Whether you use a Libre 3, Dexcom G7, or another CGM, getting the most out of your device starts with having a reliable supply of sensors and accessories. MDS Diabetes carries a full range of CGM supplies so you never have a gap in monitoring. Visit mdsdiabetes.com to browse current CGM-compatible products and supplies.

Key Takeaway: A new skin-based CGM cut sensor time lag to nearly zero, which could mean earlier low blood sugar alerts, smarter automated insulin delivery, and more time in your target glucose range.