AGP
Ambulatory glucose profile
A standardized report that brings together glucose statistics and a daily profile of readings collected across several days. It helps readers identify recurring patterns rather than focus on a single reading.
CGM glossary
Clear definitions. More confident conversations. Explore the language of glucose monitoring, connected devices and CGM partnerships.
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73 plain-language definitions for healthcare brands, distributors and anyone exploring continuous glucose monitoring. Find a definition by name, abbreviation or topic, or browse A–Z.
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A
AID
Automated insulin delivery
A system that combines a compatible CGM, insulin pump and control algorithm to adjust insulin delivery. Compatibility and the tasks still required of the user depend on the particular system.
API
Application programming interface
A defined way for software systems to exchange requests and data. In a CGM project, an API may connect glucose information with another platform; the available data, permissions and delivery timing depend on the implementation.
Applicator
The mechanism used to place a wearable CGM sensor at its intended insertion site. Its design and operating steps are specific to the product.
B
BGM
Blood glucose monitoring
Measurement of glucose in a blood sample using a meter and test strip. A result describes glucose at the time of testing, while CGM supplies a sequence of readings over time.
CGM vs BGM →Biosensor
A sensing device that combines a biological recognition element with a way to turn a response into a measurable signal. Many CGM systems use enzyme-based electrochemical biosensors to detect glucose.
BLE
Bluetooth Low Energy
A wireless communication technology designed for devices with limited power. CGM systems may use BLE to send information to a compatible phone or receiver.
C
Calibration
The process of relating a sensor signal to a reference glucose measurement. Some CGMs require user calibration; others are calibrated during manufacturing. Follow the instructions for the specific system.
CGM
Continuous glucose monitoring
Monitoring glucose repeatedly throughout the day and night with a sensor system. Most wearable CGMs measure glucose in interstitial fluid and display readings, trends and, where supported, alerts.
How CGM works →CGMS
Continuous glucose monitoring system
The complete system used for CGM, including the sensing element, data transmission and a display or app. Depending on the design, several functions may be combined into one wearable device.
CKD
Completely knocked down
A supply model in which components are delivered for more extensive local assembly. In manufacturing discussions CKD describes the supplied assembly state; in clinical discussions the same abbreviation can mean chronic kidney disease.
CV
Coefficient of variation
A measure of relative glucose variability, calculated as the standard deviation divided by mean glucose, multiplied by 100. It describes the spread of readings relative to their average.
D
Data completeness
The proportion of expected glucose readings available during a reporting period. Gaps can limit how well a summary represents glucose patterns, so coverage matters alongside the reported metrics.
Data export
The ability to retrieve information from a system in a usable format, such as a report or data file. A downloadable report and access to individual glucose readings are different capabilities.
Data sharing
Providing authorized people or systems with access to glucose information. Sharing may rely on an internet connection, account permissions and compatible software.
Distributor
A business that supplies products through a defined market or sales channel. Product range, territory, service responsibilities and any exclusivity are established through the relevant commercial agreement.
E
Electrode
A conductive element involved in detecting an electrical signal. In electrochemical CGM sensors, electrodes help convert the glucose-related reaction into a signal that the system can process.
F
Factory calibration
Calibration established during manufacturing so routine user-entered calibration readings are not required for the intended use. It does not mean a blood glucose check is never needed; product instructions still apply.
Firmware
Software embedded in a device that controls its operation. Firmware is distinct from the phone app, although the two may need compatible versions to work together.
Flash glucose monitoring
A term historically associated with sensor systems scanned to obtain glucose readings. Features have evolved, so the label alone does not establish whether a particular model requires scanning or supports automatic readings.
G
Glucose
A simple sugar used by the body as a source of energy. In glucose monitoring, the concentration is reported in units such as mg/dL or mmol/L.
Glucose lag
A timing difference between changes in blood glucose and the values reported by an interstitial glucose sensor. Physiology, sensor response and signal processing can contribute; the delay is not a fixed value for every situation.
Glycemic variability
The degree to which glucose levels fluctuate over a period of time. Measures such as SD and CV describe variability that an average alone can hide.
GMI
Glucose management indicator
A value calculated from mean CGM glucose and expressed on an A1C-like scale. It summarizes the CGM period and can differ from a laboratory HbA1c result; the two are not interchangeable.
H
HbA1c / A1C
Glycated hemoglobin
A blood test measuring the proportion of hemoglobin with glucose attached. It reflects longer-term glucose exposure, typically over roughly two to three months, rather than a current sensor reading.
Hyperglycemia
Glucose above the relevant clinical range. The threshold used in a report or care plan depends on its purpose and the individual context.
Hypoglycemia
Glucose below the relevant clinical range. Low-glucose alerts and time-below-range reports describe different aspects of low glucose and should be interpreted in the context of a care plan.
I
IFU
Instructions for use
The manufacturer’s instructions describing a device’s intended use, setup, operation, limitations and safety information. Use the version that applies to the specific product and market.
Insertion site
The body location where a sensor is placed. Suitable sites can differ by product and user population and are specified in the product instructions.
Intended use
The purpose for which a device is designed, as described by its manufacturer. Product evaluation should take account of the intended users, population and conditions of use.
Interoperability
The ability of systems to exchange and use information together. A wireless connection or API alone does not establish that two medical devices are suitable for clinical use together.
Interstitial fluid (ISF)
Fluid in the spaces surrounding tissue cells. Most wearable CGM sensors measure glucose in this fluid rather than directly sampling blood.
Source: NIDDK: How a CGM works
IP rating
Ingress protection rating
A classification describing protection against entry of solids and water under specified test conditions. Check the complete rating and product limits; a water-resistance claim does not mean suitability for every water activity.
isCGM
Intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring
A CGM category traditionally requiring a scan to obtain or display sensor information. Some systems also offer alarms or other automatic functions, so capabilities should be checked by model.
ISO 13485
An international standard for quality management systems used by organizations involved in medical devices. A quality-system certificate is different from authorization to sell a particular device in a particular market.
Source: ISO 13485:2016
L
Labeling
The labels and accompanying information supplied with a medical device. These communicate product identification, intended use, instructions and other information relevant to the applicable market.
Lead time
The time between an agreed starting point and a defined delivery milestone. When discussing a project, distinguish development, sample preparation, production and shipping lead times.
M
MARD
Mean absolute relative difference
The average absolute difference between paired sensor and reference glucose results, expressed as a percentage of the reference value. It is an accuracy metric, not a measure of the person’s glucose variability; comparisons need the study conditions as well as the number.
Source: Study methods and MARD
Mean glucose
The arithmetic average of glucose readings within a specified period. Similar averages can arise from very different glucose patterns, which is why variability and time-in-range metrics are also useful.
mg/dL
Milligrams per deciliter
A unit of glucose concentration based on mass per volume. For glucose, divide a value in mg/dL by approximately 18 to express it in mmol/L.
mmol/L
Millimoles per liter
A unit of glucose concentration based on amount of substance per volume. For glucose, multiply a value in mmol/L by approximately 18 to express it in mg/dL.
MOQ
Minimum order quantity
The smallest order quantity accepted for an agreed product or configuration. Sample, pilot and commercial orders may have different conditions, so the applicable stage should be specified.
O
ODM
Original design manufacturer
A business that supplies a product based on its design capabilities for another company to market. Design ownership, modification rights and development responsibilities vary by agreement.
Compare manufacturing models →OEM
Original equipment manufacturer
A term commonly used for a company that manufactures products supplied under another company’s brand or incorporated into its offering. In CGM partnerships, the actual design, manufacturing and support scope should be defined explicitly.
Explore CGM OEM →P
Pilot run
A limited production run used to assess a product configuration and manufacturing process before larger-scale supply. It is distinct from a clinical study and does not by itself establish market authorization.
Predictive alert
An alert based on a forecast that glucose may cross a threshold within a future time window. It differs from an alert triggered when the measured value has already crossed a threshold.
Private label
A commercial arrangement in which a product is supplied for sale under the buyer’s brand. The extent of product, packaging and software customization depends on the agreement.
Private-label CGM guide →Professional CGM
CGM used through a healthcare practice for a defined assessment period. Depending on the system and purpose, readings may be visible during wear or reviewed retrospectively by the care team.
Q
QMS
Quality management system
An organized set of processes, responsibilities and records used to manage quality. In medical device work, it supports controlled activities across the product lifecycle.
R
Receiver
A dedicated device that receives and displays glucose information from a CGM. Some systems use a phone app instead, while others support a receiver as an alternative.
Reference method
The comparison measurement method used when evaluating sensor performance. Interpretation of accuracy results requires knowing the reference method, paired-sample approach and study population.
Remote monitoring
Review of glucose information away from the person wearing the sensor. The availability and timeliness of information depend on connectivity, permissions and the software service.
Reporting period
The time interval summarized in a glucose report. Always interpret an average or percentage alongside its dates and the amount of available data.
Retrospective data
Previously recorded information reviewed after it was collected. Historical reports serve a different purpose from a live reading or a time-sensitive alert.
rtCGM
Real-time continuous glucose monitoring
CGM that automatically makes glucose readings available as they are generated, subject to the system’s update interval and connectivity. “Real-time” does not mean that physiological or processing delays are absent.
S
SD
Standard deviation
A statistical measure of how spread out glucose readings are around their mean. It uses the same units as the glucose values; CV expresses variability relative to the mean as a percentage.
SDK
Software development kit
A set of development tools, libraries and documentation used to build software for a platform or device. An SDK may help integrate CGM functionality, while an API defines how specific software interactions work.
Explore the CGM app →Sensor
The part of a CGM that detects glucose-related changes. “Sensor” may refer to the sensing element or, in everyday product language, the complete wearable unit.
Shelf life
The period during which an unused product is expected to remain suitable for use under its specified storage conditions. Shelf life before use is different from the wear duration after a sensor is started.
SKD
Semi-knocked down
A supply model in which partly assembled units or kits are provided for further local assembly. The term does not by itself define the exact processes, local-content status or commercial permissions.
Explore CGM SKD →SMBG
Self-monitoring of blood glucose
Blood glucose testing performed by an individual, usually using a meter and test strip. It refers to how testing is carried out, whereas BGM describes the measurement method more broadly.
Storage conditions
The environmental conditions specified for keeping a product before use, such as temperature and humidity. Storage limits and operating limits describe different stages of the product’s life.
T
TAR
Time above range
The percentage of monitored time with glucose above the upper boundary of a specified range. Read the threshold and reporting period alongside the percentage.
Target range
The lower and upper glucose boundaries used for a report or care goal. A commonly reported range for many nonpregnant adults with diabetes is 70–180 mg/dL (3.9–10.0 mmol/L), but individual targets can differ.
TBR
Time below range
The percentage of monitored time with glucose below the lower boundary of a specified range. Reports may separate different low-glucose bands.
Threshold alert
A notification triggered when a glucose reading crosses a configured high or low limit. Alert behavior, availability and configuration depend on the product.
TIR
Time in range
The percentage of monitored time with glucose within a specified range. TIR needs to be read with the range boundaries, data coverage and time above and below range.
Traceability
The ability to follow a product or component through relevant records, such as lot identification and manufacturing or distribution history. It supports investigation of quality issues and identification of affected units.
Transmitter
The part of a CGM that sends sensor information to a receiving device. It may be integrated with the sensor or supplied as a separate component.
Trend arrow
A visual indication of the direction and rate of glucose change. Arrow meanings and rate bands are system-specific, so they should be read with the corresponding product guide.
W
Warm-up period
The interval after starting a sensor before the system begins providing usable glucose readings. The required time is product-specific.
Wear duration
The intended period of use for a sensor after it is started. This is separate from shelf life and should be checked against the product’s labeling.
White label
A term often used for an existing product or software platform offered with another company’s branding. Usage overlaps with private label; confirm the actual customization and ownership arrangements rather than relying on the name.
Explore terms by topic
CGM basics
The language of glucose monitoring and sensor systems.
Glucose data & metrics
Understand the numbers and reports used to describe glucose patterns.
Device & everyday use
Common terms in product specifications and user guides.
Apps & connectivity
How glucose information moves between devices and software.
Manufacturing & partnerships
Common vocabulary for healthcare brands and distribution partners.
Quality & documentation
Terms used when discussing medical device quality and product information.
Sources & further reading
Definitions are written as a general educational reference. Clinical terms draw on the resources below. Manufacturing and software terms describe common industry usage; their precise scope depends on the product or agreement.
- NIDDK: Continuous Glucose Monitoring — sensor systems, monitoring formats and device use.
- International Consensus on Time in Range (Diabetes Care, 2019) — AGP, glucose variability and time-in-range metrics.
- International Diabetes Federation: Diabetes Glossary — general diabetes terminology.
- ISO 13485:2016 — medical device quality management systems.
- Performance Comparison of CGM Systems (2015) — MARD and the influence of study methods.
For product-specific use, follow the applicable instructions for use. This glossary does not specify EverChek product capabilities, individual treatment targets or commercial terms.
Updated October 22, 2026 · EverChek