The Eversense CGM is the only FDA-approved implantable continuous glucose monitor. A small sensor is inserted under the skin of the upper arm in a simple in-office procedure and can remain in place for up to 365 days (Eversense 365). A removable on-body transmitter worn over the sensor sends real-time glucose readings to your smartphone every 5 minutes.
Eversense is manufactured by Senseonics and is fundamentally different from other CGMs like the Dexcom G7 or FreeStyle Libre: instead of a sensor you insert yourself and replace every 10–15 days, the Eversense sensor is implanted under the skin by a trained healthcare provider and works continuously for up to a full year before needing replacement.
How Does Eversense Work?
The Eversense system has three components:
- Implanted Sensor: A small capsule (~3.5 mm × 18 mm) inserted just under the skin of the upper arm. It contains a fluorescence-based glucose-sensing chemistry — a special molecule that binds glucose and emits light proportional to glucose concentration. No electrochemical reactions; no electrode degradation over time.
- On-Body Transmitter (OBT): A small, rechargeable device worn on the skin directly above the implanted sensor. It wirelessly powers the sensor via near-field communication (NFC), reads the fluorescent signal, processes it into a glucose value, and transmits to your smartphone every 5 minutes. The OBT can be removed for up to 30 minutes (showering, swimming, contact sports) without losing data continuity.
- Smartphone App: Displays real-time glucose readings, trends, alerts for high/low glucose, and data history. Compatible with Android and iPhone. Can share data with caregivers and providers.
🔑 Key difference: Unlike all other CGMs, the Eversense sensor is implanted — you don't insert or change the sensor yourself. This means no daily or weekly adhesive patches over the sensor itself (only the OBT has adhesive), and no risk of accidentally pulling out the sensor. The OBT is removed and recharged nightly.
Eversense E3 vs. Eversense 365
| Feature | Eversense E3 | Eversense 365 |
|---|---|---|
| Wear time | 180 days (6 months) | 365 days (1 full year) |
| FDA status | FDA approved | FDA approved (2024) |
| Calibration required? | Twice daily fingerstick | No routine calibration needed |
| Accuracy (MARD) | ~8.5% | ~8–9% |
| Transmitter | Removable OBT | Removable OBT (updated design) |
| Onbody vibration alerts | Yes — unique feature | Yes |
The Insertion Procedure
The Eversense sensor is inserted in a brief in-office procedure, typically done by an endocrinologist, diabetes specialist, or trained provider:
- Location: Upper arm (posterior surface), similar to where Nexplanon birth control implants are placed
- Anesthesia: Local anesthetic (lidocaine injection) is used — the procedure itself is painless
- Duration: About 5–10 minutes for insertion; same for removal
- Recovery: Mild soreness at insertion site for 1–3 days; a small bandage for 24 hours
- Warm-up period: The sensor needs a 24-hour warm-up period after insertion before readings begin
- After 180 or 365 days, the sensor is removed and a new one can be inserted at the same visit
Unique Features of Eversense
- On-body vibration alerts: The OBT vibrates against your skin when glucose goes too high or low — no phone required. This is unique to Eversense and particularly useful for patients who may not hear phone alerts (during sleep, while swimming, in noisy environments).
- Removable transmitter: The OBT can be taken off for up to 30 minutes — you can shower without it, or remove it for contact sports, MRI preparation, or other situations. No other CGM offers this.
- No sensor changes for 6–12 months: No weekly self-insertions, no adhesive over the sensor site, no accidental dislodgments during activity.
- Real-time glucose + trend arrows: Same as other CGMs — see your current glucose value and whether it's rising, falling, or stable.
Who Is Eversense Best For?
Eversense is particularly well-suited for patients who:
- Have skin sensitivity or allergic reactions to the adhesives used in traditional CGM patches
- Lead very active lifestyles (swimming, contact sports, outdoor work) where a removable transmitter is advantageous
- Prefer to avoid weekly or biweekly sensor changes
- Prefer an implanted, "set and forget" device for up to a year
- Sleep soundly and benefit from the on-body vibration alarm for nocturnal hypoglycemia
- Have type 1 or type 2 diabetes on insulin — especially those requiring tight glucose management
Eversense vs. Other CGMs
| Feature | Eversense 365 | Dexcom G7 | FreeStyle Libre 3 | Medtronic Guardian 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wear time | 365 days | 10 days | 14 days | 7 days |
| Insertion | In-office (implant) | Self-insert | Self-insert | Self-insert |
| Calibration | None (365) | None | None | None |
| On-body vibration alerts | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Transmitter removable | ✅ Yes (30 min) | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Pump integration (AID) | Limited | Tandem, Omnipod 5 | Limited | Medtronic 780G |
| Share with caregiver | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
⚠️ AID system compatibility: As of mid-2026, Eversense does not yet integrate directly with automated insulin delivery (closed-loop pump) systems like Omnipod 5 or Tandem Control-IQ. If you use or plan to use an AID pump, discuss this with your provider — you may need a separate CGM for pump integration while using Eversense.
Insurance Coverage and Cost
Eversense is covered by many commercial insurance plans and Medicare Part B for patients with diabetes requiring insulin. Coverage criteria typically include:
- Diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Insulin use (multiple daily injections or pump)
- Prior authorization is usually required
The cost includes both the sensor itself and the insertion/removal procedure (billed as office visits). The OBT and charger are purchased separately. Senseonics offers patient assistance programs for those who qualify.
Getting Started at Our Clinic
Our providers can evaluate whether Eversense is right for you, submit insurance prior authorization, and — if we perform insertion procedures — get you started. Call our office or book online to discuss Eversense and other CGM options.
Key Takeaways
- Eversense is the only implantable CGM — the sensor is inserted under the skin for up to 365 days
- The OBT (transmitter) is worn on the skin above the sensor and can be removed for up to 30 minutes
- Unique on-body vibration alerts work even without your phone nearby
- Best for patients with adhesive sensitivity, active lifestyles, or who prefer long-term, set-and-forget monitoring
- Eversense 365 requires no calibration and lasts a full year between replacements
- Currently limited AID pump integration — discuss with your provider if you use a closed-loop system
Discuss CGM Options With Our Team
Our providers help you choose the right CGM for your lifestyle, insurance, and diabetes management goals.
Book an Appointment → or call 832-968-7003