Can you wear a CGM during an MRI?

For people living with diabetes, medical imaging procedures like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can become all too familiar. These appointments often involve removing clothing, staying still, and, if wearing one, removing and discarding a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor.

CGM systems provide continuous, real-time readings of glucose levels throughout the day and night. This real-time visibility provides crucial information, empowering people with diabetes to make informed decisions about food, exercise, and medication. FreeStyle Libre CGM systems do this with the help of a small sensor attached to the back of the upper arm and can be worn for up to 15 days.*

Given the critical role CGMs play in daily diabetes management, maintaining uninterrupted access is essential. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care emphasize the necessity of uninterrupted access to CGM to prevent data gaps and allow for optimal diabetes management.¹  Research by Aleppo et al. demonstrated that discontinuation of CGM in patients with type 2 diabetes resulted in partial reversal of A1C reduction and time in range (TIR) improvements.²

“Taking off your CGM sensor for imaging scans causes a disruption to diabetes management,” said Megan O’Neill, Senior Manager of Medical Engagement for Abbott’s Diabetes Care Business. “In that case, you don’t have the information you rely on to make the decisions you need to make. You must figure out how to get another sensor, contact your healthcare team, and deal with insurance. This simple ask to remove the sensor can really escalate these pain points.”^†

In an effort to help people stay connected to their health, Abbott has rigorously tested its FreeStyle Libre portfolio^‡ to ensure the sensors remain safe and effective after radiological procedures.^§ As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the removal of previous contraindications^‡—without any changes to the sensor itself.^3,4

This means FreeStyle Libre CGMs can now be worn during:

• MRIs^§

• CT scans

• X-rays, including mammograms 

This makes Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre systems the first and only patient-applied CGM sensors cleared for such screenings.

The FDA’s clearance to update FreeStyle Libre systems’ labeling reflects the collaboration between medical innovation and regulatory oversight to improve patient care. It removes a real-world barrier to consistent CGM use, reducing the burden on patients, providers, and payors alike. Most importantly, it ensures uninterrupted access to CGM technology—even during essential and often unpredictable imaging procedures—without compromising safety.³