Sharing CGM Data and Remote Monitoring
CGM data sharing lets chosen caregivers follow glucose trends remotely, but setup, consent, alerts, and clinic uploads differ.
Reviewed by CGM AFIA Editorial Team. Last reviewed: 2026-01-24.
Author: CGM AFIA Editorial Team
Part of: Interpreting Trend Arrows
What Remote Monitoring Does
Remote monitoring lets a CGM user share glucose information with another person, usually a parent, partner, school nurse, or adult child. The follower sees glucose values, trend direction, and selected alerts on a separate app or web account. This can improve safety, but it should not replace the user's own CGM display or an agreed diabetes action plan.
Major Sharing Options
Dexcom Share and Follow
Dexcom Share is built into the Dexcom G7 app. The user, called the Sharer, can invite up to 10 Followers through the separate Dexcom Follow app. Internet access is required, and treatment decisions should come from the primary G7 app or receiver.
LibreLinkUp
LibreLinkUp receives data from people using compatible [FreeStyle Libre](/glossary/#term-freestyle-libre) apps. Followers can receive glucose readings and, when supported, alarm notifications. LibreLinkUp alarms depend on both people having internet access and the sender enabling alarms in the Libre app.
Guardian Connect and CareLink
Guardian Connect sends data to a CareLink account during setup. Care Partners can use CareLink-based tools to view shared information, depending on the system and region.
Consent and Privacy
Sharing should be explicit, limited, and revisited. Glucose data can reveal meals, sleep, exercise, stress, and missed medication routines. Before inviting a follower, agree on what counts as an emergency, when to text or call, and when the follower should stay quiet. Access can usually be removed, and that control matters for adults, teens, and older children.
Live Sharing vs Clinic Uploads
Live sharing is for day-to-day support. It sends recent CGM data to followers and can push notifications when glucose crosses a threshold. Clinic uploads are different. Dexcom Clarity, LibreView, and CareLink reports help clinicians review patterns, [time in range](/glossary/#term-time-in-range-tir), and device use over days or weeks.
Common Setup Pitfalls
- The phone is not connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
- Notifications are disabled, silenced, or blocked by the operating system.
- The follower accepted the wrong email invitation.
- The sensor was started with a reader instead of the phone app, which can limit Libre alarms.
- The caregiver expects live alerts from a clinic report portal.