The Glucose Never Lies® Podcast
Host John Pemberton — diabetes educator, researcher, and dad living with type 1 since 2008 — explores how to think clearly about type 1 diabetes in the real world.
Each episode translates current evidence and expert practice into decisions you can use: CGM accuracy and interpretation, getting more from pumps and automated insulin delivery, movement as a glucose tool, nutrition that protects performance and enjoyment, sleep, travel, parties, and sport.
Guests include leading clinicians, researchers, and people with lived experience. Expect respectful challenge, plain language, and practical take-aways.
Note: Educational only. No therapeutic relationship or personal medical advice.
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Email: john@theglucoseneverlies.com
The Glucose Never Lies® Podcast
19 – iCGM vs eCGM vs Standardisation by the IFCC: CGM Regulation with Dr. Guido Freckmann
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19 – iCGM vs eCGM vs Standardisation by the IFCC: CGM Regulation with Dr. Guido Freckmann
Full show notes and FAQ, and consider buying me a Coffee to keep pumping
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has transformed diabetes care — but how do we know which systems are accurate, safe, and truly comparable?
In this episode, John Pemberton is joined by Dr. Guido Freckmann (Institute of Diabetes Technology, Ulm; former chair of the IFCC CGM Working Group). Together they unpack:
- Why CE marking in Europe is not a quality standard
- How the FDA’s iCGM framework (2018) was groundbreaking, but has limitations in study design
- Why the proposed eCGM model for Europe risks monopolising the market without fixing accuracy problems
- The IFCC’s roadmap towards a full ISO standard for CGM – robust, reproducible, and aligned with clinical reality
Full Show notes and FAQ, and consider buying me a Coffee to keep pumping
Key Themes & Watch-Outs
🔹 CE Mark ≠ Quality Standard
- CE marking is a regulatory pathway, not a guarantee of performance.
- Manufacturers can submit selective data, and the results are not public.
🔹 ICGM (2018): A Step Forward, But Outdated
- FDA iCGM rules set minimum standards, but study design criteria were vague.
- Devices can appear accurate by avoiding stressful glucose swings.
🔹 Why Standardisation Matters
- Standardisation would define not just performance metrics but also how studies are run.
- It would align CGM systems to the same comparator (capillary or venous) and reduce therapy discrepancies.
🔹 Capillary vs Venous Debate
- Capillary glucose reflects what people actually test and what their bodies are exposed to.
- Venous alignment risks giving a “false reassurance” of being in range.
- An agreement is needed: whichever is chosen must be standardised, with bias correction.
🔹 Clinical Impact
Disclaimer
This podcast is for education and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and is not a substitute for individualised care.
The Glucose Never Lies® is independent by design
We do not accept sponsorships and advertising. We operate via education grants and donations from listeners who value independence. So, consider:
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Enquiries
Collaboration: John Pemberton — john@theglucoseneverlies.com
Creatives: Anjanee Kohli — anj@theglucoseneverlies.com
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Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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