A recent study published in Scientific Reports indicates that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can significantly improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes who are not on bolus insulin. The research, conducted across six primary care clinics, compared outcomes of patients using CGM with a control group receiving standard diabetes care.
The study enrolled adults aged 18–85 years with type 2 diabetes and suboptimal A1c control (≥7.5%). Intervention patients were provided with CGM, while control patients were sourced from electronic health records. Key exclusion criteria included gestational diabetes, end-stage renal disease, insulin use, pregnancy, and prior CGM use.
Enhanced Glycemic Management with CGM
Glycemic control was measured by comparing A1c levels before and after 3 months of CGM use. CGM data also provided insights into time in range (TIR), time below range, time above range, and estimated glucose value (EGV). The study found a significant reduction in A1c levels in the CGM group compared to the control group. Multivariable linear regression analyses confirmed the relationship between CGM use and improved A1c levels, even after adjusting for potential confounders.
Impact on Time in Range (TIR)
CGM users demonstrated a marked improvement in TIR, aligning with American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) guidelines. The percentage of patients meeting TIR targets of 70% or more increased significantly during the 3-month intervention period. These findings suggest that real-time glucose data empowers patients to make informed decisions about diet and exercise, leading to better glycemic control.
Clinical Implications and Future Directions
The study highlights the potential of CGM as a valuable tool for managing type 2 diabetes in patients not on bolus insulin. The observed improvements in A1c levels and TIR underscore the clinical benefits of CGM in this population. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of CGM and its impact on diabetes-related complications. The study's results support the broader adoption of CGM in primary care settings to enhance diabetes management and improve patient outcomes.
