Continuous glucose monitoring devices significantly improved blood sugar control for adults with type 2 diabetes who do not use insulin, according to a six-month trial.
Continuous glucose monitoring has long been a standard recommendation for patients receiving insulin. A six-month trial sponsored by device manufacturer Dexcom tested the Dexcom G7—a coin-sized plastic disc worn on the upper arm—on 283 adults with type 2 diabetes who did not use insulin.
The researchers noted that the consistency of benefit across a broad range of people and treatment regimens supports consideration of the use of a continuous glucose monitor much earlier in type 2 diabetes management before insulin is needed.
Time in Range and Daily Wear Behavior
When the study ended, 97% of participants were still using the monitors, most on a daily basis.
Clinical Trials and Health System Costs in New Zealand
International research led by Ryan Paul, an endocrinologist at the University of Waikato and Health New Zealand, examined the long-term impact of real-time continuous glucose monitoring for patients needing intensive insulin therapy. The study estimated that patients using the technology could gain around three additional months of life on average and spend more years in better health with fewer complications.
Paul emphasized the economic realities driving the push for wider technology access.
Self-funding patients currently face sensor costs of 50 dollars per week. Diabetes NZ Chief Executive Heather Verry noted that while the monitors offer benefits, the monitors cost 50-dollars a week, creating significant equity barriers for many families.
UC Davis Health Pilot Program Outcomes
At UC Davis Health, a remote patient monitoring pilot program enrolled 20 youth with type 1 diabetes who had elevated hemoglobin A1C levels above 8% and were already using continuous glucose monitoring technology. Over a four-month period, clinicians reviewed data weekly and intervened via phone calls, text messages, or electronic medical record messaging.
Average time-in-range for these young participants increased from 34.4% at baseline to 40% by the conclusion of the pilot. Time spent above target glucose levels decreased from 64.8% to 58.9%, and 35% of participants achieved a time-in-range improvement of 10% or greater.
This pilot demonstrates how remote monitoring can help us proactively identify patients who may be struggling and offer personalized guidance when they need it most.
Stephanie Crossen, UC Davis pediatric endocrinologist
Nearly half (44%) of the patients described the remote monitoring program as “very helpful,” while 56% said it was a little helpful.
Eighty-three percent of participants indicated that remote monitoring should continue as part of their diabetes care.