Expanding Beyond Original Use
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) — small sensors worn on the skin that track blood glucose continuously rather than through periodic fingerstick testing — were originally developed and used primarily for type 1 diabetes, where tight glucose control is critical and glucose can fluctuate rapidly. Growing evidence now supports meaningful benefit for many people with type 2 diabetes as well, expanding the population that can benefit from this technology.
The Case for Type 2 Use
For people with type 2 diabetes, particularly those on insulin or medications with hypoglycemia risk, CGMs provide the same real-time visibility into glucose patterns and trends that benefits type 1 patients, revealing how specific meals, activities, and medication timing affect glucose in ways that periodic fingersticks cannot capture. This visibility can support both clinical decision-making and patient behavior change through immediate, tangible feedback on how choices affect glucose levels.
Evidence and Appropriate Use
Clinical trials have shown that CGM use in type 2 diabetes, including in patients not on insulin, can improve glycemic control and patient engagement with their condition. As costs decrease and insurance coverage expands, CGM use in type 2 diabetes continues to grow, though the strongest evidence remains for those on insulin therapy or with higher hypoglycemia risk, where continuous data offers the most actionable safety benefit. Facilities can source diagnostic equipment and pharmacy supplies from our catalog.
