Study Highlights Benefits of CGMs for Non-Insulin Type 2 Diabetics
A recent study reveals that continuous glucose monitors can significantly help Type 2 diabetes patients not using insulin.
Recent findings published in the New England Journal of Medicine shed light on the advantages of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) for individuals with Type 2 diabetes who do not rely on insulin. Funded by Dexcom, this study suggests that using a CGM can lead to better glucose management and lower blood sugar levels over time.
Significant Reductions in A1c Levels
The study, which was also presented at the American Diabetes Association’s Scientific Sessions, involved 440 participants from 22 primary care settings across the United States. These participants were divided into two groups: one utilizing Dexcom’s G7 CGM and another receiving standard routine care.
Over the 26-week study period, those using the CGM experienced a notable drop in their hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, decreasing from an average of 8.8% to 7.2%. Meanwhile, the control group, receiving only routine care, showed a minor reduction from 8.7% to 8% in their HbA1c levels.
Enhanced Time in Target Range
Another key finding from the study was that CGM users maintained their blood glucose levels within the target range of 70 to 180 mg per deciliter for an additional five hours daily compared to those receiving routine care. This increase in time spent in the target range is crucial for overall diabetes management and health outcomes.
The impact of CGMs was consistent across various groups, including differences in age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI), and other factors, suggesting that CGMs could be beneficial for a wide demographic of individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
Realizing the Value of CGMs
Dr. Roy Beck, the study’s senior author and medical director of the JAEB Center for Health Research, noted that almost all participants continued using their CGMs throughout the study period. He expressed that this indicated a strong recognition of the device’s benefits in daily diabetes management.
Highlighting the broader applicability of CGMs, the data showed higher benefits for individuals with the highest initial A1c levels. Furthermore, those using CGMs experienced less prolonged hyperglycemia and had a higher likelihood of medication adjustments.
Implications for Medicare Coverage
As diabetes technology companies await decisions from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding potential coverage expansions for CGMs, this study’s findings could serve as an important milestone. Analysts from William Blair suggest that having this peer-reviewed study published may influence CMS’s decisions favorably.
Currently, there are approximately 25 million Americans living with Type 2 diabetes who are not treated with insulin. If Medicare coverage for CGMs is expanded, it could potentially double the number of insured users from around 15 million to 30 million by mid-2027, significantly increasing access to this valuable technology. Abbott, a competitor in the market, also forecasts similar growth in coverage impacting an additional 10 million Medicare beneficiaries.
In conclusion, the research underscores the importance of continuous glucose monitoring in managing Type 2 diabetes effectively, especially for those not on insulin. It advocates for considering CGMs as part of the treatment strategy at earlier stages of diabetes management, potentially leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life for many patients.
