Continuous glucose monitors benefit type 2 diabetes patients without insulin

A six-month clinical trial has demonstrated that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices significantly improve blood sugar control for adults with type 2 diabetes, even those who do not require insulin therapy.

The study, which utilized the Dexcom G7 device, involved 283 adults. Participants using the CGM saw their average hemoglobin A1C levels drop from 8.8% to 7.2%, whereas the routine care group saw a smaller decrease from 8.7% to 8.0%. Additionally, CGM users maintained glucose levels within the target range of 70 to 180 mg/dL for approximately five additional hours per day compared to the control group.

Researchers noted that the benefits remained consistent across various demographics, including age, gender, ethnicity, and BMI. The high adherence rate, with 97% of participants continuing to use the monitors by the end of the study, suggests the technology is effective for long-term management. Experts suggest these findings support the use of CGM technology much earlier in the progression of type 2 diabetes.