Use of Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Improves Glycemic Control and Other Clinical Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes Patients Treated with Less Intensive Therapy

How to Use Continuous Glucose Monitoring Efficiently in Diabetes Management: Opinions and Recommendations by German Experts on the Status and Open Questions

Today, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a standard diagnostic option for patients with diabetes, at least for those with type 1 diabetes and those with type 2 diabetes on insulin therapy, according to international guidelines. The switch from spot capillary blood glucose measurement to CGM was driven by the extensive and immediate support and facilitation of diabetes management CGM offers. In patients not using insulin, the benefits of CGM are not so well studied/obvious. In such patients, factors like well-being and biofeedback are driving CGM uptake and outcome. Apps can combine CGM data with data about physical activity and meal consumption for therapy adjustments. Personalized data management and coaching is also more feasible with CGM data. The same holds true for digitalization and telemedicine intervention ("virtual diabetes clinic"). Combining CGM data with Smart Pens ("patient decision support") helps to avoid missing insulin boluses or insulin miscalculation. Continuous glucose monitoring is a major pillar of all automated insulin delivery systems, which helps substantially to avoid acute complications and achieve more time in the glycemic target range. These options were discussed by a group of German experts to identify concrete gaps in the care structure, with a view to the necessary structural adjustments of the health care system.

Transforming diabetes care with continuous glucose monitoring: Rationale for expanded eligibility criteria

ABSTRACT

Randomized trials and large retrospective database studies have shown that individuals treated with noninsulin therapies experience the same glycemic benefits from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) use as those treated with more intensive treatment regimens. However, many policy makers and payers are reluctant to provide CGM coverage for these patients. Although the recent American Diabetes Association guidelines have taken an important first step in recommending that CGM should be offered to all adults treated with basal insulin who are capable of using it, clinicians should consider the acute and long-term consequences of persistent hyperglycemia in all of their patients with diabetes. This article describes how the use of the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM System (Abbott Diabetes Care, Alameda, CA) improved glycemic outcomes and facilitates personalized diabetes care in two type 2 diabetes patients treated with noninsulin therapies.

Continuous glucose monitoring for the routine care of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Although continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices are now considered the standard of care for people with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the uptake among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been slower and is focused on those receiving intensive insulin therapy. However, increasing evidence now supports the inclusion of CGM in the routine care of people with T2DM who are on basal insulin-only regimens or are managed with other medications. Expanding CGM to these groups could minimize hypoglycaemia while allowing efficient adaptation and escalation of therapies. Increasing evidence from randomized controlled trials and observational studies indicates that CGM is of clinical value in people with T2DM on non-intensive treatment regimens. If further studies confirm this finding, CGM could soon become a part of routine care for T2DM. In this Perspective we explore the potential benefits of widening the application of CGM in T2DM, along with the challenges that must be overcome for the evidence-based benefits of this technology to be delivered for all people with T2DM.

Accuracy and Functionality of Select Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems Are Not Impacted by Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Devices

BACKGROUND

Increasing numbers of individuals with diabetes are adopting use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in their daily self-management. Many of these individuals have advanced heart disease. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) devices can effectively reduce arrhythmic death and all-cause mortality in individuals with advanced heart disease. However, the potential impact of ICD devices on CGM system accuracy and functionality has not been well studied.

METHODS

This evaluation assessed whether FreeStyle Libre (FL) CGM systems can coexist and function within the same patient in the presence of wireless interference devices, including current ICD devices. Interferer sources included Wi-Fi devices, Bluetooth devices, cellular mobile devices, implantable medical devices, Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) devices, BLE accessory devices and BLE mobile devices, and ICD-programmer interferers. Five testing methodologies were used to evaluate the accuracy and functionality of the CGM systems when exposed to ICD functions: high-energy emergency shocking, pacing modes, anti-tachycardia pacing mode (ATP), and DC Fibber mode.

RESULTS

All acceptance criteria and testing requirements were met for the CGM and ICD system for wireless coexistence evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrated that coexisting ICD devices and FL CGM systems provide safe and effective wireless communications with functional and accurate transfer of data during scenarios expected in clinical use.

Initiating GLP-1 Therapy in Combination with FreeStyle Libre Provides Greater Benefit Compared with GLP-1 Therapy Alone

Background and Aim: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) therapy provides glycemic benefits to individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the effects of GLP-1 RA therapy in combination with FreeStyle Libre systems (FSL) are unknown. This study aimed to compare changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) between people acquiring GLP-1 with FSL (GLP-1+FSL) versus GLP-1 without FSL (GLP-1). Methods: This real-world study used Optum's de-identified Market Clarity Data, a linked electronic health records (EHR)-claims database, and included adults with T2D and HbA1c ≥8% who acquired their first GLP-1 RA medication between 2018 and 2022. GLP-1+FSL subjects acquired their first FSL within ±30 days of their first GLP-1 acquisition. Cohorts were matched 1:5 on baseline insulin therapy, age, sex, baseline HbA1c, and GLP-1 type. Paired changes in HbA1c were compared between unmatched and matched groups at 6 months. Results: The study included 24,724 adults in the unmatched cohort (GLP-1+FSL, n = 478; GLP-1, n = 24,246). The matched cohort included 478 GLP-1+FSL users and 2,390 GLP-1 users: mean age 53.5 ± 11.8 and 53.5 ± 11.3 years, HbA1c 10.25 ± 1.68% and 10.22 ± 1.69%, respectively. HbA1c reduction was greater in the GLP-1+FSL group compared with the GLP-1 group in the unmatched cohort (-2.43% vs. -1.73%, difference 0.70%, P < 0.001, respectively) and in the matched cohort (-2.43% vs. -2.06%, difference 0.37%, P < 0.001). GLP-1+FSL vs. GLP-1 treatment was associated with greater HbA1c reduction in the intensive insulin (-2.32% vs. -1.50%), nonintensive insulin (-2.50% vs. -1.74%), and noninsulin group (-2.46% vs. -1.78%), as well as in patients using semaglutide (-2.73% vs. -1.92%) and dulaglutide (-2.45% vs. -1.71%) GLP-1 RA, all P < 0.001. Conclusions: Adults with suboptimally controlled T2D, initiating GLP-1 RA with FreeStyle Libre, had greater improvement in HbA1c compared with those treated with GLP-1 RA only. These results suggest an additional glycemic benefit of FSL when used with a GLP-1 RA in T2D treatment.

The Potential Impact of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Use on Diabetes-Related Attitudes and Behaviors in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Qualitative Investigation of the Patient Experience

Background: Despite the known glycemic benefits of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D), the attitudinal and behavioral changes underlying these glycemic improvements remain understudied. This study aimed to qualitatively explore these changes among a sample of adults with T2D. Methods: In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with adults with T2D who had been using CGM for 3-6 months as part of a larger community project in Ohio. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes across participants' experiences. Results: A total of 34 participants provided insights into their experiences with CGM. Six primary themes emerged: (1) Making the Invisible Visible, highlighting the newfound awareness of T2D in daily life. (2) Effective Decision-Making, emphasizing the use of real-time glucose data for immediate and long-term choices. (3) Enhanced Self-Efficacy, describing a renewed sense of control and motivation. (4) Diabetes-Related Diet Modifications. (5) Changes in Physical Activity. (6) Changes in Medication Taking. Conclusions: Participants reported a far-reaching impact of CGM on their daily lives, with many stating that CGM fostered a greater understanding of diabetes and prompted positive behavior changes. The observed attitudinal and behavioral shifts likely contributed synergistically to the significant glycemic benefits observed over the study period. This study highlights the technology's potential to bring about meaningful attitudinal and behavioral changes.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Reduced Diabetes-Related Hospitalizations in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and CKD

Key Points

Patients with diabetes and CKD have a heightened risk of glycemic variability, which can lead to severe hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic events, potentially resulting in hospitalization. This study describes the results of a retrospective claims analysis of people with insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes and stage 3–5 CKD who initiated continuous glucose monitoring. Continuous glucose monitoring could help patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD control their glucose and avoid potentially dangerous glycemic events.

Background

There is a heightened risk of glycemic variability in patients with diabetes and CKD. This glycemic variability could lead to hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic crises. We hypothesized that initiation of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), which provides a glucose measurement every 1–5 minutes, could reduce the incidence of hospitalizations for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and CKD.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of US administrative claims data from the Optum Clinformatics database was conducted. People with T2D, using insulin, not receiving dialysis, and living with stage 3–5 CKD who initiated CGM between January 1, 2016, and March 31, 2022, were identified. National Drug Codes and Healthcare Common Coding Procedure System codes were used to identify CGM device use, and International Classification of Diseases 10th revision codes were used to identify CKD diagnosis and categorize health care encounters. Rates of diabetes-related hospitalizations were obtained, and multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed predictors of hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic encounters.

Results

A total of 8,959 insulin-using patients with T2D and CKD were identified. Most were White (72.3%), had Medicare insurance coverage (82.2%), were using intensive insulin (91.3%), and had stage 3 CKD (86.0%). After CGM initiation, rates of hospitalizations for hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia decreased by 18.2% and 17.0%, respectively (P < 0.0001 for both). The proportion hospitalized with at least one hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic event also significantly decreased after CGM initiation. Significant predictors of both hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic encounters included a previous encounter of that type, age 30–59 years and depression (for hypoglycemia), and age 30–49 years and neuropathy (for hyperglycemia). Use of CGM or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists was significantly protective against hypoglycemic encounters.

Conclusions

Initiation of CGM was associated with significant reductions in diabetes-related hospitalizations among insulin-using individuals with T2D and moderate-to-severe CKD. CGM could help patients with T2D and CKD control their glucose and avoid potentially dangerous glycemic events.

Cardio-renal-metabolic disease in primary care setting

In the primary care setting providers have more tools available than ever before to impact positively obesity, diabetes, and their complications, such as renal and cardiac diseases. It is important to recognise what is available for treatment taking into account diabetes heterogeneity. For those who develop type 2 diabetes (T2DM), effective treatments are available that for the first time have shown a benefit in reducing mortality and macrovascular complications, in addition to the well-established benefits of glucose control in reducing microvascular complications. Some of the newer medications for treating hyperglycaemia have also a positive impact in reducing heart failure (HF). Technological advances have also contributed to improving the quality of care in patients with diabetes. The use of technology, such as continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGM), has improved significantly glucose and glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values, while limiting the frequency of hypoglycaemia. Other technological support derives from the use of predictive algorithms that need to be refined to help predict those subjects who are at great risk of developing the disease and/or its complications, or who may require care by other specialists. In this review we also provide recommendations for the optimal use of the new medications; sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and Glucagon-like peptide-receptor agonists 1 (GLP1RA) in the primary care setting considering the relevance of these drugs for the management of T2DM also in its early stage.

Comparisons of Fifth-, Sixth-, and Seventh-Generation Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems

BACKGROUND

Between-system differences for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices have important clinical consequences.

PURPOSE

Here we review attributes of Dexcom's fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-generation (G5, G6, and G7) CGM systems.

METHODS

Accuracy metrics were derived from preapproval trials of the three systems and compared after propensity score adjustments were used to balance baseline demographic characteristics. Metrics included mean absolute relative differences (MARD) between CGM and YSI values and the proportion of CGM values within 20% or 20 mg/dL of the YSI values ("%20/20"). Ease-of-use was evaluated by formal task analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjusted MARD and %20/20 agreement rates were 9.0%/93.1% (abdomen-placed G5), 9.9%/92.3% (abdomen-placed G6), 9.1%/93.2% (abdomen-placed G7), and 8.2%/95.3% (arm-placed G7). Task analysis favored G7 over earlier systems. Favorable clinical outcomes such as hemoglobin A1c reduction and hypoglycemia avoidance seen with G5 and G6 are anticipated with G7 use.

7. Diabetes Technology: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Coverage for Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Treated with Nonintensive Therapies: An Evidence-Based Approach to Policymaking

Numerous studies have demonstrated the clinical benefits of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) who are treated with intensive insulin regimens. Based on this evidence, CGM is now a standard of care for individuals within these diabetes populations and widely covered by commercial and public insurers. Moreover, recent clinical guidelines from the American Diabetes Association and American Association of Clinical Endocrinology now endorse CGM use in individuals treated with nonintensive insulin regimens. However, despite increasing evidence supporting CGM use for individuals treated with less-intensive insulin therapy or noninsulin medications, insurance coverage is limited or nonexistent. This narrative review reports key findings from recent randomized, observational, and retrospective studies investigating use of CGM in T2D individuals treated with basal insulin only and/or noninsulin therapies and presents an evidence-based rationale for expanding access to CGM within this population.

Expanding the Role of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Modern Diabetes Care Beyond Type 1 Disease

Application of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has moved diabetes care from a reactive to a proactive process, in which a person with diabetes can prevent episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, rather than taking action only once low and high glucose are detected. Consequently, CGM devices are now seen as the standard of care for people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Evidence now supports the use of CGM in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on any treatment regimen, not just for those on insulin therapy. Expanding the application of CGM to include all people with T1DM or T2DM can support effective intensification of therapies to reduce glucose exposure and lower the risk of complications and hospital admissions, which are associated with high healthcare costs. All of this can be achieved while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia and improving quality of life for people with diabetes. Wider application of CGM can also bring considerable benefits for women with diabetes during pregnancy and their children, as well as providing support for acute care of hospital inpatients who experience the adverse effects of hyperglycemia following admission and surgical procedures, as a consequence of treatment-related insulin resistance or reduced insulin secretion. By tailoring the application of CGM for daily or intermittent use, depending on the patient profile and their needs, one can ensure the cost-effectiveness of CGM in each setting. In this article we discuss the evidence-based benefits of expanding the use of CGM technology to include all people with diabetes, along with a diverse population of people with non-diabetic glycemic dysregulation.

Assessing non-adjunctive CGM safety at home and in new markets (ANSHIN)

INTRODUCTION

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can guide treatment for people with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The ANSHIN study assessed the impact of non-adjunctive CGM use in adults with diabetes using intensive insulin therapy (IIT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single-arm, prospective, interventional study enrolled adults with T1D or T2D who had not used CGM in the prior 6 months. Participants wore blinded CGMs (Dexcom G6) during a 20-day run-in phase, with treatment based on fingerstick glucose values, followed by a 16-week intervention phase and then a randomized 12-week extension phase with treatment based on CGM values. The primary outcome was change in HbA1c. Secondary outcomes were CGM metrics. Safety endpoints were the number of severe hypoglycaemic (SH) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) events.

RESULTS

Of the 77 adults enrolled, 63 completed the study. Those enrolled had mean (SD) baseline HbA1c of 9.8% (1.9%), 36% had T1D, and 44% were ≥65 years old. Mean HbA1c decreased by 1.3, 1.0 and 1.0 percentage points for participants with T1D, T2D or age ≥65, respectively (p < .001 for each). CGM-based metrics including time in range also improved significantly. SH events decreased from the run-in period (67.3 per 100 person-years) to the intervention period (17.0 per 100 person-years). Three DKA events unrelated to CGM use occurred during the total intervention period.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-adjunctive use of the Dexcom G6 CGM system improved glycaemic control and was safe for adults using IIT.

Status of continuous glucose monitoring use and management in tertiary hospitals of China: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to reveal the use and management status of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in tertiary hospitals in China and to determine the potential factors affecting the application of CGM, based on which more effective solutions would be produced and implemented.

DESIGN

An online, cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to December 2021.

SETTING

Eighty-three tertiary hospitals in China were involved.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighty-three head nurses and 281 clinical nurses were obtained.

OUTCOME

Current condition of CGM use and management, the factors that hinder the use and management of CGM, scores of current CGM use and management, as well as their influencing factors, were collected.

RESULTS

Among the 83 hospitals surveyed, 57 (68.7%) hospitals used CGM for no more than 10 patients per month. Seventy-three (88.0%) hospitals had developed CGM standard operating procedures, but only 29 (34.9%) hospitals devised emergency plans to deal with adverse effects related to CGM. Comparably, maternal and children's hospitals were more likely to have a dedicated person to assign install CGM than general hospitals (52.2% vs 26.7%). As for the potential causes that hinder the use and management of CGM, head nurses' and nurses' perceptions differed. Head nurses perceived patients' limited knowledge about CGM (60.2%), the high costs of CGM and inaccessibility to medical insurance (59.0%), and imperfect CGM management systems (44.6%) as the top three factors. Different from head nurses, CGM operation nurses considered the age of CGM operators, the type of hospital nurses worked in, the number of patients using CGM per month and the number of CGM training sessions as potential factors (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The study provides a broad view of the development status of CGM in China. Generally speaking, the use and management of CGM in China are not yet satisfactory, and more efforts are wanted for improvement.

Glycemic Outcomes and Feature Set Engagement Among Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Users With Type 1 or Non-Insulin-Treated Type 2 Diabetes: Retrospective Analysis of Real-World Data

BACKGROUND

The benefits of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) are well established for patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and patients with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the usage and effectiveness of RT-CGM in the context of non-insulin-treated T2D has not been well studied.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess glycemic metrics and rates of RT-CGM feature utilization in users with T1D and non-insulin-treated T2D.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from 33,685 US-based users of an RT-CGM system (Dexcom G6; Dexcom, Inc) who self-identified as having either T1D (n=26,706) or T2D and not using insulin (n=6979). Data included glucose concentrations, alarm settings, feature usage, and event logs.

RESULTS

The T1D cohort had lower proportions of glucose values in the 70 mg/dl to 180 mg/dl range than the T2D cohort (52.1% vs 70.8%, respectively), with more values indicating hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia and higher glycemic variability. Discretionary alarms were enabled by a large majority in both cohorts. The data sharing feature was used by 38.7% (10,327/26,706) of those with T1D and 10.4% (727/6979) of those with T2D, and the mean number of followers was higher in the T1D cohort. Large proportions of patients with T1D or T2D enabled and customized their glucose alerts. Retrospective analysis features were used by the majority in both cohorts (T1D: 15,783/26,706, 59.1%; T2D: 3751/6979, 53.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Similar to patients with T1D, patients with non-insulin-treated T2D used RT-CGM system features, suggesting beneficial, routine engagement with data by patients and others involved in their care. Motivated patients with diabetes could benefit from RT-CGM coverage.

Reduced Rate of Acute Diabetes Events with Flash Glucose Monitoring Is Sustained for 2 Years After Initiation: Extended Outcomes from the RELIEF Study

Background: The RELIEF study has previously shown a fall in the rate of acute diabetes events (ADEs) in people living with type 1 diabetes (PwDT1) or people living with type 2 diabetes (PwDT2) in the 12 months after initiation of flash glucose monitoring (FLASH) in France. The 2-year follow-up has provided new insights on the frequency of ADEs, including severe hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), during use of FLASH. Methods: The RELIEF study included 31,446 PwDT1 and 41,027 PwDT2 with a first delivery of FreeStyle Libre (FSL) between August 1 and December 31, 2017. Hospitalizations for DKA, severe hypoglycemia, diabetes-related coma, and hyperglycemia were recorded for the 12 months before and 24 months after FSL initiation. Persistence of the FSL system use was estimated through a Kaplan-Meier survival curve. Change in usual blood glucose monitoring was estimated through acquisition of blood glucose test strips. Results: In the 2 years after FSL initiation, hospitalizations for ADEs were reduced by 49% and by 48% in PwDT1 or PwDT2, respectively, driven by reductions in DKA. After 2 years, 88% of patients persisted with the system and estimated mean consumption of blood glucose test strips had fallen after 2 years by -82% and by -84% in type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus, respectively. Conclusion: Use of FSL consistently reduces the rates of hospitalization for ADEs, mainly DKA, 2 years after initiation, confirming this is not a transitory effect. Use of FSL also results in a clear and progressive drop in use of blood glucose test strips over the 2-year period.

Use of Retrospective Continuous Glucose Monitoring Data Is Underrated and Underused

Access to real-time glucose data in real time allows users to make informed decisions about their insulin dosages, appropriate carbohydrate intake, exercise, and other health behaviors. Programmable alarms and alerts warn users about current and/or impending acute glycemic events. However, the value and utility of retrospective data analysis for clinical decision-making have gone mostly unrecognized. This article presents a series of patient case examples that illustrate how our use of retrospective data enables us to identify and effectively address patterns of problematic glycemia.