Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems are typically recommended for people using insulin, as they provide valuable data to manage dosing and prevent dangerous blood sugar fluctuations. Reliable glucose results allow for patient engagement in their self-management of diabetes.

“In the past two decades we have introduced more medications and classes of medications for the management of type 2 diabetes and for type 1 diabetes thanks to major advances in diabetes technology,” said Joseph Aloi, MD, section chief, Endocrinology and Metabolism at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

He noted how CGMs have been shown to improve quality of life for persons with diabetes, decrease A1c, and in some studies emergency room visits and admissions for diabetic ketoacidosis were reduced.

“Simply adding a sensor to the treatment plan for a person with diabetes has been shown to lower the HbA1c by 0.5%-0.75%. Particularly in children and adolescents, the barrier of finger sticks and carrying a glucometer are eliminated,” Aloi also said.

More recently, CGMs are also being used by people who do not take insulin, often to gain deeper insights into how daily habits affect blood sugar, according to Scott Isaacs, MD, an adjunct associate professor of medicine, Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta and past president of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology.

“For these patients, CGMs function more as an optional tool, providing awareness, knowledge, and often motivation for behavior change,” he said. “This trend is also part of the broader biohacking movement where individuals use continuous data to optimize nutrition, performance, and overall health by learning how their body uniquely responds.”

Managing Diabetes Better

CGMs have made diabetes much easier to manage.

“For those on insulin, CGMs provides real-time readings and alarms for highs and lows, and a much clearer picture of glucose trends throughout the day, something finger-sticks just can’t match,” said Issacs.

Describing the process to your patient is straightforward, and here is some messaging Isaacs suggests you can share with your patients:

“The process is simple: place the sensor, link it to your phone, and check your app. CGM helps you see how food, exercise, and stress affect their numbers, making it easier and less stressful to keep glucose in range.”

Another way to raise a patient’s comfort level is to demonstrate how it’s used.

“I spend a minute or two in clinic showing the sensor, how it’s placed, and opening the app so patients can see the numbers and alarms,” said Isaacs. “Even a quick hands-on demo makes most people feel much more comfortable and willing to try the technology.”

Some physicians go a step further and recommend a digital experience so that the patient is comfortable with the device. “I usually send patients YouTube video links explaining the use, insertion and benefits of CGM as a general source of information,” Aloi said.

Who Isn’t a Fit for CGM?

Not every patient is a good fit for CGM, especially those who become overly anxious about low-normal or normal blood sugar swings, said Isaacs. Another group not suited to CGM are those who become fixated on every small glucose fluctuation, unnecessarily restricting their diet or stressing about normal ups and downs, he said.

Also reactions to the adhesive used to secure the monitors can be an issue, said Aloi. Studies have confirmed that the adhesive may cause both allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis.

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