Continuous Glucose Monitors Linked to Reduced Mortality in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

The use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices may substantially reduce the risk of death for millions of Americans living with type 2 diabetes, according to a recent study.

Researchers found that individuals with type 2 diabetes who were receiving basal insulin and used a CGM experienced a 44 percent lower risk of dying from any cause after one year of monitoring. This benefit persisted at two years, with a 35 percent reduction in mortality risk. The study, presented at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Italy, also indicated a reduced risk of cardiovascular events, such as strokes and heart attacks.

A CGM is a wearable device that continuously tracks glucose levels by measuring sugar in the fluid surrounding cells. A small sensor inserted beneath the skin sends readings to a user's smartphone, allowing individuals to monitor their current glucose levels, track fluctuations throughout the day, and understand the impact of food, exercise, and medication on their levels. This contrasts with traditional finger-stick tests, which provide a snapshot of glucose at a single point in time.

The study analyzed anonymized electronic health records from the Truveta platform, encompassing over 140 million Americans between 2017 and 2024. The research team, from Abbott, compared nearly 14,000 patients using CGMs with an equal number of non-users, controlling for factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, duration of diabetes, comorbidities, medication use, and blood sugar control.

At one year, the mortality rate was 1.2 percent among CGM users compared to 2.1 percent among non-users. After two years, the rates were 2.1 percent for users and 3.3 percent for non-users.

Further analysis revealed a 26 percent lower risk of macrovascular events in CGM users at one year compared to non-users. The rate of repeat macrovascular events was 35 percent lower at 12 months and 36 percent lower at 24 months among CGM users. Additionally, hospitalization due to heart failure was 54 percent lower among CGM users at 12 months and 47 percent lower at 24 months.

Professor Jochen Seufert of the University Hospital of Freiburg in Germany, who led the research, stated that these findings provide the first evidence of an association between CGMs and a reduced risk of death in people with type 2 diabetes on basal insulin. He emphasized the importance of expanding access to CGM technology for eligible patients and ensuring equitable access alongside necessary support for effective use.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by the body's ineffective use of insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Persistently high blood sugar can result in significant long-term complications, including nerve damage, vision loss, kidney disease, and cardiovascular issues. CGMs are often covered by insurance, with patient costs typically ranging from $0 to $75 per month, although they can be considerably more expensive without coverage.