Continuous glucose monitoring benefits those with type 2 diabetes on insulin

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has been shown to significantly benefit people with type 2 diabetes who use multiple daily insulin injections (MDI), according to new research.
The DIaMonD study (Multiple Daily Injections and Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Diabetes) focused on the potential benefits of CGM treating in type 2 diabetes because previous research has often focused on type 1 diabetes.
Scientists from the Jaeb Center for Health Research in Florida recruited 158 people with type 2 diabetes and assigned them for 24 weeks of treating either on CGM or their current blood glucose testing routine.
Those who used CGMs had improved HbA1c levels at 24 weeks when compared to the group which had relied only on blood glucose meter testing. CGM usage was also associated with higher patient satisfaction, less hypoglycemia and increased time spent in blood glucose target ranges.
“Since few insulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes currently are prescribed CGM, the study results indicate an additional management modality that may be beneficial for these patients,” wrote the authors.
Lead author Dr Roy W Beck, executive director of the Jaeb Center for Health Research in Florida, added: “This study represents a significant step forward for the diabetes community. The results allow us to confidently tell people with type 2 diabetes using insulin they can use CGM to take control of their disease and make better treatment decisions.”
The study was funded by a company called Dexcom, which develops, manufactures and distributes continuous glucose monitoring systems for diabetes management.
Kevin Sayer, president and CEO of the company, said: “We have been successful in driving innovation and adoption of CGM in the type 1 diabetes community, but this arm of the DIaMonD study is one of the first to examine how well CGM works for people with type 2 diabetes on MDI.
“We are pleased to see a significant HbA1c reduction in this study, showing that the millions of people globally with type 2 diabetes on MDI insulin therapy can benefit from CGM use.”
The findings have been published in the Annals of Internal Medicine journal.