ADA Conference Coverage

Higher CGM Adherence Linked to Reduced Diabetes-Related Hospitalizations in Type 2 Diabetes on Intensive Insulin

Anthony Calabro, MA

Key Highlights

  • Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) adherence was associated with a 4% reduction in diabetes-related inpatient visits.
  • Emergency department visits for diabetes-related events decreased by 6% with higher CGM adherence.
  • Analysis included over 14,500 adults with type 2 diabetes on intensive insulin therapy.

In a retrospective analysis of more than 14,500 adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) on intensive insulin therapy (IIT), higher adherence to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was significantly associated with fewer hospitalizations due to diabetes-related complications. Greater CGM use correlated with a 4% reduction in inpatient diabetes-related (DR) visits and a 6% reduction in emergency department visits related to diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperglycemia, or hypoglycemia. The authors presented their study results at the American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions in Chicago, IL.

The study addresses a critical question in diabetes management: does consistent CGM use improve clinical outcomes in populations at high risk for acute metabolic events? Given the increasing adoption of CGM in T2D, particularly among individuals on IIT, quantifying its impact on healthcare utilization helps guide patient care strategies and technology deployment.

Researchers conducted a retrospective analysis using a large US health care claims database. The cohort included more than 14,500 CGM-naïve adults with T2D on IIT who initiated CGM use between January 2019 and December 2022. Participants were required to have continuous health plan coverage for 12 months before and after CGM initiation. Adherence was measured via pharmacy claims as the proportion of days covered (PDC), and linear regression models adjusted for baseline health status and utilization.

Across all users, increased CGM adherence was associated with decreased diabetes-related hospital visits. A unit increase in PDC was linked to a 4% decrease in inpatient visits (β = -0.04; 95% CI, -0.07 to -0.01; P = .0037) and a 6% decrease in emergency visits (β = -0.06; 95% CI, -0.08 to -0.04; P < .0001).

“The results suggest that maintaining adherence to CGM can contribute to reduced diabetes-related health care utilization,” the authors concluded.

Reference:
Nemlekar P, Hannah K, Liu BCL, Norman GJ. Association between continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) adherence and diabetes-related (DR) hospitalizations in people with type 2 diabetes (PwT2D) on intensive insulin therapy (IIT). Abstract 1001-P. Presented at: ADA 85th Scientific Sessions; June 20-23, 2025; Chicago, IL. https://professional.diabetes.org/scientific-sessions