CGM study shows benefits for non-insulin users

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) could benefit people with Type 2 diabetes who do not take insulin, according to a study published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine. The research was funded by Dexcom and involved participants from 22 primary care practices in the United States.

Results Show Lower Blood Sugar

Researchers randomly assigned 283 participants to use a Dexcom G7 CGM or receive routine care. After 26 weeks, the group wearing the device saw their average hemoglobin A1c drop from 8.8% to 7.2%. The control group experienced a smaller decrease, moving from 8.7% to 8%. This specific outcome reinforces the strength and totality of the data presented by Dexcom.

Patients using the monitor spent five additional hours per day within the target blood glucose range of 70 to 180 mg per deciliter. The benefits were consistent across various demographics, including age, sex, race, ethnicity, body mass index, education level, and insurance status.

What Comes Next for Coverage

Abbott, another major manufacturer, projects that expanded coverage could add about 10 million Medicare beneficiaries to the eligible pool.

While Dexcom anticipates a CMS decision before the end of the year, the analysts point out that implementation is not expected until mid-2027. The timing for the Medicare coverage expansion is still unknown, but Dexcom expects a decision before the end of the year, with implementation in mid-2027. This would double Dexcom’s total covered lives from about 15 million to 30 million people. In total, about 25 million people in the U.S. have Type 2 diabetes and are not on insulin, according to the William Blair analysts.