Advancements in diabetes treatment have made managing the disease far easier today than at any other point in history. These breakthroughs are also helping people living with the disease minimize the risk of serious diabetes-related comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, stroke, and nerve damage.

One of the biggest technological wonders in the past few decades is the continuous glucose monitoring device or CGM. These doctor-prescribed devices are now a mainstream part of diabetes treatment, particularly for those living with Type 1 diabetes.

CGMs provide real-time blood sugar data that can be checked as often as every few minutes without needing a finger prick or test strip. Blood sugar data is transferred to a smartphone application or hand-held receiver. Some CGMs send data automatically every few minutes, while others make data available with a simple scan of a small sensor that’s attached to the skin.

It's already been proven in numerous studies and touted by the American Diabetes Association that the use of CGM devices can help individuals with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes lower their A1C score (average blood sugar level over three months) and maintain stronger blood sugar control with fewer instances of hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic episodes.

CGMs Drastically Reduce Diabetes Complications: New Study

The study, showcased in the September 24, 2024, issue of Diabetes Care, a publication of the American Diabetes Association, was conducted using data from the Swedish National Diabetes Register and the Swedish National Patient Register.

Nearly 12,000 adults with Type 1 diabetes who used intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices were compared with just over 3,000 adults with Type 1 diabetes who used standard blood glucose meters (BGM) and test strips to measure blood sugar.

Data from both groups was compiled and studied from June 1, 2017, through August 22, 2022, to determine if there was any marked difference in hospitalization rates for acute and chronic diabetes-related complications.

The outcomes were undeniable.

Takeaways From the Study

The sizable reduction in the risk of many of the most severe diabetes-related complications shows that the efficacy of continuous glucose monitoring extends beyond blood sugar control. The benefits of CGMs can lower the risk of hospitalization and the tremendous costs incurred by the individual and the healthcare system. Additionally, the ability to better manage blood sugar over the long term with a CGM system improves quality of life. It minimizes the likelihood of acute and chronic conditions in those with Type 1 diabetes.

What Does This Mean for You?

Every diabetes diagnosis is unique, and admittedly, this study focuses entirely on adults with Type 1 diabetes. However, because CGMs have also been shown to help people with Type 2 diabetes lower their A1C scores and minimize spikes and dips in blood sugar, it’s not a crazy notion to think similar benefits could be found among those with Type 2 diabetes in terms of lowering the risk of comorbidities.

It All Comes Down to Blood Sugar Control

This study shows such a dramatic difference in hospitalization risk between those using CGMs and those relying on standard BGMs because CGMs tend to enable greater blood sugar control.

When blood sugar consistently remains in the target range, the risk of diabetes-related complications is reduced. Keep up the good work if you can achieve this and are more comfortable testing with a blood glucose meter. As long as your glucose levels remain consistent, you will minimize the risk of complications.

But if you are someone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes who is having difficulty avoiding surprise spikes and sudden dips in blood glucose, a continuous glucose monitoring device might be the solution you need to regain control.

CGMs require a doctor’s prescription, and insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses must be considered. Step one is to ask your diabetes physician if a CGM device might provide you with added control and peace of mind.