CGM Findings vs: Understanding the Trends and Opportunities

Diabetes is a major healthcare issue globally, with the United States being no exception. According to the latest statistics, approximately 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, and an alarming 90-95% of these cases are type 2 diabetes. The rising incidence and prevalence of this disease are expected to increase costs exponentially, posing significant challenges for the healthcare system.

The most recent data suggests that diabetes is associated with decreased lifespan and accounts for a staggering 1 in every 4 US healthcare dollars spent. As the situation worsens, it becomes increasingly essential for healthcare providers to adapt their workflows and strategies to support the use of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) in primary care.

Recent studies have shown that CGM uptake for type 2 diabetes is increasing rapidly, with a significant proportion of growth occurring in primary care settings. In fact, a notable 49% of patients started using CGMs in primary care, whereas only 28% of those who began using CGMs in endocrinology were not taking insulin.

The data also reveals that from 2020 to 2021, the rate of CGM prescriptions to new users grew by an impressive 36% overall, with a remarkable 125% increase in primary care. Furthermore, it was found that for each month in 2021, approximately 90.5 people started using CGMs.

Interestingly, research has shown that patients who use CGMs are more likely to receive endocrinology care than those who do not, but surprisingly, 23% of these users had only primary care visits throughout 2021. Additionally, CGM users tend to have higher hemoglobin A1c values compared to non-users.

The study also found that CGM users were generally younger and more likely to have private health insurance coverage. Furthermore, a significant proportion (72%) of these patients were using an intensive insulin regimen, while 12% did not take insulin at all.

In conclusion, the findings suggest that among 30,585 adults with type 2 diabetes, approximately 13% had used a CGM. The research highlights the importance of understanding correlates and rates of new CGM prescriptions across different clinic types and medication regimens to inform healthcare strategies and improve patient outcomes.

By exploring these trends and opportunities, we can better support healthcare providers in their efforts to adapt workflows and promote the use of CGMs in primary care settings, ultimately contributing to improved diabetes management and reduced healthcare costs.

Cgm findings vs