- A major UK trial found that real-time continuous glucose monitoring improved HbA1c more than finger-prick testing in adults with type 2 diabetes using basal insulin.
- The benefit was seen after both self-management and clinician-supported phases, suggesting the effect was sustained rather than short-lived.
- The findings strengthen the case for wider CGM access in type 2 diabetes, although cost-effectiveness will still matter.
A major clinical trial has found that continuous glucose monitoring can improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes treated with basal insulin.
The study compared real-time CGM with traditional finger-prick monitoring.
It included 303 participants and ran in two stages.
In the first 16 weeks, people used the monitoring tools largely to guide their own self-management.
In the second 16 weeks, they were supported by clinicians and some had therapies adjusted.
At both 16 and 32 weeks, the CGM group had greater reductions in HbA1c than the finger-prick group.
That is an important result.
CGM is already widely seen as standard care in type 1 diabetes, but access in type 2 diabetes has been much more limited.
Part of the hesitation has been uncertainty over who benefits most.
This trial adds weight to the case that people with type 2 diabetes on basal insulin can benefit in a meaningful way.
The researchers say many participants found the sensors gave them practical insight into how food, activity and daily routines affected glucose levels.
That may explain why improvements were seen even before clinicians stepped in with medication changes.
CGM is not just a less painful replacement for finger-prick testing.
It gives a far more detailed picture of what glucose is doing throughout the day and night.
That can help people make better decisions in real time.
The obvious question now is not whether CGM can help, but who should be offered it and how systems can afford it.
The clinical case is getting stronger.
The funding case will decide how widely it is used.
