Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Type 2 Diabetes Is Not Ready for Widespread Adoption

Rather than directly measuring blood glucose levels, continuous glucose monitoring devices track levels indirectly by measuring interstitial fluid glucose levels via a subcutaneous sensor attached to an external transmitter located on the upper arm or abdomen. Flash glucose monitoring devices (e.g., Freestyle Libre) do not notify patients but transmit data when the receiver is in close proximity to the transmitter.1 Continuous glucose monitoring can alert patients with type 2 diabetes that they are becoming hypoglycemic, especially those using insulin who are at risk of severe hypoglycemia requiring urgent medical care. Most people with type 2 diabetes do not require self-monitoring of blood glucose, and unnecessary monitoring not only wastes money but can negatively impact quality of life.8 Until we have research supporting continuous glucose monitoring for patients with type 2 diabetes, especially those not receiving regular insulin injections, there are no patient-oriented benefits to justify its great expense and additional hassles for patients and physicians.