Latest News & Views in Diabetes Technology

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have transformed diabetes management, but new research suggests their impact could extend far beyond real-time glucose tracking. A groundbreaking study from the University of Virginia Center for Diabetes Technology indicates that CGM data may predict diabetes-related complications just as effectively as the standard hemoglobin A1c test.

The study found that maintaining blood glucose within a target range over a 14-day period correlates with the risk of developing complications such as nerve, eye, and kidney damage in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Historically, A1c has been the primary metric used to assess long-term glucose control, but CGM-derived data could provide a more dynamic and precise picture of a patient’s risk profile.

This research reinforces the growing role of CGMs in clinical decision-making and patient care. If further validated, these findings could shift how healthcare providers monitor diabetes progression and implement early interventions. By focusing on time-in-range metrics, clinicians may have a new, accessible tool for preventing long-term complications before they arise.

For healthcare professionals, these insights underscore the importance of using CGM data beyond day-to-day management, integrating it into risk assessments for long-term diabetes outcomes.

Key Takeaways for Clinicians:

• CGM data over 14 days can predict complications as effectively as A1c levels.
• Time-in-range metrics may offer a more nuanced view of long-term glucose control.
• These findings could change how diabetes progression is monitored and managed.

As CGM technology continues to evolve, its role in predictive analytics may open new doors for improving patient care and outcomes.