The continuous glucose monitoring pricing dilemma for Type 2 diabetes

May 14, 2021 | Case Study

Kaiser Health News recently published an article calling into question the efficacy of minimally invasive continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) solutions for non-insulin-treated Type 2 diabetic patients. These CGM solutions are inserted under the skin and typically measure interstitial glucose levels, much like their traditional pricking method counterparts. However, for this diabetic population, measuring hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) better monitors the disease. The article references a 2017 study that found no indication of lowering HbA1c after one year of individuals self-monitoring glucose levels. Without insurance in the U.S, the annual cost of CGM systems can reach more than $6,000.