CGM benefits ripple beyond glucose control, study finds

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. – Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool for managing diabetes, but new research from Abbott suggests its impact may extend much further. The company recently published a study that found CGM use was associated with a lower risk of death and cardiovascular complications among adults with Type 2 diabetes using basal insulin.

Study author Dr. Jay Shubrook spoke with HME News about what may be driving the improved outcomes, how CGM influences patient behavior and why the findings strengthen the case for expanded access.

HME News: The study found a 44% lower risk of death after one year among CGM users. What do you believe are the primary factors driving such a significant reduction in mortality?

Dr. Jay Shubrook: We know that improved glucose management is associated with better long-term health outcomes. CGM gives people real-time insight into how food, physical activity and medications affect their glucose levels, helping them make more informed decisions and become more engaged in their care. The CGM input keeps health decisions and consequences front of mind. Research also suggests that CGMs can encourage healthier lifestyle choices and more active self-management. The combination of improved glucose management and healthier daily behaviors may help explain the lower mortality risk observed in this study.

HME: Previous research has shown clinical benefits of CGM, but the study describes this as the first evidence linking advanced CGM technology with lower mortality risk in people with Type 2 diabetes using basal insulin. Why is this finding particularly important? 

Shubrook: Historically, much of the evidence around continuous glucose monitoring has focused on intermediate measures such as HbA1C, time in range and hypoglycemia. Those outcomes are important, but ultimately, we want to know whether better diabetes management translates into better long-term health outcomes. What makes this study particularly notable is that it suggests an association between CGM use and outcomes at the far end of that pathway, including cardiovascular complications and death.

HME: The study also found a lower risk of cardiovascular events among CGM users. What does CGM appear to be changing in patient behavior or treatment management that could explain these outcomes? 

Shubrook: One of the unique benefits of CGM is the immediate feedback it provides. People can see how their daily choices affect their glucose levels in real time. Of note, this can support healthier behaviors, including better nutrition, increased physical activity and more active self-management. CGMs can also give health care professionals a more complete picture of glucose patterns, helping to inform treatment decisions. Together, these factors may help explain the lower rates of cardiovascular events observed in the study.

HME: CMS is planning to expand coverage of CGMs for Type 2 diabetes. Do studies like this bolster the argument that it’s time to do so?

Shubrook: As a physician, I want my patients to have access to tools that help them better understand and manage their diabetes. CGM provides insights people can use every day to make informed decisions about their health. Findings like these are encouraging because they suggest those day-to-day benefits may translate into fewer complications and better long-term health, reinforcing the importance of expanding access for people who can benefit.