Evaluating the Clinical Utility of the Glycemia Risk Index
Agatha F Scheideman1, Mandy M Shao1, Yijiong Yang2
1Diabetes Technology Society, Burlingame, CA, USA.
Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology
|November 11, 2025
Summary
The Glycemia Risk Index (GRI) is a valuable tool for interpreting continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data, aiding healthcare professionals in diabetes management. Its integration into clinical practice shows promise, though further standardization and training are needed.
Area of Science:
- Diabetes management and technology
- Clinical decision support systems
- Glycemic control assessment
Background:
- The Glycemia Risk Index (GRI) offers a composite score to simplify continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) interpretation.
- It quantifies risks of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and glucose variability into a single metric.
- The clinical utility of GRI as a decision-support tool requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess healthcare professionals' perceptions of the GRI.
- To evaluate the perceived usefulness, advantages, and limitations of the GRI in clinical practice.
- To explore the potential for integrating the GRI into diabetes care workflows.
Main Methods:
- An observational study involving 28 Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (DCESs) and other healthcare professionals (HCPs).
- Participants attended a virtual educational session on GRI followed by an online survey.
- Survey data included demographics, tool preferences (GRI vs. Ambulatory Glucose Profile - AGP), and feedback on GRI usefulness, with qualitative responses analyzed thematically.
Main Results:
- Most participants preferred using GRI alongside AGP for evaluating glycemic management.
- 75% of participants expressed willingness to integrate GRI into their clinical workflows.
- Participants rated GRI highly for advantages (4.57 ± 0.84) and usefulness for practitioners, with moderate concerns about disadvantages (3.04 ± 1.20).
- Key themes identified were GRI's ability to simplify data, aid clinical decisions, improve CGM data understanding, and the need for wider dissemination.
Conclusions:
- GRI is perceived as a valuable addition to traditional CGM reports, enhancing clinical assessments and diabetes education.
- High enthusiasm exists for broader GRI integration, but barriers like standardization, guideline adoption, and HCP training need addressing.
- Future research should focus on GRI's impact on clinical outcomes and optimal implementation strategies.
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