The Current Role and Clinical Impact of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Canadian Adults Living With Type 2 Diabetes

Our aim in this study was to present a summary of recent evidence describing the clinical and economic impact of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in the care of people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Outcomes associated with CGM use in T2DM were searched using PubMed and Google Scholar, with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to select evidence. Preference was given to randomized controlled trials, real-world observational studies, and meta-analyses. Guidelines, consensus statements, and systematic reviews were also considered. An overall favourable trend was seen for people living with T2DM who used CGM in addition to their regular therapies. When compared with traditional self-monitoring of blood glucose, CGM was found to improve glycemic outcomes as evidenced by significant differences in change from baseline for glycated hemoglobin, time in range, time above range, time below range, and glycemic variability. Patient satisfaction reflected favoured use of CGM, with an overall cost-efficiency improvement as well. The Canadian health care system could benefit from CGM use through decreased hospitalizations and related costs. Integration of CGM to enhance treatment for Canadians living with T2DM as a component of comprehensive care should be recognized. Structural barriers, including provincial inequalities in coverage for devices and access to care, currently pose a barrier for much this population.