The Clinical and Economic Costs and Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitoring

The Clinical and Economic Costs and Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitoring

The purpose of this study is to investigate the economic and clinical costs and benefits of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients based on current literature. Continuous glucose monitoring is a new technology that allows patients to measure glucose levels in real-time throughout the day and night. A tiny electrode, called a glucose sensor, is inserted under the skin to measure glucose levels in tissue fluid; this sensor is connected to a transmitter that wirelessly sends blood glucose information to a monitoring device. Unlike a typical blood glucose monitor (BGM) which provides just a single glucose reading, CGM systems provide real-time, dynamic glucose information every five minutes—up to 288 readings in a 24-hour period, which allows individuals to gain valuable insight to proactively manage their diabetes. Continuous glucose monitoring has been shown to improve glycemic control and/or reduce the frequency of hypoglycemic episodes in diabetic patients. Cost-effectiveness analyses have shown that CGM systems could result in quality of life benefits within the range of what is deemed to be cost-effective. The goal of this paper is to determine if continuous glucose monitoring is a cost and clinically effective disease management option for people with diabetes.