CGM Use Tied to Lower Death Risk in Type 2 Diabetes Patients on Basal Insulin
An analysis of patient records found that adults with type 2 diabetes who started continuous glucose monitoring while using basal insulin had a 44% lower one-year risk of death from any cause than nonusers. At two years, the mortality risk remained 35% lower, and researchers also observed fewer cardiovascular events. The findings were presented at the EASD annual meeting in Milan.
The study compared 13,935 adults with type 2 diabetes starting basal insulin who first filled a CGM prescription against an equal number who did not. Groups were matched on 29 characteristics, including age, sex, ethnicity, diabetes duration, complications, HbA1c, medications, and healthcare use. Average age was 58; 47% were female. Data came from anonymized records of over 140 million Americans via Truveta, covering 2017 to 2024.
At one year, deaths occurred in 1.16% of CGM users versus 2.09% of nonusers. At two years, rates were 2.12% versus 3.26%. New macrovascular events were also less frequent among CGM users: 1.03% versus 1.39% at one year and 1.64% versus 2.17% at two years. Findings were presented at EASD in Milan.
If confirmed, these findings could influence how clinicians discuss CGM with adults using basal insulin, potentially expanding uptake. Patients may gain another tool to manage glucose and possibly reduce severe outcomes, though cost, insurance coverage, and device adoption could shape real-world reach. The results may also encourage further research into whether monitoring itself contributes to survival gains or reflects better overall care.