Make room for continuous glucose monitoring in type 2 diabetes management
Here’s how the various devices can be used to reach an individualized target of glycemic control and what reimbursement to expect from insurers.
PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS
› Initiate continuous glucose monitoring early in the disease process, based on a patient’s needs or preferences. C
› Interpret a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) report with the understanding that time within target range is the most important factor to evaluate. Minimizing or eliminating time below range is of paramount importance. B
› Advise patients who use a CGM to continue to have access to a glucometer and instruct them on appropriate times when such confirmation might be necessary. B
Strength of recommendation (SOR)
A Good-quality patient-oriented evidence
B Inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence
C Consensus, usual practice, opinion, disease-oriented evidence, case series
Dexcom G6 is the first Dexcom CGM that does not require fingerstick calibration and the only rtCGM available in the United States that does not require patient calibration. This system comprises a single-use sensor replaced every 10 days; a transmitter that is transferred to each new sensor and replaced every 3 months; and an optional receiver that can be omitted if the patient prefers to utilize a smart device.
Dexcom G6 never requires a patient to scan a sensor. Instead, the receiver (or smart device) utilizes Bluetooth technology to obtain blood glucose readings if it is positioned within 20 feet of the transmitter. Patients can set both hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic alarms to predict events within 20 minutes. Similar to the functionality of the FreeStyle Libre systems, Dexcom G6 provides the opportunity to log lifestyle events, including insulin dosing, carbohydrate ingestion, exercise, and sick days.15
Medtronic Guardian 3 comprises the multi-use Guardian Connect Transmitter that is replaced annually and a single-use Guardian Sensor that is replaced every 7 days. Guardian 3 requires twice-daily fingerstick glucose calibration, which reduces the convenience of a CGM.
Guardian 3 allows the user to set alarm levels, providing predictive alerts 10 to 60 minutes before set glucose levels are reached. Patients must utilize a smart device to connect through Bluetooth to the CareLink Connect app and remain within 20 feet of the transmitter to provide continuous glucose readings. The CareLink Connect app allows patients to document exercise, calibration of fingerstick readings, meals, and insulin administration.16
Senseonics Eversense E3 consists of a 3.5 mm × 18.3 mm sensor inserted subcutaneously in the upper arm once every 180 days; a removable transmitter that attaches to an adhesive patch placed over the sensor; and a smart device with the Eversense app. The transmitter has a 1-year rechargeable battery and provides the patient with on-body vibration alerts even when they are not near their smart device.
Continue to: The Eversense E3 transmitter...
