Health Care Disparities in Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Diabetes Technol Ther. 2021 Sep;23(S3):S81-S87. doi: 10.1089/dia.2021.0268.

Abstract

Numerous studies have demonstrated that use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) improves glycemic control and reduces diabetes-related hospitalizations and emergency room service utilization in individuals with diabetes who are treated with intensive insulin regimens. Recent studies have revealed disparities in use of CGM within racially and ethnically diverse and lower socioeconomic populations, leading to underutilization of CGM in these populations. This article reviews the scope and impact of these disparities on utilization of CGM and explores the factors that may be contributing to this issue.

Keywords: Blood glucose monitoring; Continuous glucose monitoring; Diabetes; Disparities; HbA1c; Severe hypoglycemia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Glucose
  • Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1* / drug therapy
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / analysis
  • Healthcare Disparities
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia*
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Insulin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin