Effectiveness and acceptability of continuous glucose monitoring for type 2 diabetes management: A narrative review

The present narrative review discusses the role of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in glycemic and weight control, and lifestyle behavior adherence in adults with type 2 diabetes. A literature search from January 2001 to November 2017 was carried out (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus). Eligible studies were trials evaluating the use of CGM with the aim of achieving glucose control or lifestyle‐related treatment adherence over a period of ≥8 weeks in adults with type 2 diabetes compared with usual care or another comparison intervention, or observational trials reporting CGM user experience. A total of 5,542 participants were recruited into 11 studies (eight randomized controlled trials [n = 5,346] and three observational studies [n = 196]). The sample size ranged 6–4,678 participants, the mean age was 51.7–60.0 years and diabetes duration was 2.1–19.2 years, with high heterogeneity between studies. Overall, the available evidence showed, compared with traditional self‐monitoring of blood glucose levels, CGM promoted greater reductions in glycated hemoglobin, bodyweight and caloric intake; higher adherence rating to a personal eating plan; and increases in physical activity. High compliance to CGM wear‐time and device calibration was reported (>90%). The addition of lifestyle and/or behavioral counseling to CGM appeared to further potentiate these improvements. Preliminary evidence suggests that CGM use promotes glycemic and weight control, and lifestyle behavior adherence in adults with type 2 diabetes. These benefits might be further enhanced with integration of diet, exercise, and glucose excursion education and counseling. However, specific attributes of effective interventions and the application of CGM information for promoting improved outcomes and healthier choices remain unclear.