The New England Journal of Medicine has published trial results suggesting continuous glucose monitors could benefit people with type 2 diabetes who do not use insulin.
The CONNECT trial, published in the *New England Journal of Medicine*, examined whether continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) — small wearable sensors that track blood sugar levels in real time throughout the day — can help manage type 2 diabetes in patients who are not treated with insulin. The journal posted news of the findings on social media, linking to the full article under the hashtag #Endocrinology.
CGM devices are already widely used by people with type 1 diabetes and insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes. The CONNECT trial specifically looked at whether the technology offers measurable benefit to the broader group of type 2 patients who control their condition through diet, exercise, or non-insulin medicines such as tablets.
According to published trial summaries, the CONNECT trial enrolled 283 participants across 22 US primary-care practices. Key findings include an average reduction in HbA1c of 1.6 percentage points among CGM users — approximately 0.9 points greater than those receiving routine care — and around five additional hours per day spent within the target glucose range.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in the UK, according to the NHS. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, or does not respond to it properly, causing blood sugar (glucose) levels to rise. Left unmanaged, high blood sugar can damage nerves, kidneys, and eyesight over time.
So why does the monitoring question matter? Many people with type 2 diabetes currently check their blood sugar using a finger-prick test rather than a continuous sensor, and access to CGM devices on the NHS is not universal for this group. Research that demonstrates a clinical benefit could inform future prescribing guidance.
Anyone with questions about diabetes management, blood sugar monitoring, or their current treatment should speak to their GP or diabetes nurse. NHS 111 is available by phone or online for non-emergency health queries.
Source: @NEJM