Study backs wider glucose monitors for type 2 diabetes
A New Zealand-led study suggests that continuous glucose monitoring for type 2 diabetes patients improves health outcomes and reduces long-term costs. The findings are particularly significant for the Māori population, who face higher risks.
Why it matters
Adopting this technology could alleviate the growing economic burden of diabetes on national healthcare systems.
A New Zealand-led study has found that wider use of continuous glucose monitoring could improve outcomes for people with type 2 diabetes on intensive insulin therapy while reducing long-term healthcare costs.
The study was led by Associate Professor Ryan Paul, an endocrinologist at the University of Waikato and Health New Zealand, with researchers from the United States and the United Kingdom. It compared real-time continuous glucose monitoring devices with traditional finger-prick testing for people with type 2 diabetes who require intensive insulin therapy.
The research estimated that people using continuous glucose monitoring would live longer on average and spend more years in better health. The model pointed to fewer complications, including kidney disease, eye disease, and cardiovascular conditions, as well as fewer severe low blood glucose events that can lead to emergency treatment.
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