Continuous Glucose Monitoring Integration in Clinical Practice: A Stepped Guide to Data Review and Interpretation

Background: The advent of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology has transformed the approach to diabetes care. Multiple CGM systems are commercially available and increased accuracy has allowed development of hybrid and automated insulin delivery systems. Evidence of CGM clinical benefits has also increased exponentially in the last decade. Methods: Literature search, review of professional guidelines, and consensus statements were used to guide the preparation of this article. The clinical benefits of both professional and personal CGM in clinical practice as well as barriers to wider adotpion were explored. A stepped approach to review and interpretation of CGM data is suggested for use in the clinician’s office regardless of the software used. Results: Although increasing, the use of CGM in patients with diabetes is still not widespread; multiple barriers are still in place, despite the approval of CGM systems for patients above the age of 2 years old, the extension of coverage for Medicare beneficiaries and the integration of CGM with multiple insulin pump systems. Integration of CGM technology in clinical practice presents various challenges, from concerns relative to time constraints during office visits to lack of systematic approach to interpretation of the data. Conclusions: Understanding the usefulness of personal and professional CGM, appropriate patient selection as well as patient and provider training are crucial for the expansion of CGM therapy use in clinical practice. Utilizing the proposed stepped approach to CGM review and interpretation may allow wider adoption of CGM with more effective and efficient office visits.