Despite advancements and improved availability of therapeutic options in diabetes management, outcomes defined by hemoglobin A1C (A1C) have declined over the last two decades. Specifically, NHANES data indicate that the percentage of people with diabetes (PWD) with A1C values <7% has decreased from 57.4% in the 2007-2010 analysis to 50.5% in the 2015-2018 analysis.1
Studies show that when glycemic goals are not met, the median time for a person to be prescribed an additional diabetes medication can range from one to seven years.2,3 Delaying treatment intensification by just one year when glucose is above target has been associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, and composite cardiovascular events.4
Optimizing glycemic management to an A1C level <6.5% within the first year of a type 2 diabetes (T2D) diagnosis5 is fundamental to maximizing the protection against micro- and macrovascular complications.6
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is proven to significantly improve A1C and time in range (TIR) among people with T2D regardless of insulin7 or non-insulin therapy,8 with positive outcomes demonstrated within three months.9
The American Diabetes Association states that diabetes devices, including CGM, should be offered to people with diabetes.10 While coverage for CGM has greatly expanded in recent years, less than half of PWD taking any kind of insulin are prescribed CGM to help manage their diabetes.11
The opportunity to make a lasting impact for millions of PWD is monumental, and it is now. Watch this video to learn how a Findlay, Ohio-based family medicine doctor uses CGM as an early and primary prescription in the management of T2D, which has ignited change in local policy.
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Thomas Grace, MD, is a family medicine doctor in Findlay, Ohio. Dr. Grace is rated as a Distinguished doctor by MediFind in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D). He is board certified in obesity medicine, and he is an active member of the American Diabetes Association and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. Dr. Grace is an employee of Dexcom.
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