A pioneering clinical trial conducted by HealthPartners, a Bloomington-based health care system in Minnesota, aims to determine whether continuous glucose monitors provide superior health outcomes compared to traditional finger-prick blood tests for people with diabetes. The study, which initially involved over 300 Minnesotans taking insulin for diabetes, has recently secured additional funding to double its size.

The use of continuous glucose monitors has gained popularity in recent years, with Best Buy even selling them through an online clinic partnership. However, there is limited data available to establish the true value of these high-tech sensors, with a transmitter costing around $300 and disposable sensors amounting to $100 per month.

Recognizing the importance of assessing the impact, HealthPartners launched one of the first real-world clinical trials that will address this essential question. The trial aims to provide concrete evidence on whether continuous glucose monitoring, which offers a constant stream of blood sugar data by utilizing quarter-sized sensors on the arm, is more effective in managing diabetes and preventing complications when compared to the point-in-time data obtained from manual test strips.

The significance of blood sugar monitoring cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in helping individuals with diabetes avoid both hyperglycemia (excessive blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (insufficient blood sugar). Immediate consequences of unmanaged blood sugar levels include car accidents caused by swooning levels while driving, while long-term implications encompass kidney problems and other disabilities.

Finding a solution to the economic concerns associated with diabetes management is of paramount importance. In Minnesota alone, type 2 diabetes has amounted to a $5 billion problem, encompassing medical costs and lost worker productivity. The prevalence of diabetes has doubled over the past two decades, with more than 10% of Minnesota adults receiving a diagnosis in 2022, according to federal survey data.

Dr. Thomas Martens, a leader of the study and medical director of HealthPartners Institute's International Diabetes Center, emphasizes the potential impact of using glucose data to improve diabetes management. If continuous glucose monitoring or finger-prick blood tests prove to be more effective in achieving this goal, it would be a substantial breakthrough for individuals with diabetes.

Nationally, "financial toxicity" has emerged as a significant issue, with a University of Michigan study revealing that nearly half of Americans struggle to afford their diabetes care. While efforts have been made to address the rising costs of insulin, it is crucial to remember that medication is only one component of diabetes management.

Colette Morris, a diabetes consultant for the study, eagerly awaits the results. After living with diabetes for 18 years, Morris has become well-versed in managing the disease. With the help of a continuous glucose monitor, she has gained invaluable insights into how stress, heat, and various foods affect her blood sugar levels. While she has learned to calibrate the device to avoid false readings and alarms, there are instances when she still resorts to finger-prick tests for safety measures and to take appropriate action if her blood sugar dips too low.

The study conducted by HealthPartners, privately funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute in Washington, D.C., has the potential to shape diabetes management strategies and improve the lives of millions of individuals affected by the disease. The results may offer insights into the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of continuous glucose monitors, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and enhanced affordability of diabetes care.

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