Abstract
We are pleased to announce the newly updated and published practice paper, The Diabetes Care and Education Specialist’s Role in Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). The following is a summary of the paper. Access the full paper on our website. This is an update of a paper published in March 2021.
CGM represents one of the most transformative advancements in diabetes care in recent decades. Unlike traditional glucose monitoring methods that offer only intermittent snapshots, CGM provides continuous, real-time data that reveal patterns and trends in glucose levels throughout the day and night. This dynamic information enables individuals living with diabetes—and their care teams—to make timely, informed, and evidence-based decisions that reduce glycemic variability, lower A1C levels, and ultimately improve overall health and quality of life.
The clinical use of CGM in both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes is well established. A growing body of evidence suggests that the use of CGM leads to improvements in critical outcomes, including increased time in range, reduced episodes of hypoglycemia, and enhanced diabetes self-management. Beyond its clinical benefits, CGM fosters patient engagement by providing immediate, actionable insights into how behavior, food, stress, and medication affect glucose levels.
The goal of this paper is to highlight that diabetes care and education specialists (DCESs) play a pivotal role in optimizing CGM therapy for both people living with diabetes and clinical practices treating those with diabetes by guiding device selection, onboarding, data interpretation, and behavior change. They are uniquely positioned to bridge technology with person-centered care, empowering individuals and health care professionals to confidently use CGM as a powerful tool for self-management.
CGM has transformed diabetes care, providing individuals with real-time insight into glucose patterns and enabling more dynamic, informed self-management. As evidence continues to accumulate, CGM is recognized not only as a clinical tool but also as a vehicle for empowerment that facilitates behavioral change and improved quality of life for people with diabetes. DCESs play a central role in maximizing the potential of CGM through support and strategic integration into the self-management education.
CGM across the life span
Pediatrics Pregnancy Older adults
Barriers and access to CGM use
DCESs as leader in equity and access
Role of DCESs in integrating CGM integration into diabetes care
Integrating CGM with ADCES7 Self-Care Behaviors
Roles of DCESs in implementing CGM into practice
Policy and advocacy recommendations.
Kristine Batty, PhD, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES
Betsy Rodriguez, BSN, MSN, FADCES
Mary Treadway, MSN, FNP-BC, CDCES, BC-ADM
Claudia Rahim, RD, CDCES
Constance Brown-Riggs, MSEd, RDN, CDCES, CDN
Han-Hung Huang, PhD, PT
Otis Kirksley, PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM
Emily Sutton, PharmD ■