The Expanding Role of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in the Management and Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has transformed diabetes management by providing continuous, high-resolution insight into glucose dynamics. Initially developed for type 1 diabetes, CGM now demonstrates substantial clinical and behavioral benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes across diverse therapeutic settings. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the expanding role of CGM in optimizing glycemic control and promoting patient-driven lifestyle modification.

Across randomized and real-world studies, CGM consistently improves glycosylated hemoglobin, increases time in range, and reduces glycemic variability, regardless of insulin use. Beyond metabolic outcomes, CGM enhances treatment satisfaction, psychological well-being, and self-efficacy, particularly when combined with structured education and feedback. By enabling individuals to visualize real-time glucose responses to daily behaviors, CGM serves as a powerful catalyst for sustained behavioral change and personalized self-management.

In addition to its therapeutic applications, CGM also provides diagnostic insight by revealing unrecognized glucose excursions that conventional monitoring may miss, facilitating earlier identification of dysglycemia in at-risk individuals. Yet significant barriers persist, including device costs, limited insurance coverage, and the difficulty of translating raw data into actionable insights for patients and clinicians.

In conclusion, CGM has evolved from a glucose-monitoring device to a comprehensive platform that supports both clinical decision-making and behavioral empowerment, bridging the continuum from diabetes prevention to long-term management.