Unblinded CGM Should Replace Blinded CGM in the Clinical Management of Diabetes

Abstract

The original continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) were limited to 3-day, blinded observation periods where glucose data was hidden from patients and later retrospectively analyzed by a provider to help guide the management of diabetes. Unblinded CGM, released several years later, allows patients to view their glucose data in real-time amidst their daily routines, enabling them to better understand how variables such as activity, nutrition, and medications affect glucose levels. Research studies consistently demonstrate improved glycemic control and reduced hypoglycemia in children and adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes while using unblinded CGM.1-4 As such, we believe that all CGM usage in clinical practice should be in real-time, unblinded mode for short-term and long-term wear periods.