Australian Research Shows Consistent CGM Wear Boosts Blood Sugar Control in Kids

A study from Australia, conducted at the Children's Diabetes Centre, Telethon Kids Institute at The University of Western Australia in Perth, offers important insights into how often children with Type 1 diabetes actually wear their continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) — and what happens to their blood sugar control when they do.

What the Researchers Found

The research team examined children using sensor-augmented pump (SAP) therapy, which pairs an insulin pump with a CGM device. Some of these children also used a Predictive Low Glucose Management (PLGM) system — an advanced feature that automatically suspends insulin delivery before blood sugar drops dangerously low.

The findings were clear: the more consistently a child wore their CGM sensor, the better their overall blood sugar control. This held true whether or not the child was using the PLGM feature. Importantly, researchers also found that increasing sensor use did not cause any worsening of glucose levels — a reassurance for families who may worry about technology dependence.

One particularly notable finding: younger children were more likely to wear their sensors consistently than older children and teenagers. This aligns with real-world observations that adolescents often struggle with diabetes device compliance due to social pressures, body image concerns, and growing desire for independence.

Understanding the Numbers

Blood sugar targets in this Australian study align closely with American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines. In the US, the ADA recommends that children with Type 1 diabetes aim for a Time in Range (blood sugar between 70–180 mg/dL, or 3.9–10.0 mmol/L) of at least 70%. The ADA also recommends an A1C below 7% for most pediatric patients. Consistent CGM sensor wear is one of the most evidence-backed tools for hitting these targets.

Why This Matters for US Patients

In the United States, CGM devices like the Dexacom G7 and Freestyle Libre 3 are now widely covered by insurance for children with Type 1 diabetes — yet many families report that their children don't wear sensors every day. This Australian research reinforces what US endocrinologists increasingly emphasize: a CGM only works when it's being worn.

For American parents, this study offers both validation and motivation. If your younger child is more willing to wear their sensor than your teenager, that's not unusual — it's a documented pattern. For teens, working with a diabetes care team on strategies to improve sensor acceptance (such as choosing less visible placement sites or using skin-friendly adhesives) can make a real difference in long-term health outcomes.

The PLGM technology referenced in this study is available in the US through systems like the Medtronic MiniMed 780G and similar hybrid closed-loop pumps, making these findings directly applicable to many American families already using or considering this technology.

The Bottom Line

More sensor time equals better blood sugar control — and that benefit holds across different pump technologies. If your child is skipping sensor days, talk to your diabetes care team about troubleshooting barriers.

Source: Abraham MB, Smith GJ, Nicholas JA, et al. Effect of frequency of sensor use on glycaemic control in individuals on sensor-augmented pump therapy with and without Predictive Low Glucose Management System. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2019.107989. PMID: 31866529.