- βDietitian-led nutrition education significantly lowered HbA1c after 12 months of CGM use
- βEducation group spent nearly 5% more time in healthy glucose target range
- βMore dietitian sessions correlated directly with greater blood sugar improvements
| Journal | Endocrinology, diabetes & metabolism |
| Year | 2025 |
| Authors | Navrátilová, Zadáková, Šoupal |
| PMID | 40121673 |
What Was Studied and Why It Matters
Starting a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a big step for anyone living with Type 1 diabetes β but does getting proper nutrition education at the same time make a real difference? Researchers in a 2025 study set out to answer exactly that question. They followed 329 people with Type 1 diabetes who were all beginning CGM use, comparing those who met with a registered dietitian to those who did not. The results offer a clear, practical message for anyone newly starting sensor-based monitoring.
What the Researchers Found
Both groups started the study with nearly identical blood sugar levels, measured by HbA1c β a key marker showing average glucose control over roughly three months. After 12 months, however, the two groups had pulled apart in meaningful ways:
- Better HbA1c levels: The education group reached an average HbA1c of 7.17%, compared to 7.37% in the no-education group β a statistically significant difference.
- More time in target range: People who received nutrition education spent 68.8% of their time within healthy glucose levels, versus 64.1% for those without education.
- More sessions, better results: The more dietitian sessions a person completed, the greater their improvement. This suggests that ongoing education β not just a single appointment β compounds the benefit over time.
What This Means in Plain English
Wearing a CGM sensor gives you more data about your blood sugar than ever before β but data alone doesn't automatically improve your health. This study shows that knowing how to act on that data matters enormously. Specifically, learning carbohydrate counting and flexible insulin dosing (adjusting your insulin based on what you actually eat) helped people translate their sensor readings into real-world improvements.
Think of a CGM as a powerful tool: in the right hands, with the right training, it performs far better. Nutrition education from a registered dietitian appears to be a key part of unlocking that potential.
What Patients and Caregivers Should Do
If you or someone you care for is starting CGM use β or has been using a sensor without formal nutrition guidance β it's worth asking your care team for a referral to a registered dietitian who specialises in diabetes. Even one session can help, but this research strongly suggests that multiple follow-up appointments deliver the best outcomes.
Staying consistent with your CGM supplies is also essential. Running out of sensors can break the momentum of monitoring and learning. MDS Diabetes makes it easy to keep your CGM supplies stocked so your diabetes management stays on track without interruption.
Bottom Line
Starting a glucose sensor alongside structured nutrition education leads to meaningfully better blood sugar control in people with Type 1 diabetes. After 12 months, those who worked with a dietitian had lower HbA1c scores and spent more time in their target glucose range. The takeaway is simple: your CGM works harder for you when you have the knowledge to back it up. Pair your sensor with professional nutrition support β and reliable supplies from MDS Diabetes β for the best possible outcomes.