Can I get a CGM if I have type 2 diabetes and kidney disease?

Possibly yes. This study shows real benefits for people in this situation. Ask your diabetes doctor or specialist nurse whether a CGM is suitable for you and whether it may be available on prescription.

What is HbA1c and why does it matter?

HbA1c is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months. Lowering a high HbA1c reduces the risk of long-term diabetes complications like nerve damage and eye problems.

What counts as a dangerous low blood sugar level?

In this study, a dangerous low was defined as blood sugar below 3.9 mmol/L (70 mg/dL). Symptoms can include shakiness, sweating, confusion, and in severe cases loss of consciousness.

CGM Benefits for Type 2 Diabetes with Kidney Disease

Key takeaways

✓CGM cut dangerous low blood sugar time in half for kidney disease patients
✓Over 51% of patients had hidden low blood sugars revealed, allowing safer insulin adjustments
✓Nearly two-thirds of patients saw improved long-term blood sugar (HbA1c) after starting CGM

Quick specs

Journal	Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association
Year	2026
PMID	41254466

What This Study Found

Researchers looked at how continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) helped 177 adults who had both type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). These patients are at especially high risk of dangerous low blood sugar episodes.

Why This Matters

People with kidney disease process insulin differently, making low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) more likely and harder to predict. Traditional finger-prick testing can miss these episodes, but a CGM tracks glucose levels continuously throughout the day and night.

Key Results

Time spent with dangerously low blood sugar was cut in half after starting CGM use.
In 51% of patients, CGM revealed hidden low blood sugars that led doctors to safely reduce their insulin doses.
64% of patients saw their HbA1c (average blood sugar over 3 months) improve after using CGM.

What This Means for You

If you have type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, a CGM could reveal blood sugar lows you didn't know you were having. This information can help your doctor adjust your insulin to keep you safer. Talk to your diabetes care team about whether a CGM is right for your situation.

References & Sources

Frequently asked questions

Damaged kidneys clear insulin from the body more slowly, causing it to build up and push blood sugar too low. Kidneys also play a role in producing glucose, so when they are not working well, blood sugar can drop unexpectedly.

Editorial note

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diabetes management. Last reviewed: July 16, 2026 by the MDS Diabetes editorial team.

What to do next

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CGM Helps Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Kidney Disease