What is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and how does it help?

A CGM is a small wearable sensor that tracks your blood sugar levels throughout the day and night in real time. In this program, CGM data helped doctors and dietitians personalize dietary advice and safely adjust medications based on each patient's actual glucose readings.

How many carbs did participants eat in this low-carb program?

The study did not specify an exact carb limit, but 'low-carbohydrate' diets typically involve reducing carbs significantly — often to under 130 grams per day or less. The dietitian tailored recommendations to each individual participant.

Could this program work for people who are not Veterans?

While this study was conducted within the VA healthcare system, the core approach — combining low-carb eating with CGM and professional support — could potentially benefit anyone with type 2 diabetes on insulin. Talk to your doctor about whether a similar approach might be right for you.

Low-Carb Diet & CGM Reduce Insulin in Veterans

Key takeaways

✓Participants lost an average of 11.5 kg (25 lbs) over 24 weeks
✓72% of participants were able to stop short-acting insulin entirely
✓Blood sugar (HbA1c) improved significantly among program completers
✓88% enrollment and 71% completion rates show the program is practical and well-received
✓Virtual visits made the program accessible without requiring in-person travel

Quick specs

Journal	JMIR diabetes
Year	2025
PMID	41397294

What Was This Study About?

Researchers at the Veterans Health Administration (VA) tested a 24-week program combining low-carbohydrate (low-carb) diet counseling with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for Veterans with type 2 diabetes who were on insulin. The goal was to see if this approach was safe, practical, and effective.

Who Was Involved?

38 Veterans with type 2 diabetes enrolled in the program. Most were men (97%), with an average age of 64 years. All participants were taking at least 3 daily insulin injections when they started.

How Did the Program Work?

Over 24 weeks, participants had virtual appointments with a registered dietitian (RD) and a clinical pharmacy practitioner (CPP). CGM data was used to personalize nutrition advice and safely adjust or stop diabetes medications as blood sugar improved.

Key Results

Weight loss: On average, participants lost 11.5 kg (about 25 lbs), equal to roughly 9.5% of their body weight.
Insulin reduction: 72% of participants were able to stop their short-acting insulin, and 50% stopped their long-acting insulin entirely.
Blood sugar improvement: Among those who completed the program, HbA1c (a 3-month blood sugar average) dropped by 0.7%.
Program completion: 71% of enrollees finished the full 24-week program, showing strong acceptability.

Why Does This Matter for Patients?

Many people with type 2 diabetes worry that cutting carbs while on insulin could be dangerous. This study shows that with proper monitoring and professional support, a low-carb approach can be done safely — and may significantly reduce the need for insulin injections, which can improve quality of life and lower medication costs.

What Are the Limitations?

This was a small pilot study without a control group, so results should be interpreted carefully. Longer, larger studies are needed to confirm these benefits and assess cost-effectiveness over time.

Frequently asked questions

It can be safe, but only with close medical supervision. This study used continuous glucose monitoring and regular check-ins with a dietitian and pharmacist to safely reduce insulin doses as blood sugar improved. Never change your insulin on your own — always work with your healthcare team.

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 14, 2026 by the MDS Diabetes editorial team.

What to do next

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Low-Carb Diet + CGM Helps Veterans Cut Insulin Use