- βContinuous glucose monitors (CGM) reduced HbA1c about 0.29% more than fingerstick testing in adults with type 2 diabetes, suggesting more frequent glucose data helps people manage blood sugar more effectively.
| Journal | Diabetes, obesity & metabolism |
| Year | 2026 |
| Authors | Foo, Chodapaneedi, Gibson |
| PMID | 41457339 |
| DOI | 10.1111/dom.70401 |
What This Study Found
Researchers looked at 15 large research reviews covering more than 23,000 adults with type 2 diabetes. They wanted to know: does checking your blood sugar actually help β and does it matter how you check it? The answer to both questions was yes. People who monitored their glucose had lower HbA1c (a 3-month average of blood sugar levels) than those who didn't monitor at all. And people who used a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) had even lower HbA1c than those who used traditional fingerstick testing.
Breaking Down the Numbers
Here's what the data actually showed:
- Fingerstick testing vs. no monitoring: HbA1c dropped by about 0.23% on average. That's modest, but meaningful β and consistent across different study lengths and testing schedules.
- CGM vs. fingerstick testing: CGM users saw an additional 0.29% reduction in HbA1c. Both types of CGM studied β flash glucose monitors (like FreeStyle Libre) and real-time CGMs β outperformed fingerstick testing.
To put this in perspective: even small reductions in HbA1c are linked to lower risk of diabetes complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, and eye problems over time.
Why This Matters If You Have Type 2 Diabetes
Many people with type 2 diabetes β especially those not using insulin β are told monitoring isn't necessary. This research pushes back on that idea. Seeing your blood sugar numbers, whether through a CGM or regular fingerstick checks, gives you and your care team real information to act on.
Think of it this way: you can't steer a car with your eyes closed. Glucose monitoring gives you visibility into how food, activity, stress, and medication are affecting your blood sugar β in real time or close to it.
CGMs in particular show not just where your blood sugar is, but where it's heading. That extra context can help you make small adjustments before things go off track.
What the Study Doesn't Tell Us
It's worth being honest about the limits here. The HbA1c differences β while real and statistically significant β are relatively small. This review also didn't settle questions about cost-effectiveness, which matters a lot for everyday access. The authors specifically called for more research on whether broader CGM use in type 2 diabetes is cost-effective at a population level.
Practical Takeaway
If you're managing type 2 diabetes, this study is a solid reminder that monitoring your glucose β in whatever form works for your situation and budget β is worth doing. If you're currently using fingerstick testing and wondering whether a CGM might help, this research suggests it could make a meaningful difference in your HbA1c over time. That's a conversation worth having with your doctor or diabetes care team.
Whether you use a traditional glucometer or a CGM device, having reliable supplies on hand makes consistent monitoring a lot easier. MDS Diabetes (mdsdiabetes.com) carries a wide range of glucose monitoring supplies β from test strips and lancets to CGM accessories β so you're never caught without what you need.
Study Citation: Foo, Chodapaneedi, Gibson (2026). Comparative effectiveness of glucose monitoring methods and glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: An umbrella review. Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism. PMID: 41457339. DOI: 10.1111/dom.70401