CGM Proves Cost-Effective for Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes

What This Study Found

A new modelling study looked at whether continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are worth the cost compared to traditional finger-stick blood sugar testing in Chinese adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. Researchers ran a 30-year simulation across four groups of people with different starting HbA1c levels — ranging from 7.7% to 10.7%. In every group, CGM came out as a cost-effective option, and people with the highest blood sugar levels got the most value from it.

Why Does This Matter for You?

If your type 2 diabetes is not well controlled, you may wonder whether a CGM — a small sensor worn on your body that tracks blood sugar around the clock — is worth the extra expense compared to checking your finger a few times a day. This study suggests the answer is yes, especially if your HbA1c is on the higher end.

Here is what the numbers looked like:

• The cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained ranged from about $29,400 to $38,800 depending on starting HbA1c — all below the study's cost-effectiveness threshold of $40,344.
• People with an HbA1c of 10.7% got the most value from CGM, meaning the benefit-to-cost ratio was strongest for those whose diabetes was hardest to control.
• There was a greater than 96% probability that CGM was cost-effective across all groups studied.
• The annual CGM cost would need to stay between $1,920 and $2,316 to remain cost-effective — a useful benchmark for pricing and insurance decisions.

What Drives the Value of CGM?

The researchers found two key factors that made CGM worth the investment:

• Quality of life benefits — CGM reduces the burden of constant finger-sticking and helps people avoid both high and low blood sugar episodes, which improves day-to-day wellbeing.
• Device costs — The price of CGM hardware and sensors had the biggest impact on whether CGM remained cost-effective. Lower device costs meant stronger value.

Important Limitations to Know

This was a modelling study, not a real-world clinical trial. That means results were projected using mathematical simulations based on existing data — they were not directly observed in patients over 30 years. The study also focused on adults in China, so exact cost figures may not apply in other countries. That said, the overall finding — that CGM provides meaningful health benefits at a reasonable cost — aligns with research from other parts of the world.

What Should You Take Away?

If your blood sugar is not well controlled, talking to your doctor about CGM is worth the conversation. The evidence is growing that CGM helps people manage diabetes more effectively — and this study adds to that by showing it can also make good financial sense, particularly for those with higher HbA1c levels.

At mdsdiabetes.com, you can explore a range of CGM-compatible supplies and diabetes management tools to support your monitoring routine. Whether you are just starting with CGM or looking to optimise your current setup, having the right supplies makes a real difference.

Citation: Han, Zhang, Ye (2026). Cost-effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring in Chinese adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes: A modelling study stratified by baseline HbA1c. Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism. PMID: 41309289. DOI: 10.1111/dom.70333