Managing type 2 diabetes requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond medication alone. While treatments like GLP-1 receptor agonists play a significant role in regulating blood sugar and promoting weight loss, pairing these medications with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems has shown promising results for further enhancing diabetes control. Together, GLP-1 drugs and CGMs provide a powerful combination for improving long-term health outcomes and managing type 2 diabetes more effectively. But how exactly? Here, we'll go over everything you need to know about GLP-1s and CGMs.
What to Know About GLP-1 Drugs
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are synthetic hormones that help communicate with the pancreas. They're naturally created in the body and stimulate the release of insulin to help lower blood sugar. GLP-1 can also help individuals feel more satiated after a meal, which can reduce overeating and help contribute to a healthy weight. Unfortunately, studies have found a negative relationship between GLP-1 responses and BMI—a reduced secretion of GLP-1 in people with type 2 diabetes.
Adults with type 2 diabetes can now take GLP-1 drugs to help manage type 2 diabetes and obesity. Supplementing external GLP-1 doses can help stimulate the pancreas to release insulin and suppress glucagon release. This has favorable effects on glucose levels. GLP-1 treatment can also reduce the feelings of hunger and cause the stomach to take longer to empty, making individuals feel full for longer. These are the effects that can promote weight loss, which is an effective tool for managing type 2 diabetes.
Some of the most popular types of GLP-1 drugs in 2024 include:
- Ozempic® — Ozempic® uses the active ingredient semaglutide and is administered as an injection once per week. This is only approved as a treatment for type 2 diabetes and is not prescribed for weight loss.
- Wegovy® — Wegovy® for weight loss is manufactured by the same company as Ozempic®. Ozempic® and Wegovy® both use semaglutide, but Wegovy® has a higher dose.
- Mounjaro® — Mounjaro® works similarly to GLP-1 agonists but with an added hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). This can help enhance the overall blood glucose control, resulting in greater weight loss.
Despite all the positive outcomes from these types of drugs, GLP-1 therapy alone is not some type of magic diabetes management solution. Treatment of type 2 diabetes needs to be multifaceted, with dietary modifications, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Using GLP-1 medicines should, therefore, complement your current strategies for managing diabetes and weight loss. If you want to learn more about GLP-1 drugs for diabetes care, talk to your doctor or diabetes specialist today.
How Do Continuous Glucose Monitors Help People With Type 2 Diabetes?
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) are wearable devices that allow individuals with diabetes to monitor blood glucose levels in real time throughout the day and night. These small, discreet devices consist of a tiny sensor inserted under the skin, continuously measuring glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. The sensor then transmits this data to a receiver or smartphone app, giving users instant feedback about your blood sugar levels without needing to prick your fingers multiple times daily.
CGMs have been around for years and provide several benefits to those who use them. Some of the most notable include:
- Real-Time Monitoring: One of the primary advantages of CGMs is their ability to offer real-time insights into blood sugar trends. This allows you to detect highs and lows early, allowing for more customized adjustments in your diet, activity, and medications before any major changes in glucose levels.
- Improved Decision-Making: Over time, CGMs provide data trends that show how blood sugar levels respond to certain foods, physical activity, and medications. This can help you better understand how your body reacts to different factors, allowing for more personalized management plans and adjustments.
- Reduced Need for Fingersticks: Traditional glucose monitoring requires frequent fingersticks to check blood sugar levels. With a CGM, the need for constant pricking is significantly reduced, offering a less invasive and more convenient way to manage diabetes.
- Enhanced Communication with Healthcare Providers: CGMs allow you to share data with their healthcare providers, making it easier to identify patterns and adjust treatment plans. This continuous data flow helps improve long-term outcomes and provides more precise care.
- Improved A1C Control: Studies have shown that CGM users can experience better A1C control over time due to the increased ability to monitor glucose fluctuations and address them more efficiently. Lower A1C levels can help you reduce your risk for long-term complications, such as heart disease and kidney damage.
If you're interested in using a CGM to help with diabetes management, it's essential to talk to your doctor. You'll need a prescription to use a CGM, increasing the chances of coverage through your provider. However, it's important to check your policy's details prior to ordering a CGM to understand the details of coverage or any restrictions. Some of the best CGMs on the market today include:
- Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3 CGM Sensor — Abbott's Freestyle Libre CGM introduces the world's smallest sensor, with smartphone compatibility and real-time glucose alarms. Learn more here.
- Dexcom G7 CGM System — The Dexcom G7 delivers real-time glucose numbers 24/7 to your smartphone or smartwatch without needing fingersticks, scanning, or calibrations. Learn more here.
- Medtronic GuardianTM Connect System — The GuardianTM Connect System uses smart technology to predict where glucose levels are headed before they get there. Learn more here.
- Eversense® CGM System — The Eversense® CGM System is a long-term CGM system with a fully implantable sensor that lasts from three to six months. Learn more here.
The Relationship Between GLP-1 Therapy and CGM Use
As mentioned, using a GLP-1 alone is not enough for type 2 diabetes management. Although these medications have several benefits and can impact blood sugar levels, it's still important to make lifestyle choices that support the long-term management of type 2 diabetes. Exercise, diet, and monitoring blood sugar levels are important to establish healthy long-term habits and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. It's also important to continue to monitor blood sugar levels, even if you're losing weight or have reached your goal.
However, it's been shown that people using a CGM and taking GLP-1 medications tend to show some behavior changes regarding motivation and management. Based on one analysis, it was found that people with diabetes have better adherence to their use of CGM systems when combined with GLP-1 therapy. In fact, several studies show that CGM use increases drastically with the start of GLP-1 therapy. Furthermore, CGM and GLP-1 use has led to clinically significant A1C reductions, which is huge for long-term health. These reduced levels were greater than the GLP-1 alone group that was measured, highlighting the importance of their duality in use.
The Future of GLP-1 and CGM Treatments for Diabetes
It's also important to remember that GLP-1s still aren't 100% accessible to people with diabetes. The biggest challenge for many is insurance coverage and accessibility. Since they're still relatively "new" in relation to other types of diabetes management methods, GLP-1 medications aren't always approved by providers despite growing evidence of their effectiveness.
Yes, GLP-1 medications were approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005, but today, they're more refined and gaining popularity in the news, especially among people with type 2 diabetes. Still, they don't receive the same insurance coverage as other diabetes medications like insulin therapy or Metformin. Therefore, it's important to work with your diabetes care team and insurance provider to determine eligibility and sustainable diabetes treatment options based on coverage.
The relationship between using CGM systems and GLP-1 medications offers great potential in the advancement of diabetes management techniques. The two have shown to improve patient outcomes and lead to better long-term metabolic health. If you're interested in exploring GLP-1 therapy, talk to your doctor and diabetes specialists. If you're not already using a continuous glucose monitoring system, ask your doctor about whether you're eligible to make the switch. Byram Healthcare carries a wide range of continuous blood glucose monitors. We also offer diabetes support and educational materials to give you everything you need for comprehensive care.
