Continuous glucose monitors have been gaining traction among Medicare Advantage members with Type 2 diabetes, according to a study published in the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy‘s March edition.
The Humana Healthcare Research team and Joseph Ross, MD, of New Haven, Conn.-based Yale School of Medicine looked across plan data for MA beneficiaries with Type 2 diabetes who were using insulin. Humana evaluated monthly trends from 2021 to 2023.
“This research is significant because, until now, there has been limited information about the use of continuous glucose monitors among Medicare Advantage members — a population in which diabetes and the management of multiple health conditions are common,” Mark Mugavin, MD, medical director at Humana, said.
Here are five takeaways from the study:
- By December 2023, about 1 in 6 MA members with Type 2 diabetes and confirmed insulin use had CGMs, up from 1.4% in January 2021.
- Out of the evaluated beneficiaries in 2023, patients with an endocrinology visit during the year were over four times as likely to have a CGM device.
- Those with fewer interactions within healthcare, those in the oldest assessed age range and Black beneficiaries had lower likelihood of CGM use.
- However, CGM use was up for women, those in the Midwest, those with disabilities and rural residents.
- Neuropathy, metabolic conditions and retinopathy were linked to higher CGM use.
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