Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems have emerged as vital tools in managing diabetes, but healthcare leaders emphasize the importance of ensuring that these technologies are accessible to disadvantaged groups. As discussions around health equity gain momentum, stakeholders are advocating for greater focus on distributing CGM devices to lower-income individuals who often face significant barriers to diabetes management.
Importance of Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Clinicians and healthcare analysts recognize the value of CGM systems in helping patients effectively manage their diabetes. These devices provide real-time glucose readings, enabling users to make informed decisions about their health and treatment plans.
Ashraf Shehata, KPMG’s U.S. sector leader for healthcare, highlighted the need for equitable access to these systems, stating, “There’s potentially a lot of inequities around the distribution of these devices.” He noted that vulnerable populations, who typically have the highest incidence of diabetes, often require consistent management to avoid severe health complications.
Disparities in Diabetes Incidence
A 2021 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that individuals with lower incomes experienced greater spikes in diabetes cases compared to their more affluent counterparts. As diabetes medications, including GLP-1 drugs, gain popularity, Shehata stressed that CGM systems will continue to play a critical role in monitoring and managing diabetes effectively.
Addressing Barriers to Access
Healthcare systems, particularly state Medicaid programs, are being urged to find ways to ensure that patients have access to CGM devices, affordable insulin, and healthy food options. Dr. Robert McCauley, chief of endocrinology at Lehigh Valley Health Network, emphasized that various social factors, such as diet and transportation, significantly impact diabetes control.
A Connected Diabetes Ecosystem
At Sutter Health, researchers are exploring ways to improve access to digital tools for diabetes management. Dr. David Kerr and Dr. David Klonoff conducted a study advocating for a “connected diabetes ecosystem,” which would facilitate the integration of glucose monitoring, data analysis, and insulin dose calculations. Their findings, published in Endocrine Practice, emphasized the importance of enabling lower-income patients to utilize CGM systems and other tools to improve their health outcomes.
Global Perspectives on Access Disparities
A study conducted in New Zealand revealed disparities in access to CGM systems across different communities. Researchers called for pediatricians and pediatric endocrinologists to avoid acting as “gatekeepers” to diabetes technologies, thus ensuring broader access for all patients.
Promise and Challenges Ahead
While CGM systems and other digital tools show great promise in expanding diabetes care and preventing serious complications, researchers note that achieving equitable access remains a significant challenge. The Endocrine Practice study provided a hopeful outlook, suggesting that a connected digital ecosystem could help mitigate the physician shortage while personalizing and optimizing diabetes management.
The authors concluded that if these systems can be developed and integrated effectively, they have the potential to alleviate the burden of diabetes care on patients, healthcare providers, and health systems alike. “A connected ecosystem has the potential to reduce the burden of diabetes care on patients, HCPs, and health care systems,” they stated, underlining the need for a coordinated effort to overcome existing hurdles.
Conclusion
As continuous glucose monitoring systems become increasingly vital in managing diabetes, healthcare leaders must prioritize equitable access to these technologies, especially for disadvantaged populations. By addressing disparities in access and fostering a connected diabetes ecosystem, the healthcare industry can work towards closing the gaps in care and improving health outcomes for all individuals living with diabetes.
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