Per an article published in JAMA Network, adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes had better outcomes using continuous glucose monitoring versus blood glucose meter monitoring. The trend in geriatric care has been to step away from using sliding scale insulin, opting for long-acting insulins such as Lantus instead.

This recent study indicates that continuous monitoring using a medical device provides patients and medical staff with real-time results. In the event of a severe fluctuation in the results, timely interventions can be implemented. There are a few risk areas associated with using a continuous monitoring device in post-acute care, not the least, will the resident leave the device in place or will they be bothered by it and try to remove it.

At the end of the day, HgbA1c results are lower with the use of these devices, fewer emergency interventions are required, and outcomes are better overall. This might be an area you may want to consider discussing with your medical director and healthcare providers. Assess a few of your higher functioning residents, talk with them and see if a trial would benefit them. If your residents are stable and A1c levels are within expected range, you may not want to pursue the continuous monitoring devices at all. Worth a discussion! Stay well, stay informed, and stay tuned!