Diabetes Technology Can Expand Care in Primary Care
Original Article: https://diabetesjournals.org/docm-care/article/doi/10.2337/doci26-0005/172590/Diabetes-Technology-in-the-Primary-Care-Setting-An
The Study
A new American Diabetes Association scientific statement examines how diabetes technology can be used more effectively in primary care. In the article published research between 2020 to 2025 was reviewed with the authors developing 16 consensus statements and 10 key recommendations to help expand access to important diabetes technologies through primary care. The statement focuses on technologies such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, connected insulin pens, mobile applications, and remote coaching.
Expanding Access to Technology
In the United States three out of four counties do not have a practicing endocrinologist, making primary care an important setting for expanding access to diabetes technology. However, many primary care practices do not have enough training or resources to use diabetes technology. The authors recommend training primary care teams and using diabetes care and education specialists, pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to help patients start and use these technologies.
How CGM Can Help
We already know that CGM is an important tool for diabetes management because it provides information about glucose changes that may be missed with traditional blood glucose testing. Research reviewed in this article found that CGM can improve blood sugar control when used in primary care, including in people with type 2 diabetes who use insulin. However, healthcare professionals will need appropriate training to interpret CGM data and use it to guide treatment.
Automated Insulin Delivery
The statement also discusses newer insulin delivery systems, including AID systems and connected insulin pens. Some newer AID systems are becoming easier to start and manage, making them more practical for primary care. Recently, a pilot randomized trial found that an AID system could be safely started in primary care, with results comparable to endocrinology-led care.
Barriers to Wider Use
Several challenges can make it difficult for patients to use diabetes technology. These include insurance coverage, prior authorization requirements, out-of-pocket costs, limited internet access, and differences in digital skills. The statement also notes that primary care practices need enough time, training, staff, and resources to support these technologies. Improving access will require changes at the healthcare system, insurance, and policy levels.
The Takeaway
The statement concludes that diabetes technology can be safely and effectively integrated into primary care when practices have trained teams, clear workflows, reliable data, and appropriate support. Expanding the use of CGM, AID systems, and connected insulin devices in primary care could help more people access diabetes technology, particularly those who have limited access to diabetes specialists.
