A short-term remote continuous glucose monitoring program was associated with improved glycemic control and wound healing in patients with diabetic foot wounds, according to research presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions.
The study evaluated 25 patients who participated in a 3-month continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) program that included 2 clinic visits and remote glucose monitoring every 1 to 2 weeks. Outcomes were compared with a historical cohort of 78 patients who did not use CGM, which introduces an associative—rather than randomized—basis for comparison.
At the time of diagnosis, mean hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) levels were comparable between groups (10.4% [SD, 2.0%] in the CGM group vs 11.1% [SD, 2.0%] in the historical cohort; P = .17). At 3 to 6 months, patients in the CGM group demonstrated significantly lower mean A1c levels (7.5% [SD, 0.9%] vs 8.5% [SD, 2.0%]; P < .05), indicating improved glycemic control.
Wound healing also improved in the CGM group. By 3 to 4 months, 72% of patients in the CGM cohort had healed foot wounds, compared with 47% in the historical group. The prevalence of peripheral arterial disease was similar between groups.
Rates of emergency department (ED) visits and hospital readmissions for foot wound–related complications within 3 months were lower among patients in the CGM group (16% vs 24%). Additionally, during this same 3-month period, no patients in the CGM group had ED visits or readmissions for other diabetes-related complications, compared with 2% in the historical cohort.
Demographic characteristics were similar across groups. The CGM cohort had a mean age of 48 years (SD, 9), with 72% male, 80% Hispanic, 12% Black, and 80% receiving charity care. The historical cohort had a mean age of 51 years (SD, 9), with 81% male, 68% Hispanic, 21% Black, and 67% receiving charity care.
The investigators noted that diabetic foot wounds are a leading cause of nontraumatic lower extremity amputations, particularly in underserved populations. While CGM has previously been shown to improve glycemic control, this study suggests that even short-term, remote use of CGM may support improved wound outcomes and reduced diabetes-related complications in safety-net health systems.
None of the study authors reported any relevant financial disclosures.
Source: Gunawan F, Mathew S, Easow BS, et al. Impact of three-month continuous glucose monitoring program on glycemic control and diabetic foot wound healing within a safety-net health system. Abstract 153-OR. Presented at: 85th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association; June 21-24, 2025; Dallas, TX.