What are the barriers to the widespread use of a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)?
There are both scientific and regulatory barriers. At least one continous glucose monitor (CGM) is still under review by the FDA. Those continuous glucose monitoring devices approved by the FDA are approved for use in addition to using finger sticks. The companies must seek approval from the FDA in the future for the devices to be used instead of finger sticks. Their use in clinical care needs to be documented as advantageous over current methods of treating diabetes in order for the medical community to recommend them. In addition, patients must find them convenient and affordable, something that will only come about with a robust market for the devices (with several to choose from) and adequate reimbursement from government and private insurance programs.
