How a CGM Helps People with Type 2 Diabetes Maintain a Healthy Time in Range

Managing type 2 diabetes means keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range and maintaining a good “time in range.”

One of the most effective tools to help achieve good time in range is a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system.

The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with type 2 diabetes aim for a time in range of at least 70%.

This means that 70% of the time, blood glucose levels should be between 70 and 180 mg/dL.

CGMs provide real-time data on glucose levels, allowing people with diabetes to make better decisions and maintain time in range more often.

What is a CGM?

A CGM is a small, wearable device that tracks your glucose levels 24/7.

Instead of pricking your finger multiple times a day, a CGM uses a tiny sensor placed under the skin that checks glucose levels in the fluid between cells (called interstitial fluid).

The sensor sends the data to a monitor or smartphone app, giving users a clear view of their blood sugar trends.

CGMs allow people with type 2 diabetes to see where their is heading—whether it’s rising, falling, or staying stable. This provides insights that a regular blood glucose meter, which only gives snapshots, can’t offer.

How Does a CGM Help with Time in Range?

The key goal for people with diabetes is to maintain a good time in range (TIR), which means staying within their target glucose levels for as much of the day as possible.

CGMs make this easier by providing:

(1) Real-Time Glucose Data

Unlike traditional blood glucose meters, which only provide a reading at the time of testing, CGMs give constant updates.

Knowing what your glucose levels are doing in real-time allows you to act before they get too high or too low.

For example, if you see your glucose is starting to rise after a meal, you can take action—such as adjusting insulin or taking a walk.

This proactive approach helps reduce the chances of extreme highs (hyperglycemia) or dangerous lows (hypoglycemia).

(2) Alerts for Highs and Lows

One of the most valuable features of a CGM is the ability to set custom alarms that notify you when your glucose is too high or too low.

This can be especially helpful during the night when many people experience undetected drops in their blood sugar.

These alerts give you the chance to fix the problem before it becomes dangerous, keeping you in range more often.

According to a study published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, CGM use significantly reduces the time spent in both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, helping individuals stay within their target glucose range longer.

What Are the Benefits of Staying in Range?

Maintaining a good TIR has significant benefits for people with diabetes.

Here are some of the most important ones:

(1) Reduced Risk of Complications

High blood sugar levels over time can lead to serious complications like heart disease, kidney damage, and vision problems.

By using a CGM to keep glucose levels within the target range, you can reduce the risk of these complications.

Research from the American Diabetes Association shows that even a 10% increase in time spent in range can significantly lower the risk of long-term complications.

(2) Quality of Life

Frequent highs and lows can be exhausting, both physically and mentally.

Staying in range more often means fewer energy crashes, better sleep, and improved mental focus.

A study published in Diabetes Care found that CGM users reported better overall quality of life compared to those using traditional methods like finger sticks.

(3) Lower A1C

The A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.

While it’s an important metric, it doesn’t tell the whole story.

That’s because a person with a good A1C could still experience large blood sugar swings.

CGM data complements A1C by giving you a more detailed view of your day-to-day glucose control.

Studies have shown that regular CGM use can help lower A1C levels without increasing hypoglycemia .

How to Effectively Use CGM Data

To make the most of your CGM, it’s important to use the data it provides wisely.

Here are a few tips to help you stay in range:

(1) Look at Glucose Trends, Not Just Numbers

Instead of focusing on a single reading, use your CGM to identify patterns in your glucose levels.

Are your blood sugars rising after certain meals?

Are they dropping during exercise?

By noticing trends, you can make more informed adjustments to your diabetes management plan.

(2) Use CGM with Insulin Pumps or Smart Pens

Many people combine their CGM with insulin pumps or smart insulin pens for even better control.

Some CGMs can communicate with insulin pumps to automatically adjust insulin doses based on glucose readings. This can significantly increase the time you spend in range.

Work with Your Healthcare Team

Your CGM data can be shared with your healthcare provider, allowing them to see how your glucose levels are behaving throughout the day.

This helps them make more personalized recommendations for your treatment plan.

A study in the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism showed that using CGM data in diabetes care led to better outcomes

CGMs Make Staying in Range Easier

CGMs are a game-changer for people with diabetes.

With real-time glucose data, alarms for highs and lows, and the ability to see trends over time, CGMs empower individuals to take control of their diabetes and stay in range more often.

By using a CGM, you can reduce your risk of complications, lower your A1C, and improve your quality of life.

It’s a tool that makes managing diabetes easier and more effective, giving you the peace of mind to live your life to the fullest.

This content was made possible by Abbott, a Founding Partner of Beyond Type 2.

Beyond Type 2 maintains editorial control over its content.