CGM Data: Behavioral Insights and Patient Empowerment

September 10 2025

An African American endocrinologist reviews CGM data with her diabetic patient.

kate haggerty — *Medically reviewed by: Dr. Kate Haggerty, MD*

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) has emerged as a groundbreaking advancement in diabetes management, wellness optimization, and metabolic health. CGMs provide real-time data that empower patients while enhancing collaboration with their healthcare teams. It is important that healthcare providers interpret and understand CGM data to effectively support their patients.

In This Post:

What is CGM Data?

CGM data, or continuous glucose monitoring data, refers to the information gathered from a continuous glucose monitor. This typically includes things like blood glucose levels, time in range, and pattern detection. Data may vary by device, as some CGMs have more insights than others.

Understanding Continuous Glucose Monitoring Data

CGM sensors, typically worn as patches on the arm, measure glucose levels in interstitial fluid located just beneath the skin. They deliver continuous glucose readings which offer a comprehensive overview of an individual’s blood sugar levels throughout the day. For both individuals with and without diabetes, CGM data can reveal how various medications and lifestyle factors (such as diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and substances) impact blood glucose levels. Understanding continuous glucose monitoring data gives patients helpful insights to better plan their treatment methods.

CGM Use in the Non-Diabetic Population

While the application of CGMs in diabetic research is well-established, their use in non-diabetic populations remains an emerging and somewhat debated topic. CGM data may provide insights into glucose variability and trends for patients without diabetes, especially those exhibiting signs of insulin resistance or prediabetes. For patients using Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists for weight management, CGM data can be valuable for informing lifestyle and medication changes. This is due to their influence on glucose metabolism and appetite regulation.

CGM For Prediabetes

Using a CGM for prediabetes management is a relatively new concept. While CGMs provide potential benefits for prediabetes patients, there is not much research to back their effectiveness yet. It is possible that CGM use in individuals with prediabetes can result in behavioral changes that could positively impact an individual’s health. Small studies of CGM use in patients with prediabetes have demonstrated high satisfaction rates, significant weight reduction, and reduction in HbA1c (Salwa J. Zahalka MD., et al. 2025). At this time, more research must be done to conclude whether or not a CGM for prediabetes is suggested. It is still important for patients to consult with their doctors regarding the use of CGMs in their treatment plan.

CGM Without a Prescription

Up until recently, it was impossible to get a CGM without a prescription. However, with new products like the Dexcom Stelo and Abbott Lingo, CGMs are becoming more accessible. These products are FDA-approved and available for purchase without a prescription. Keep in mind that insurance still likely does not cover a CGM without a prescription and that some insurances will have criteria that can make it challenging to get coverage for a CGM, even if a patient has diabetes. Alternatively, patients may use FSA or HSA funds for these products (Salwa J. Zahalka MD., et al. 2025).

How to Interpret CGM Data for Non-Diabetics

Numerous wellness companies have marketed CGMs directly to consumers, including athletes and individuals without metabolic health conditions. However, this audience should interpret the data cautiously and under professional guidance. Readings can sometimes be inaccurate and worsen health-related anxiety, interrupt sleep, or even contribute to worsening health behaviors (such as eating more refined sugars due to falsely critical hypoglycemia results). Researchers continue to investigate and understand normal glucose variations in individuals without diabetes, which can complicate interpretation (Richardson et al., 2024).

How CGM Data Increases Patient Adherence

Continuous glucose monitoring data provides actionable insights which significantly enhance patient adherence and awareness in diabetic populations. Studies indicate that patients utilizing CGMs demonstrate improved glycemic control due to increased awareness of their glucose levels and trends (Bode et al., 2016). With real-time feedback, patients can make immediate adjustments to their diet or activity levels, providing a sense of control over their diabetes management. This dynamic has been likened to biofeedback. Biofeedback is a therapeutic psychology technique that utilizes real-time physiological measurements to help individuals gain awareness and conscious control over their bodies and behaviors.

Additionally, studies have found that patients using CGM devices reported greater confidence in managing their diabetes. This translated to improved patient adherence to prescribed regimens (Battelino et al., 2019). This is because the integration of CGM data with behavioral strategies can further enhance dietary adherence and physical activity levels, as highlighted by Richardson et al. (2024).

Enhancing the Patient-Provider Relationship With CGM Data

The collaborative relationship between patients and healthcare providers is crucial for effective diabetes management. Understanding continuous glucose monitoring data further enhances the collaborative relationship between patients and their healthcare team. When patients share their CGM data with their care team, it can spark meaningful discussions around treatment plans and lifestyle interventions. Healthcare providers can utilize CGM data to tailor recommendations and data-driven conversations to enhance personalized care, which improves patient satisfaction and outcomes (Kovatchev et al., 2018).

Real-time feedback from CGMs can also enhance patient motivation and accountability. The ability to visualize the immediate effects of lifestyle choices on glucose levels encourages patients to take a more active role in their health. Patients receiving continuous feedback through CGMs are more likely to adhere to dietary recommendations and exercise regimens (Rueda et al. 2020). Additionally, gamification of diabetes management through CGM data can further enhance motivation, especially for younger patients with diabetes (Ahmadi et al., 2024).

CGM Use in Collaboration with GLP-1 Agonists

The popularity and use of GLP-1 agonist medications is rapidly growing. Recent studies underscore the importance of optimizing lifestyle approaches before and during the use of GLP-1 agonists to enhance their effectiveness. Nauck et al. (2021) found that patients who engaged in dietary modifications and increased physical activity experienced greater weight loss and improved glycemic control when using GLP-1 agonists, compared to those who did not. CGMs can provide critical insights into how lifestyle changes affect blood glucose levels while on GLP-1 therapy, allowing for more precise adjustments to both lifestyle and medication regimens. This synergy between lifestyle management and pharmacological treatment is essential for maximizing the benefits of GLP-1 agonists and sustainability of weight loss, blood sugar control, and reduction of cardiovascular risk factors.

CGM Data and Diabetes Management

CGM data represents a transformative tool in the management of diabetes and metabolic disease states. It is also showing promise for use in metabolic optimization and athletic performance, although reliable clinical research in this area is still limited. By improving awareness, adherence, and motivation, CGMs can contribute to better health outcomes. As our understanding of CGM technology continues to evolve, its integration with lifestyle interventions, especially in the context of GLP-1 agonists, will be pivotal in optimizing medical care across a variety of health conditions.

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References

Bode, B. W., et al. (2016). “Continuous Glucose Monitoring: A Review of the Evidence.” Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, 18(S2), S1-S16.
Battelino, T., et al. (2019). “Glycemic Control in Type 1 Diabetes: The Role of Continuous Glucose Monitoring.” Diabetes Care, 42(1), 146-152.
Kovatchev, B. P., et al. (2018). “From Data to Insights: Enhancing the Patient-Provider Relationship with Continuous Glucose Monitoring.” Diabetes Care, 41(1), e1-e4.
Rueda, A., et al. (2020). “The Role of Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Diabetes Management: A Narrative Review.” Diabetes Therapy, 11(6), 1373-1384.
Nauck, M. A., et al. (2021). “The Role of Lifestyle Interventions in GLP-1 Agonist Therapy.” Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 23(3), 571-577.
Ahmadi F, Lucero A. Gaming the System: A Fun Continuous Glucose Monitor Interface Improves Glycemic Outcomes for Children. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2024 Jan 11:19322968231223759. doi: 10.1177/19322968231223759. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38213125; PMCID: PMC11572176.
Richardson, C. R., et al. (2024). “Integrating Continuous Glucose Monitoring with Behavioral Strategies: Implications for Nutrition and Physical Activity.” International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 21:145. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-024-01692-6
Salwa J. Zahalka MD., et al. (2025). “Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Prediabetes: Roles, Evidence, and Gaps.” Science Direct https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1530891X25008936

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