Want to help ensure that seniors on Medicare have access to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices? Then be sure to support the initiative by diabetes advocacy group JDRF to advance this important priority.
CGM devices use tiny sensors inserted into the skin to continuously monitor the glucose levels in the interstitial fluid (the fluid between the cells). These systems help improve glucose control by showing users how their glucose levels are trending and giving them advance warning of impending highs or lows. A JDRF-funded study found that adults using CGM had reduced A1C levels (a measure of glucose control over the previous 2–3 months) and reduced rates of severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).
Although hypoglycemia is the most common complication experienced by older adults with diabetes, Medicare does not currently cover CGMs, leaving many people over 65 without access to this important management tool. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Cochairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, recently introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate that would “facilitate Medicare coverage of CGMs, and help pave the way for the next generation of CGM-related technologies, such as Artificial Pancreas (AP) systems.
To learn more, or to sign JDRF’s petition or find out how to contact your senators, visit the JDRF website.
This blog entry was written by Web Editor Diane Fennell.