What are the ADA guidelines for type 2 diabetes?

The ADA recommends that people with type 2 diabetes focus on maintaining healthy blood sugar levels through a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and working with your healthcare provider.

What are the criteria for CGM?

CGM eligibility usually depends on your type of diabetes, your treatment plan, and whether your doctor believes continuous monitoring is medically necessary. People using multiple daily insulin injections or insulin pumps are often prioritized, but eligibility can vary by insurance.

How to get approved for a continuous glucose monitor?

To get a CGM, you’ll need a prescription from your doctor. They may document your insulin regimen, frequency of blood sugar testing, and medical necessity. Once submitted to your insurance or Medicare, coverage approval is typically based on these criteria.

What are the requirements for a CGM?

CGMs need to be used according to your doctor’s instructions. This includes proper sensor placement, regular calibration if required, and using the data to make treatment decisions. Insurance plans may also have documentation requirements for coverage.

What is Section 7 of the ADA standards of care?

Section 7 of the ADA Standards of Care focuses on diabetes technology, including insulin pumps and CGMs. It outlines how technology can support glucose monitoring, improve control, and reduce hypoglycemia, emphasizing individualized care and patient education.

Does a doctor have to prescribe a continuous glucose monitor?

Yes. CGMs are considered medical devices, so you need a prescription from a healthcare provider but not for Dexcom Stelo Sensor OTC. Moreover, your doctor can guide you on which CGM suits your needs and how to use it effectively.

What is an acceptable blood sugar level for type 2 diabetes?

For most adults with type 2 diabetes, the ADA recommends fasting blood sugar between 80–130 mg/dL and post-meal (1–2 hours after eating) below 180 mg/dL. Your doctor may adjust targets based on your age, health, and treatment plan.

What are the new guidelines for A1C levels?

The ADA generally recommends an A1C target of under 7% for most adults, but individual targets can range from 6.5% to 8% depending on factors like age, other health conditions, and risk of low blood sugar. Regular monitoring helps ensure you stay within your personalized goal.

ADA Guidelines on CGM: Guide for All Diabetic Product Users

Table of content

Continuous glucose monitor, usually known as a CGM does not only provide blood glucose values, these small sensors have brought ease to the lives of diabetics. To make your journey even better CGM Monitors has summarized the ADA Guidelines on CGM 2025 that includes some Standards of Care as well. Let’s dive in.

General Device Principles (ADA 2025 CGM Guidelines)

Following are some of the general usage guidelines for CGMs from ADA. While CGMs are approved for both type 1 and type 2 diabetics, you may notice more on type 1. This is because they are insulin dependent, thus requiring close care:

CGM can be a part of standard diabetes care: ADA states that access to diabetes technology should be available to all people with diabetes, as it significantly improves outcomes.
Early CGM use matters: Offer CGM at or near diagnosis of type 1 diabetes to support early engagement and reduce risk of hypoglycemia.
Individualized device selection: Device choice (rtCGM vs isCGM, pump integration, etc.) should match the person’s needs, preferences, skills, and caregiving context.
Comprehensive education: Initiation and continued use require training for patients and caregivers — to interpret glucose data, alarms, and time-in-range.
Ongoing access and support: ADA emphasizes maintaining access to technology across insurance, age, or A1C level — ensuring long-term success.

Did you know?
Diabetics on insulin may be able to claim a CGM device, even an automatic insulin delivery (AID) system, such as Omnipod 5 using their insurance.

Unsure how to proceed? Get in touch with CGM Monitors today, our reps will be more than happy to assist you.

CGM Eligibility & Meter Standards

Following are some of the CGM standards and user eligibility criteria:

Diabetics Eligible for a CGM Device

All insulin-treated patients, especially those with type 1 diabetes, should use CGM.
ADA also recognizes growing evidence for CGM use in adults with type 2 diabetes on glucose-lowering agents other than insulin.

ADA Diabetes Care Standards for CGMs

Blood Glucose Monitoring (BGM) remains essential, especially for calibration, backup, or verification when CGM results appear inaccurate.

CGM for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

CGM is recommended early and continuously — even from diagnosis — to improve glycemic control and reduce hypoglycemia.
ADA 2025 expands support for CGM in insulin-treated and selected non-insulin users, improving HbA1c and treatment adherence.
ADA highlights that CGM Time-in-Range (TIR) (the % of time glucose is within 70–180 mg/dL) provides a more complete view of control than HbA1c alone.

FDA highlights the MARD (mean absolute relative difference) value for CGMs to be good is less than or equal to 10%. The lesser the MARD, the better the accuracy.

CGM Use in Pregnancy

Real-Time CGM in pregnancy improves maternal glycemic control and neonatal outcomes. A report in ADA supports rtCGM use for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes and considers it beneficial for insulin-treated type 2 or gestational diabetes.

Continuous review with healthcare providers helps adjust insulin safely based on CGM trends.

Professional Use

Used short-term for diagnostic review or therapy adjustment when personal CGM is not yet initiated.
Helps clinicians identify glycemic trends before prescribing a personal system.

Inpatient Care

ADA 2025 recognises the use of CGM in hospital settings as acceptable but recommends careful integration and the presence of trained staff to interpret data safely.

Using a CGM: Common Interfering Substances

From ADA Standards of Care, Table 7.2 (BGM interference factors) and device-specific manufacturer guidance.

Interfering Factor	Effect on Readings	ADA / Device Insight
High hematocrit (↑ red blood cells)	May show falsely low readings.	ADA Table 7.2 — affects glucose-oxidase sensors.
Low hematocrit (↓ red blood cells)	May show falsely high readings.	ADA Table 7.2.
Hypoxia (low oxygen)	May cause false high readings.	Seen with oxygen therapy or lung disease.
High-dose Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)	May cause falsely elevated CGM readings in some models.	Confirm with BGM if readings seem off.
Acetaminophen (paracetamol)	Some sensors show false highs at high doses.	Check device compatibility.
Hydroxyurea	Can distort glucose readings.	Discuss with your provider if on therapy.
Rapid glucose changes	Temporary lag between blood and interstitial readings.	Not an error — physiological delay.
Sensor compression (lying on sensor)	Can show falsely low glucose (“compression lows”).	Avoid tight clothing or pressure on sensor.

(Meaning of hematocrit: the proportion of red blood cells in blood.)

Mistakes Made by Most CGM Users

Following are some of the common mistakes to avoid when using a CGM sensor:

Not calibrating when prompted (for older CGMs).
Ignoring trend arrows or alarms.
Forgetting sensor warm-up times.
Placing sensors on scarred or irritated skin.
Over-relying on CGM without confirming when symptoms don’t match readings.

IMP: In case you feel like your symptoms are not matching your glucose readings from your CGM, use a fingerstick before taking any medical action. If ambiguities remain or condition is critical, immediately contact your doctor.
Taking Vitamin C supplements > 500 mg/day without checking for device compatibility.
Assuming CGMs are 100 % accurate in all conditions — confirm with the meter if unsure.

Mistakes Made by Most CGM Users

ADA Emphasis on Education & Access

CGM improves safety, quality of life, and diabetes management outcomes when paired with proper guidance. The ADA stresses education, training, and equitable access for all users, regardless of age, ethnicity, or insurance.

CGM Coverage Under Insurance

Management of diabetes has become easier than you think through Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) like Dexcom G7 sensors (Monthly availability), which provide real-time insights into blood sugar levels and help prevent spikes and drops. The good news is that many insurance plans now cover CGMs, like Cgm Monitors also offer. Through insurance coverage, they are more affordable for those who need them. Coverage usually depends on your type of diabetes and your doctor’s recommendation. Most major insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid, can help pay for the device and its supplies, like sensors and transmitters. It’s always a good idea to check your eligibility through CGM Monitors directly.

When discussing the ADA Guidelines on CGM, it’s important to highlight not just which devices to use, but also how to use them effectively. Proper calibration and setup, like the steps outlined in our How to Calibrate Dexcom G7 blog, ensure accurate readings and better glucose management.

Conclusion

The ADA 2025 CGM guidelines affirms that continuous glucose monitoring is central to modern diabetes management. With the right device, education, and ongoing support, you can manage your diabetes more confidently and effectively. Please note that CGM sensors are only for diabetic individuals on insulin, while the one who are pre-diabetic or are not on insulin may opt for an over the counter bio sensor like Stelo or Rio.

Source: ADA Standards of Care 2025 – Section 7: Diabetes Technology

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, errors or omissions may occur.

Some images in this blog may be AI-generated or for illustrative purposes only. Device images belong to their respective manufacturers and are used here for reference. Actual products may vary.

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ADA Guidelines on CGM: Guide for All Diabetic Product Users

General Device Principles (ADA 2025 CGM Guidelines)