The randomized CONNECT trial, conducted at 22 U.S. primary care practices, provides new evidence that continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) benefit adults with type 2 diabetes who do not use insulin. Among 283 participants, mean HbA1c dropped from 8.8% to 7.2% in the CGM group and from 8.7% to 8.0% in the routine-care group by week 26, an adjusted difference of 0.9 percentage points. Time in the target glucose range was 21 percentage points higher with CGM, equivalent to roughly five additional hours per day.
The results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, extend prior findings that largely focused on type 1 diabetes and insulin-treated type 2 diabetes. The authors noted that the 2026 American Diabetes Association Standards of Care cite only level C evidence for CGM in non-insulin-treated diabetes, whereas insulin-treated patients have level A support. The trial enrolled patients with baseline HbA1c of at least 7.5%, and many were already taking GLP-1 receptor agonists or SGLT2 inhibitors.
Adherence was high, with median sensor use at 97% of the time, and no severe hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia-related serious adverse events were reported. The researchers acknowledged that providing sensors and frequent visits may have boosted adherence, so real-world benefits could be smaller. A 26-week extension is underway to assess whether the improvements persist with continued use.