Insulin Pumps and Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Type II Diabetes

As type II diabetes mellitus continues to rise in the United States, clinicians are utilizing more advanced treatment interventions. While insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a standard method of medication delivery and monitoring in patients with insulin-dependent type I diabetes, insurance companies have refused to cover those medical supplies for patients with poorly-controlled type II diabetes. This systematic review of the clinical literature evaluates the effectiveness and financial cost of using the pump and CGM technology in the poorly-controlled type II population. The initial clinical trials have indicated improved glycemic levels and patient satisfaction with the use of the pumps and CGM. The evidence also suggests a cost savings due to decreased emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to hypoglycemic events.