2025 ADA Updates Recommend Broader Use of rtCGM, including T2D

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recently released its updated 2025 Standards of Care in Diabetes.¹ This comprehensive update reflects the latest evidence from clinical trials and research advancements in diabetes care, focusing on individualized treatment plans and goals, therapies, and tools to assess quality of care. 

Worth noting: the ADA now recommends all healthcare practitioners consider the use of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) as a standard of care for individuals living with type 2 diabetes (T2D), including those who use insulin as well as those using glucose-lowering medications other than insulin. 

Improving Health Outcomes with Increased Use of Technology 

The updated guidelines emphasize the integration of advanced technologies into diabetes management, recognizing the potential for devices such as rtCGM systems to improve patient outcomes. 

With expanded recommendations for the use of rtCGM, insulin pumps, and digital health platforms, the guidelines advocate for their broader use in both type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) to provide real-time insights, optimize treatment plans, and enhance overall care. 

Recommendations include: 

• Early initiation of rtCGM to all people (youth and adult) living with diabetes who are using insulin.
• Early initiation of Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems in the early stage of diabetes, even at diagnosis.
• Recognition of AID systems as the preferred insulin delivery method for T1D (both youth and adult) and insulin-deficient diabetes for improved glycemic outcomes.
• Greater openness to open-source AID systems (previous limitations prevented healthcare professionals from prescribing such systems). Emphasis on support and advice for those individuals choosing open-source systems.

• Support for combining technology such as rtCGM with online or virtual coaching to enhance patient outcomes.   

   

ADA Recommendation: Expanded Use of rtCGM for T1D and T2D for Better Diabetes Management 

Section 7 of the guidelines (Diabetes Technology) recommend the use of rtCGM devices at the earliest possible time post-diagnosis. Clinical studies have proven that rtCGM systems, like Dexcom G7, improve A1C and increase time in range (TIR).^2-6 

For individuals living with T1D, rtCGM remains a key tool for optimizing glycemic management, and the guidelines now emphasize rtCGM use in a wider range of patients living with T2D, including those with higher A1C targets or frequent hypoglycemic events. 

Notably, for the first time, the guidelines consider rtCGM use for a broader group of individuals living with type 2 diabetes, including those not using insulin but challenged with glucose control or experiencing significant variability in blood sugar levels. The ADA’s endorsement of rtCGM for individuals living with T2D highlights the vital role of rtCGM systems, like Dexcom G7, in effectively managing diabetes care. 

These changes reflect the growing clinical and real-world evidence of the effectiveness of rtCGM in improving glycemic control, reducing complications, and enhancing the overall quality of life for people living with diabetes. 

At-a-Glance: Summarizing the 2025 ADA Recommendations for the Use of rtCGM 

Adults with T1D: 

• Recommend rtCGM use as a central tool for all adults living with T1D.   

Children with T1D: 

• Recommend rtCGM use for all children living with T1D, at diagnosis or as soon as possible, for those capable of using the device safely (on their own or with their caregivers).
• Recommend rtCGM use not just for those using insulin pumps, but also for children using multiple daily injections (MDI). 

T2D on intensive insulin therapy:

• Offer insulin pump therapy, preferably with rtCGM, for youth and adults on MDI. 

T2D on basal insulin:

• Recommend rtCGM for individuals with T2D on basal insulin, including for youth on basal-only insulin (previously only youth on intensive insulin). 

   

Confidently Prescribe Dexcom rtCGM for Enhanced Diabetes Care 

The ADA continues to expand its recommendations for the use of rtCGM systems, like Dexcom G7, to a broader range of individuals. With a growing body of current research and clinical evidence demonstrating improved diabetes management with rtCGM, healthcare providers can feel confident prescribing the device for all individuals using insulin. 

Request samples to see how the Dexcom G7 rtCGM System can help your patients living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Read Section 7 of the 2025 Standards of Care in Diabetes for the most current recommendations.

View the 2025 ADA Standards of Care