Journal September 26, 2026 5 min read

How Continuous Glucose Monitoring Changes With Age

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a method for tracking interstitial glucose, and its use and interpretation shift across the lifespan. This page reviews age-related differences in CGM application and the evidence f

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What is continuous glucose monitoring?

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is a method for measuring glucose levels in interstitial fluid, typically via a subcutaneous sensor, to provide frequent or near-continuous glucose readings. It is distinct from self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), which relies on fingerstick capillary blood samples. CGM systems are used in research and clinical settings to assess glycemic variability, time in range, and patterns of hypo- and hyperglycemia. The technology is not a drug or a compound; it is a monitoring modality. No sequence, formula, or molecular weight applies.

The work centres on glucose sensing and the integration of CGM data into metabolic and behavioural research across different populations.

Research Studies

CGM and gestational diabetes in pregnant women

A study compared CGM with SMBG in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a form of diabetes first diagnosed during pregnancy. The trial aimed to determine whether CGM improves glycemic control and reduces maternal and neonatal complications compared with standard fingerstick monitoring. The study population was pregnant women with GDM [2].

CGM in pregestational diabetes management with insulin glargine

A separate trial in pregnant patients with pregestational diabetes used CGM to track blood glucose while comparing once-daily versus twice-daily insulin glargine. The primary question was whether twice-daily dosing leads to better glucose time in range. CGM served as the outcome measurement tool in this pregnant population [4].

CGM in type 2 diabetes with chronic renal insufficiency

A prospective, randomized, active-controlled study planned to enroll 206 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and moderate to severe chronic renal insufficiency (eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m²). During a 2-week run-in period, participants underwent diet and exercise control together with CGM. The study aims to evaluate dorzagliatin versus linagliptin for improving glycemic homeostasis. CGM was used as part of the baseline assessment in this older, comorbid population [1].

CGM with predictive features in type 1 and insulin-treated type 2 diabetes

A controlled pre-post trial tested the Accu-Chek SmartGuide CGM system and its Predict App in adults with type 1 diabetes or insulin-treated type 2 diabetes. The study examined whether predictive features affect fear of hypoglycemia, sleep quality, confidence in preventing hypoglycemia, diabetes-related distress, and diabetes empowerment. It also assessed effects on glucose levels and participant behaviour. The population was adults using insulin [7].

CGM in chronic pancreatitis: the BILE-CP cohort

The Biobank Integrating Longitudinal ERCP within a Prospective Chronic Pancreatitis Cohort (BILE-CP) is a prospective longitudinal study in Hangzhou, China, enrolling 1,500 patients with chronic pancreatitis for follow-up every 6 months. The cohort collects multidimensional data, including diet, lifestyle, and emotional status. While CGM is not explicitly mentioned in the excerpt, the study's focus on pancreatic disease and metabolic tracking may involve glucose monitoring as part of the dataset. The population is patients with chronic pancreatitis across the disease course [3].

CGM in metformin withdrawal in metabolic syndrome

A clinical trial investigated the effects of short-term metformin interruption on insulin sensitivity, glucose control, and metabolic flexibility in adults with metabolic syndrome. The study aimed to determine whether stopping metformin for 14 days leads to rapid changes in glucose metabolism. CGM is not specified in the excerpt, but glucose control is a primary outcome. The population is adults with metabolic syndrome taking metformin [6].

CGM in time-restricted eating for weight maintenance

A multi-center randomized controlled trial in China evaluated whether a 10-hour daily time-restricted eating (TRE) regimen prevents weight regain in overweight or obese adults who had recently lost ≥5% of body weight. Both groups received nutritional counseling. CGM is not mentioned in the excerpt, but the study focuses on metabolic outcomes. The population is adults with recent weight loss [8].

CGM in exercise response in elite rowers

An observational study assessed multilevel physiological, molecular, metabolic, and immunological responses to rowing-specific exercise in 30 members of the Polish Youth National Rowing Team, aged 19–24 years. The study investigated mitochondrial function, metabolic regulation, intestinal permeability, immune activation, and DNA damage response. CGM is not specified, but glucose monitoring may be part of the metabolic assessment. The population is young elite athletes [5].

CGM in special populations: case reports and reviews

Reference-only evidence includes case reports and a narrative review. One report described two cats with diabetes mellitus and Cushing's syndrome managed with insulin glargine, nutritional therapy, and CGM [10]. Another reported hypoglycemia following surgery for median arcuate ligament syndrome in a patient who experienced postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia [11]. A hypothesis-generating review discussed CGM as a candidate precision tool for cardiovascular prevention and healthy longevity, noting that subclinical glucose dysregulation is undetectable by conventional screening [12]. These findings are from animal or individual case contexts and should be interpreted cautiously.

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