Professional Continuous Glucose Monitoring Could Cut Costs for IDNs

According to recent research presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 77th Scientific Sessions, adopting a professional continuous glucose monitoring could significantly improve diabetes management and cut per-patients costs for integrated delivery networks (IDNs). 

“Professional continuous glucose monitoring reveals glucose patterns and trends that may not be apparent from HbA^1c or self-monitoring of blood glucose,” Shengsheng Yu, PhD, manager of global market access and pricing at Abbott Diabetes Care, wrote in her presentation.  “Previous studies suggested professional continuous glucose monitoring reduces HbA^1c and hypoglycemia in insulin users through more informed clinical decision-making. However, high equipment costs and workflow challenges of existing technology… have prevented wide adoption.”

The researchers studied the effectiveness of the FreeStyle Libre Pro professional continuous glucose monitoring system.

“The FreeStyle Libre Pro system has been designed to overcome these barriers,” she wrote. “Compared with existing technology, it is simpler to use, requires little patient involvement with fully disposable factory calibrated sensors, monitors multiple patients with a single reader, and captures up to a 14-day glucose profile.”

The researchers conducted interviews at eight endocrinologists’ offices in order to determine clinical workflow. They then used published literature to estimate the cost savings associated with professional continuous glucose monitoring use.

Study results showed that the professional continuous glucose monitoring system could reduce both HbA^1c levels and hypoglycemia events in IDN patients, resulting in a per-patient per-year cost reduction of $56.42 and $24.73 for each reduction, respectively. 

“With a $60 sensor cost, the FreeStyle Libre Pro offers a potential cost-saving solution for IDNs,” Dr Yu concluded. “With lower equipment and staff costs, the system may facilitate wider adoption of professional continuous glucose monitoring, improved diabetes management, and notable cost savings.” —David Costill