CGM Benefits Non-Insulin Diabetes Patients, J&J Pill Aids Ulcerative Colitis, and Postmenopausal Ovaries Remain Active
Wearable continuous glucose monitoring devices lower blood sugar levels even in patients with type 2 diabetes who do not take insulin, according to a clinical trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine, Reuters reported.
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Key Clinical Takeaways:
- Adults with type 2 diabetes not on insulin saw their average HbA1c drop from 8.8% to 7.2% when using a Dexcom G7 continuous monitor over six months, compared to a drop from 8.7% to 8.0% for those receiving routine care, according to trial findings.
- The trial was sponsored by device manufacturer Dexcom and included 283 adults across 22 primary care sites in the United States.
Dexcom G7 Users Achieve Greater HbA1c Reductions
In the six-month trial sponsored by Dexcom, 283 adults with type 2 diabetes not using insulin received either a Dexcom G7 monitor or routine care. Dexcom G7 users achieved a 0.9% greater reduction in HbA1c levels compared with the routine care group. Participants using GLP-1 therapies experienced an additional 0.9% A1C reduction when wearing the device compared to routine care, according to Dexcom investor data.
The study screened 440 participants across 22 primary care sites in the United States and was first presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 2026 Scientific Sessions on June 6, 2026, in New Orleans. Roy Beck of the Jaeb Center for Health Research in Tampa, Florida, stated that the consistency of benefits across various demographics and treatment regimens supports considering continuous monitors much earlier in type 2 diabetes management before insulin becomes necessary.
Monitor Use Reduces Albuminuria but Not Kidney Disease Progression
While blood sugar measures improved significantly, long-term observational data published in JAMA Network Open by researchers at Kaiser Permanente Northern California examined electronic health records over a three-year period to assess kidney outcomes, including urinary albumin-creatinine ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate. That observational study found that sustained monitor use reduced albuminuria, suggesting improved glucose control, but it did not demonstrate that the technology preserved kidney filtration function or delayed diabetic kidney disease progression.
Researchers noted that substantial discontinuation and crossover between monitoring groups limited the three-year follow-up, with 44.3% of initial monitor users censored after discontinuing the devices and 18.7% of control patients starting monitors during the study period. Because of the observational design and high patient attrition, investigators emphasized that longer-term randomized controlled trials are required to confirm whether sustained monitor use can independently preserve renal function.
Icotrokinra Outperforms Placebo in Ulcerative Colitis Trial
In separate medical news announced alongside the diabetes findings, Johnson & Johnson reported that its new oral peptide pill, icotrokinra, significantly outperformed a placebo in a mid-stage trial for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. In the 252-patient trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine, 63% of patients receiving a 400-milligram daily dose achieved a clinical response at week 12 compared with 27% in the placebo group.
Separately, a study published in Aging Cell reported that human ovaries remain biologically active for decades after menopause, increasing in inflammation and altering tissue structure rather than becoming dormant.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.