The landscape of diabetes management is transforming, as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices expand beyond Type 1 diabetes and into a rapidly growing Type 2 market. Changes to regulatory approvals and insurance coverage driven by improved patient outcomes have opened the door for non-insulin-dependent Type 2 patients to access CGM. Device manufacturers now face a new frontier: designing CGM hardware that meets the unique needs of an increasingly diverse patient population. For CGMs to realize their full potential in Type 2 diabetes management, it’s critical to rethink hardware design to cater to this population’s distinct requirements, improving usability, flexibility, and the quality of care.
Expanding the CGM Market for Type 2 Patients Requires New Approaches to Design
This expansion of the CGM market brings millions of new users, many of whom have never used advanced glucose monitoring tools before. With over 38 million adults living with Type 2 diabetes in the U.S. alone, a “one-size-fits-all” approach no longer meets the needs of this diverse and growing patient base. For Type 2 diabetes patients, who vary in health status, technical ability and diabetes management approaches, hardware must be designed with adaptability, comfort and long-term usability in mind.
CGM manufacturers now have the opportunity to design for distinct user profiles, acknowledging that Type 2 patients will require devices optimized for different levels of monitoring intensity, ease of wear and level of engagement. With proactive diabetes management shifting from reactive care to preventative strategies, CGMs designed with these needs in mind can significantly improve health outcomes, and ease the burden on healthcare systems.
Meeting Type 2 Patient Needs with Purpose-Built Device Types
Unlike Type 1 patients, who require continuous intensive glucose monitoring, Type 2 users often benefit from flexible, on-demand tracking, tailored to specific activites such as meals or exercise. This population varies widely in age, lifestyle, health goals and comfort with technology, creating demand for devices that can accommodate different levels of interaction and monitoring frequency. By focusing on flexibility and ease of use, CGM devices can better support the unique health management needs of this growing patient base.
Age and physical condition play important roles in shaping the requirements for Type 2 users. For elderly patients, simplified interfaces, larger displays and minimal maintenance are crucial, as these users may have more limited experience with such technologies or dexterity challenges. On the other hand, younger, tech-savvy patients may want more detailed data and real-time feedback, preferring devices that integrate seamlessly with their smartphones and other wearables.
Economic factors also influence CGM design needs among Type 2 patients, with many being more cost-sensitive and lacking insurance coverage for continuous monitoring. For these patients, affordable devices with reusable components, fewer replacements and long-lasting wear times are essential. Accessible CGM technology empowers more Type 2 patients to incorporate glucose monitoring into their routines without significant financial strain, supporting proactive diabetes management.
Finally, many Type 2 patients manage additional health conditions, such as hypertension or cardiovascular disease, making multiparameter tracking valuable. Devices that track additional metrics, like heart rate or blood pressure, provide a more comprehensive view of health, reducing the need for multiple devices and allowing for a holistic approach to care.
CGM devices that consider these various needs—whether through flexible monitoring options, user-friendly interfaces or affordability—can enhance Type 2 patients’ ability to manage their condition effectively.
Design Priorities for Long-Term Adherence
Adherence is a challenge for many Type 2 diabetes patients using CGM devices, as they are often new to continuous monitoring and may find the devices inconvenient or intrusive. Unlike Type 1 patients who rely heavily on constant blood glucose data, many Type 2 users may not feel the need for continuous tracking, and some may find it hard to commit to wearing a CGM continuously, especially if it’s uncomfortable or requires regular calibration. Additionally, if the value of regular glucose monitoring isn’t clear, motivation for consistent use may wane, limiting the CGM’s effectiveness in managing their condition.
To improve adherence, CGMs for Type 2 patients should focus on comfort, simplicity and flexibility. Extended wear times reduce the burden of frequent replacements, while hypoallergenic materials and low-profile designs improve comfort and discretion. User-friendly interfaces that provide clear, actionable insights without overwhelming users can make data more approachable, especially when paired with customizable, non-intrusive alerts. Lastly, adaptable monitoring options that allow for on-demand or intermittent readings support varying health routines, encouraging Type 2 patients to incorporate CGMs into their lives without feeling tethered to continuous data, ultimately fostering long-term adherence.
Shifting from Reactive to Preventative Health Management
CGM devices offer Type 2 patients the potential to transform care from a reactive approach—managing blood sugar after symptoms or complications arise—to a proactive, preventative health strategy. Many Type 2 patients are accustomed to episodic glucose checks, often reacting to health changes rather than preventing them. With CGMs, patients gain continuous, real-time insights into how daily choices can affect their glucose levels, allowing them to make small adjustments that prevent spikes or drops before they escalate. This preventative approach not only helps patients avoid immediate blood sugar fluctuations but also reduces the risk of long-term complications, such as cardiovascular disease, that can often accompany Type 2 diabetes.
Preventative health management through CGMs requires devices that deliver accessible, actionable data without overwhelming users. By providing clear visual feedback on glucose trends and offering gentle prompts when levels begin to drift out of the target range, CGMs can empower patients to make informed choices throughout their day—whether it’s adjusting a meal, going for a walk, or staying hydrated. Over time, this continuous feedback reinforces positive behaviors and supports a shift in mindset from crisis management to consistent, proactive care, ultimately improving health outcomes and enhancing quality of life.
Envisioning the Future of CGM Hardware for Type 2 Diabetes Management
For CGM companies, developing personalized devices for Type 2 diabetes patients presents a significant advantage: it opens up a vast, diverse market with millions of users who have distinct needs, from flexible monitoring options to low-maintenance designs. By offering devices tailored to different lifestyles, comfort levels, and health goals, manufacturers can tap into the growing demand for accessible, user-friendly CGMs that empower patients to manage their health on their terms. Personalized CGMs not only improve patient adherence and satisfaction, but also position companies as innovators in diabetes management, setting them apart in an increasingly competitive market.
Meeting the varied needs of the Type 2 population brings its own set of challenges. Designing devices that accommodate the full range of user preferences and health conditions requires significant R&D investment and time, from iterative testing to regulatory approval. Developing and launching multiple device types tailored to different segments in a short time frame can put a strain on internal resources, especially as the demand for flexible and adaptive devices grows. Each device type, whether it’s designed for elderly users, or those managing comorbidities, must meet stringent quality and safety standards before reaching the market, which can extend launch timelines.
Despite these challenges, the future of CGM technologies to support Type 2 diabetes management is bright. As manufacturers continue to innovate, advancing materials, miniaturization, and user-centric designs, they will be well-positioned to deliver CGMs that are not only effective but also life-enhancing for millions of patients. This commitment to diverse, patient-centered designs will ultimately help transform Type 2 diabetes care, shifting from reactive interventions to a proactive, preventative approach that supports healthier, more empowered patients.
Editor’s Note: Dr. Chris Dawson leads the biosensing team at TTP, bringing deep experience in taking technologies from proof of concept through to scaled production. Holding a PhD in engineering from Brunel University, he collaborates with ambitious clients to develop and commercialize innovative sensing technologies across a wide range of real-time clinical sensing applications, including continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).
