Diabetes technology includes:
Students should be supported at school in the use of diabetes technologies recommended by their health care team. School nurses and designees should complete training to stay up to date on diabetes technologies.
General Diabetes Technology Principles
| Recommendations | |
|---|---|
 | Diabetes devices should be offered to people with diabetes. |
 | The type(s) and selection of devices should be individualized based on specific needs, circumstances, preferences, and skill level. For individuals whose diabetes is partially or wholly managed by someone else (e.g., for young children or people with cognitive impairment or dexterity, psychosocial, and/or physical limitations), caregivers’ preferences and skills should be taken into consideration. |
 | When prescribing diabetes technology, provide people with diabetes and caregivers with initial and ongoing education and training, in person or remotely, on using the devices and using, managing, and sharing the data they provide. |
 | People with diabetes who have been using CGM, CSII, and/or AID for diabetes management should have continued access to these technologies across insurance payors, regardless their age or A1C level. |
 | Starting CGM, CSII, or AID early in the treatment of diabetes, even at the time of diagnosis, can be beneficial depending on individuals’ or caregivers’ needs and preferences. |
 | Many diabetes-related digital apps and online platforms are available. These options vary widely in terms of quality and regulatory oversight. However, some people with diabetes or prediabetes may find such programs to be helpful sources of support, especially when combined with online coaching. |
| Recommendations | |
|---|---|
| | Diabetes devices should be offered to people with diabetes. |
| | The type(s) and selection of devices should be individualized based on specific needs, circumstances, preferences, and skill level. For individuals whose diabetes is partially or wholly managed by someone else (e.g., for young children or people with cognitive impairment or dexterity, psychosocial, and/or physical limitations), caregivers’ preferences and skills should be taken into consideration. |
| | When prescribing diabetes technology, provide people with diabetes and caregivers with initial and ongoing education and training, in person or remotely, on using the devices and using, managing, and sharing the data they provide. |
| | People with diabetes who have been using CGM, CSII, and/or AID for diabetes management should have continued access to these technologies across insurance payors, regardless their age or A1C level. |
| | Starting CGM, CSII, or AID early in the treatment of diabetes, even at the time of diagnosis, can be beneficial depending on individuals’ or caregivers’ needs and preferences. |
| | Many diabetes-related digital apps and online platforms are available. These options vary widely in terms of quality and regulatory oversight. However, some people with diabetes or prediabetes may find such programs to be helpful sources of support, especially when combined with online coaching. |
Blood Glucose Monitoring (BGM) Recommendations
BGM refers to fingerstick glucose checks done with a blood glucose meter. Encourage people who take insulin and use BGM to check their glucose when appropriate based on their insulin therapy. This may include:
CGM Recommendations
There are different types of CGM systems, including:
Real-time CGM systems, which are owned by individuals and measure and display glucose levels continuously.
Intermittently scanned CGM systems, which are owned by individuals and measure glucose levels continuously but require scanning for visualization and storage of glucose values.
Professional CGM systems, which are owned by clinics and intended to be used temporarily for 7–14 days to assess glycemic patterns and trends, with data either blinded or visible to the person wearing the device.
Over-the-counter CGM systems (biosensors), measure glucose continuously and display the levels at various times, have insights rather than alarms and are indicated for people with prediabetes or with diabetes not on insulin.
Who can benefit from CGM?
CGM should be offered to youth and adults with diabetes on any type of insulin therapy.
CGM should be considered in adults with type 2 diabetes treated with glucose-lowering medications other than insulin to achieve and maintain individualized glycemic goals.
CGM can help achieve glycemic goals and A1C goals in type 1 diabetes and pregnancy and may be beneficial for other types of diabetes in pregnancy.
Periodic use of personal or professional CGM can be helpful to adjust medication and/or lifestyle when consistent use is not desired or available.
Personal Diabetes Technology Use in the Hospital
| Recommendations | |
|---|---|
 | Continue CGM use during hospitalization when clinically appropriate. |
 | Use confirmatory point-of-care glucose tests for insulin dosing and hypoglycemia management. |
 | Implement and follow institutional protocols. |
 | Ensure that technology use is supervised properly. |
| Recommendations | |
|---|---|
| | Continue CGM use during hospitalization when clinically appropriate. |
| | Use confirmatory point-of-care glucose tests for insulin dosing and hypoglycemia management. |
| | Implement and follow institutional protocols. |
| | Ensure that technology use is supervised properly. |
Learn More
Section 7 of the complete ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes—2025 includes a wealth of additional information on blood glucose meters, evidence supporting the use of CGM, various insulin delivery systems, and digital health apps and online programs.
