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Review
. 2025 Sep 12:16:20420188251372290.
doi: 10.1177/20420188251372290. eCollection 2025.

Using digital tools to improve diabetes care in India with continuous glucose monitoring

Jothydev Kesavadev  1 , Banshi Saboo  2 , Manoj S Chawla  3 , Ambika Gopalakrishnan Unnikrishnan  4 , Timothy C Dunn  5 , Mangesh Harihar Tiwaskar  6
Affiliations
Review

Using digital tools to improve diabetes care in India with continuous glucose monitoring

Jothydev Kesavadev et al. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. .

Abstract

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has revolutionized diabetes management globally, offering real-time insights into blood glucose levels and trends. In India, where diabetes prevalence is significant, the adoption of digital health tools (DHTs) for CGM has seen remarkable growth. However, successful integration and adoption of these DHTs require collaboration between healthcare professionals and individuals with diabetes. Ensuring the compatibility, accuracy, and reliability of CGM systems is imperative for optimizing diabetes management outcomes in India. Several challenges persist in adopting DHTs for CGM in the country. The adoption of ambulatory glucose profiles and CGM using DHTs has been transformative in diabetes clinics. This paper culminates with expert recommendations on integrating DHTs into diabetes clinics, focusing on training, communication, and technology utilization. The introduction of the Freestyle® Libre into diabetes clinics demonstrates the system's influence and the advantages seen by both patients and healthcare professionals. With real-time data, improved patient interaction, real-world data for evidence-based practices, and the ability to support patients' and healthcare professionals' informed decision-making, these tools have the potential to completely transform the management of diabetes. The goal is to enhance diabetes care through digital health solutions, considering the unique healthcare landscape of India.

Keywords: continuous glucose monitoring; diabetes; diabetes management; digital health tools healthcare professionals.

Plain language summary

Using digital tools to improve diabetes care in India with continuous glucose monitoring Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has transformed how diabetes is managed by providing real-time insights into blood sugar levels and trends. This technology has grown significantly in India, where diabetes is highly prevalent. Digital health tools (DHTs) like CGM enable patients and healthcare professionals to monitor blood sugar patterns, make informed decisions, and improve treatment outcomes. Even with these advantages, there are still a few difficulties. Successful adoption depends on ensuring device accuracy, training medical professionals, and teaching patients how to use these tools. The Freestyle® Libre system is one such example, which has shown notable benefits in diabetes clinics. It improves doctor-patient communication, allows real-world data to inform evidence-based practices, and empowers patients with actionable insights into their health. This paper offers expert recommendations for effectively integrating CGM and DHTs into Indian diabetes care. It emphasizes the need for proper training, clear communication, and leveraging technology to address India’s unique healthcare challenges. These tools hold the potential to revolutionize diabetes management, enhancing the quality of care and outcomes for patients nationwide.

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Conflict of interest statement

J.K. received honoraria for lectures, presentations from Abbott Diabetes Care. B.S. declares no conflict of interest. M.S.C. received honorarium from Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, BI, AstraZeneca, Abbott, USV, Intas, Eris, DRL, GSK, Lupin; speaker fees from Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, BI, AstraZeneca, Abbott, USV, Intas, Eris, DRL, GSK, Lupin; part of advisory board of Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, BI, AstraZeneca, Abbott, USV, Intas, Eris, DRL, GSK, Lupin. A.G.U. received honoraria for lectures, presentations from Abbott India Limited, Abbott Diabetes Care. T.C.D. is employee of Abbott Diabetes Care; has stocks in Abbott Diabetes Care. M.H.T. declares no conflict of interest.

Figures

A representative display of the FreeStyle Libre 1 monitor and reading device. The glucose measuring sensor is skin-placed on the upper arm to continuously capture levels. Users can check glucose data in real-time via the handheld scanning reader.
Figure 1.
A representative image of the FreeStyle Libre 1 sensor and reader. The sensor is worn on the upper arm and continuously measures interstitial glucose levels, which can be scanned using the handheld reader to obtain real-time glucose data.
Diabetes treatment algorithm designed for implementation through the Libre View® digital platform.9 Source. Adapted from Di Molfetta et al.9 TAR, time-above-range; TBR, time-below-range; TIR, time-in–range
Figure 2.
Diabetes treatment algorithm designed for implementation through the Libre View® digital platform. Source. Adapted from Di Molfetta et al. TAR, time-above-range; TBR, time-below-range; TIR, time-in–range.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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