The Cost of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Versus Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose in Type 1 Diabetes Pregnancies in the United States: A Cost-Consequences Analysis Using Real-World Evidence

Diabetes Technol Ther. 2024 Dec 19. doi: 10.1089/dia.2024.0478. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Data on the cost implications of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) use in type 1 diabetes (T1D) pregnancies in the United States are sparse. Drawing on associations identified in real-world evidence from a retrospective chart review at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, we conducted a cost-consequences analysis of CGM use versus self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), inclusive of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) spending. In the base-case analysis assuming per-label CGM use and per-guideline finger-stick frequency, the per-person cost was $16,254 for CGM versus $15,182 for SMBG. In a real-world scenario analysis, the per-person cost was $13,708 for CGM versus $14,524 for SMBG. In both analyses, there was a cost savings for NICU admissions of $2,903 with CGM use. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, CGM was cost saving in 25% of base-case model iterations and 46% of real-world model iterations. This study adds to the growing evidence base that the increased costs of CGM use versus SMBG to manage T1D pregnancies are likely offset by better neonatal health outcomes.

Keywords: CGM; SMBG; cost; pregnancy; type 1 diabetes.