Using continuous glucose monitors to make insulin safer for older adults with type 2 diabetes
Pragmatic Clinical Trial of Continuous Glucose Monitoring-based Interventions for Safe Insulin Prescribing in High-Risk Older Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
This project helps adults 75 and older who take insulin use continuous glucose monitors and group education to reduce dangerous low blood sugars.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11291813 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are 75 or older with type 2 diabetes and use insulin, this trial offers continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) plus group-based education and works with your care team to change insulin plans based on CGM trends. The trial is pragmatic, meaning it tests these tools in real-world clinic settings and compares the CGM-based approach to usual care. The program emphasizes easier glucose monitoring for people who struggle with fingersticks, teaches how to spot and prevent lows, and guides safer insulin dosing. Study staff will track outcomes like severe hypoglycemia, emergency visits, falls, and quality of life to see whether this approach improves everyday safety for very old patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people aged 75 or older with type 2 diabetes who are taking insulin and have a history or high risk of hypoglycemia.
Not a fit: People who do not use insulin, are younger than 75, or are unable or unwilling to use wearable glucose devices are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reduce dangerous low blood sugars, emergency visits, falls, and related complications in older adults on insulin.
How similar studies have performed: Prior trials in younger or middle-aged adults show CGMs can lower hypoglycemia, but combining CGM-guided prescribing with group education in very old, high-risk patients has been less tested.
Where this research is happening
Oakland, UNITED STATES
- Kaiser Foundation Research Institute — Oakland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grant, Richard W — Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Grant, Richard W
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.