Despite advances in diabetes care, Black and Hispanic teens with type 1 diabetes (T1D) continue to face significant disparities in access to and use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), according to new findings presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions.
Researchers analyzed electronic health records from 402 teens and found that while 97% had access to CGMs, usage and outcomes varied sharply by race and insurance status. White teens wore their CGMs more consistently and had better blood sugar control, with an average HbA1c of 7.5%. In contrast, Black teens averaged 9.6% and Hispanic teens 8.7%. Publicly insured participants also had higher HbA1c levels than those with private insurance.
The study revealed that 6% more White teens had access to CGMs than Black teens, and both Black and Hispanic youth used the devices less frequently. “Our findings extend the literature by demonstrating inequities in CGM wear time,” the authors noted.
Barriers include physician shortages, restrictive insurance policies, and implicit bias in healthcare. Researchers emphasized that “CGM access has significant progress to make,” and called for solutions such as expanding insurance coverage, using community health workers, and tailoring care to individual needs.
While CGMs are now considered standard care for T1D, the technology remains underutilized in historically marginalized communities. The authors concluded that improving both access and wear time is essential to closing the gap in diabetes outcomes.
See: “Racial Disparities Persist in CGM Use, HbA1c” (June 25, 2025)
