Starting CGM Early After Type 1 Diagnosis Linked to Better Long-Term Blood Sugar Control in Kids

Researchers in Korea tracked 216 children and teenagers diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes between 2015 and 2024 to see how continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) affected their blood sugar control over time. They organized patients into groups based on when they started using CGM: within one month of diagnosis, between one and twelve months, at twelve months or later, or never at all.

The team measured HbA1c—a marker that shows average blood sugar levels over about three months—at regular points over five years. HbA1c is important because it helps doctors and patients see whether blood sugar is staying in a healthy range over the long term.

Children who started CGM very early (within one month) and those who started it after one to twelve months had nearly identical results: a median HbA1c of 6.8% at the five-year mark. In contrast, children who delayed CGM use until twelve months or later had higher levels at 7.7%, and those who never used CGM averaged 7.3%.

Interestingly, when children were first diagnosed, those who started CGM earliest actually had higher blood sugar levels (12.5% HbA1c) than the other groups. However, these differences evened out within the first year. After that point, the early-CGM group maintained better control.

The most striking difference appeared in long-term trends. The only group whose blood sugar control got worse over time was the group that never used CGM, with HbA1c rising about 0.27% per year. In the no-CGM group, the proportion of children achieving an HbA1c below 7.0%—a common target for good control—dropped from 86.4% at nine months to just 47.1% at five years.

By contrast, children in the three CGM groups maintained more stable or improved HbA1c levels over the five-year period, suggesting that the information CGM provides helps families and care teams keep blood sugar management on track as time goes on.

This research adds to growing evidence that starting CGM early after a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis may help children achieve better blood sugar control in the years ahead. Early use of CGM appears linked to trajectories that remain favorable long-term, rather than drifting upward over time.

It's important to note this was a single-center study in Korea and reflects patterns in that population. Families considering when to begin CGM should discuss timing and readiness with their diabetes care team, as individual circumstances vary. The findings suggest, however, that early initiation is worth considering as part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan.

Source: Annals of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism. Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.