The 2024 National Diabetes Care Survey revealed a remarkable trend: the use of cellular-enabled glucose meters among people with Type 2 diabetes has surged by 57.6% compared to 2023. This annual survey, which has been tracking Type 2 diabetes care in the U.S. since 2021, highlights a growing shift toward more efficient and accessible methods of monitoring glucose levels. With over 38 million Americans living with diabetes and an additional 98 million affected by prediabetes, this shift is particularly significant as the number of diagnosed diabetes cases has more than doubled in the past two decades.
One of the challenges in managing Type 2 diabetes is ensuring consistent and accurate glucose monitoring. According to research, nearly 45% of people with diabetes struggle to control their glucose levels effectively. Regular glucose testing is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers to track progress and adjust treatment plans. However, traditional methods of glucose testing often involve cumbersome processes and lack real-time communication with healthcare providers.
This is where cellular-enabled glucose meters come in. Devices like the iGlucose Plus from Smart Meter offer an innovative solution, allowing people with Type 2 diabetes to measure their glucose levels at home and instantly transmit results to their healthcare provider. These meters eliminate the need for syncing, pairing, or setting up WiFi hubs, making them more user-friendly. With cellular remote patient monitoring (RPM) solutions, healthcare providers can receive the latest data as soon as the patient tests, helping to identify trends, prevent hospitalizations, and improve patient outcomes between office visits.
Dr. Bill Lewis, a member of the ClearHealth Quality Institute (CHQI) for Telemedicine Standards, emphasized the advantages of cellular-enabled glucometers. “People with Type 2 diabetes now have more options than ever, but they continue to favor cellular-enabled meters because of their ease of use and the immediate transmission of results,” said Dr. Lewis. “The iGlucose Plus, for example, uses a multi-carrier SIM, ensuring reliable, accurate, and secure connections to the strongest cell network available.”
The key benefits of these devices extend beyond convenience. Cellular-enabled glucose meters foster better patient engagement and adherence to care plans. The ease of use and real-time data transmission result in improved diabetes management, leading to better glucose control and fewer complications. These meters also help providers track patients’ progress outside of regular office visits, offering the potential for timely adjustments to care plans.
Smart Meter’s commitment to improving patient adherence is also evident in its automatic glucose strip refills. The company’s algorithm-driven service ensures that patients receive test strips delivered directly to their homes, making it easier to stay consistent with their glucose testing.
The 2024 survey’s findings point to a future where patients have access to more effective, user-friendly tools to manage their diabetes, leading to improved health outcomes.
About Smart Meter, LLC: Smart Meter is a leading provider of remote patient monitoring (RPM) solutions, offering cellular-enabled devices that are FDA-registered and connected to an exclusive AT&T 4/5G network. Smart Meter works with healthcare providers across the country to deliver real-time, accurate health data and improve patient care through enhanced monitoring and adherence solutions.
