Decide on CGM Use with Confirmatory POC-BG

STEP 1 — Gather Information

• Confirm insulin-treated diabetes (type 1 or type 2) and hospitalization for noncritical illness.
• Assess high‑risk hypoglycemia criteria: age ≥65 y, BMI ≤27 kg/m², total daily insulin dose ≥0.6 U/kg, history of stage ≥3 CKD, liver failure, cerebrovascular accident, active malignancy, pancreatic disorder, CHF, infection, prior hypoglycemia, or impaired hypoglycemia awareness.
• Verify availability of CGM resources (devices, supplies) and staff training for device use, data interpretation, and protocol adherence.

STEP 2 — Rule In / Rule Out

• Is the patient at high risk for hypoglycemia?
  • No → Use POC‑BG monitoring alone for insulin adjustments (do not initiate CGM).
  • Yes → Proceed to evaluate resource availability.

STEP 3 — Classify or Stratify

• Are CGM resources and training available in the hospital setting?
  • No → Continue with POC‑BG monitoring alone (CGM not feasible).
  • Yes → Proceed to decision step.

STEP 4 — Decide

• If high‑risk hypoglycemia and resources/training available → Initiate real‑time CGM with confirmatory POC‑BG before any insulin‑dose adjustment.
• Otherwise → Rely on POC‑BG monitoring alone for insulin dosing.

Clinical Guardrails / Mimics / Pitfalls

• Do not rely on CGM alone for insulin decisions; always confirm with POC‑BG, especially in hypoglycemic range (<70 mg/dL).
• Avoid CGM in patients with extensive skin infections, hypoperfusion, hypovolemia, or receiving vasoactive/pressor agents.
• Be aware of substances that cause false CGM readings: acetaminophen >4 g/day, dopamine, vitamin C, hydroxyurea.
• Do not use CGM if the patient cannot safely manage device alarms or if sensor placement is contraindicated.

Concrete Clinical Example

A 68‑year‑old woman with type 2 diabetes on basal‑bolus insulin (total daily dose 0.8 U/kg) is admitted for pneumonia. She is 68 y, BMI 26 kg/m², and had a hypoglycemic episode last month. The ward has CGM devices and trained nurses. She meets high‑risk criteria and resources are available, so real‑time CGM is started with POC‑BG confirmation before each insulin adjustment.

Source: Management of Hyperglycemia in Hospitalized Adult Patients in Non-Critical Care Settings: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline, Endocrine Society, 2022, DOI:10.1210/clinem/dgac278