Continuation of Personal CGM in Inpatient Setting vs Discontinuation for Patients Already Using CGM

STEP 1 — Gather Information

Confirm outpatient personal CGM use (device model, supplies, patient proficiency), assess hypoglycemia risk factors (history of severe hypoglycemia, impaired awareness, renal/hepatic dysfunction), screen for contraindications (extensive skin infection, hypoperfusion, vasoactive pressor therapy, need for MRI/procedures requiring sensor removal), and verify patient has access to backup supplies and point-of-care blood glucose (POC-BG) for validation.

STEP 2 — Rule In / Rule Out

Is the patient currently using personal CGM outpatient and free of absolute contraindications to inpatient CGM use? If yes, proceed to stratification; if no, consider discontinuation and transition to hospital-managed glucose monitoring.

STEP 3 — Classify or Stratify

Stratify by hypoglycemia risk: high risk (prior severe hypoglycemia requiring assistance, impaired awareness, CKD stage 3‑5, hepatic failure) vs lower risk; both groups may continue CGM but high‑risk patients benefit most from hybrid CGM + POC‑BG approach.

STEP 4 — Decide

For patients who pass the rule‑in, continue personal CGM in the inpatient setting with a hybrid approach: use CGM for trend alerts but obtain confirmatory POC‑BG before any insulin or glucose‑modifying therapy adjustments; if contraindications arise, discontinue personal CGM and rely on hospital POC‑BG or institutional CGM protocols.

Clinical Guardrails / Mimics / Pitfalls

Do not use CGM values alone to direct insulin dosing; always validate with POC‑BG prior to therapy changes. Avoid CGM in patients with extensive skin infection, hypoperfusion, vasopressor therapy, or undergoing MRI/procedures that require sensor removal. Remember inpatient CGM use is not FDA‑approved but operates under enforcement discretion; ensure staff training, have clear protocols for sensor removal/re‑application, and maintain access to SMBG/CGM supplies.

Concrete Clinical Example

A 22‑year‑old with type 1 diabetes using a Dexcom G6 admits for elective appendectomy; she has no skin infection, is not on pressors, and requests to keep her CGM. The team confirms her supplies, educates nursing on trend alerts, and obtains POC‑BG checks before each insulin dose adjustment, continuing her personal CGM throughout the stay.

Source: Management of Individuals With Diabetes at High Risk for Hypoglycemia: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline, Endocrine Society, 2023, DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac596