Continuous glucose monitoring systems for children and adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Published on 01 May 2024
Last Updated on 01 May 2024

Guidance Recommendations

The Ministry of Health’s Medical Technology Advisory Committee has recommended continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for children and adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in line with the following criteria:  

• CGM systems can be considered for children and adults with T1DM who despite optimal use of insulin therapy (multiple daily injections [MDI] or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion [CSII]) and conventional blood glucose monitoring to achieve target HbA1c levels:

  • Experience disabling or problematic hypoglycaemia. Disabling hypoglycaemia is defined as frequent or unpredictable hypoglycaemic episodes that lead to constant anxiety about having more episodes. Problematic hypoglycaemia is defined as frequent hypoglycaemia, severe hypoglycaemia, nocturnal hypoglycaemia and/or impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia; or

  • Have unacceptably high HbA1c levels (i.e. at 7.5% or above); or

  • Are unable to recognise or communicate symptoms of hypoglycaemia.

• CGM must be supported by a multidisciplinary specialist diabetes team and should only be offered where there is a clear expectation of clinical benefit.

• Individuals and caregivers (if applicable) must be willing to commit to use CGM at least 70% of the time, in addition to other glucose management programmes including attendance of structured education programmes, and regular follow-ups and monitoring.

• CGM should be discontinued if:

  • It does not result in a sustained improvement in glycaemic control, as evidenced by a reduction in HbA1c levels, an increase in time-in-range blood glucose readings, or improved health-related quality of life.

  • Individuals and caregivers (if applicable) are unable to adhere to regular CGM use at least 70% of the time and glucose management programmes.

Funding status

CGM system is recommended for subsidy in children and adults with T1DM, in line with the abovementioned recommendations. Subsidy applies only to the devices and accessories listed in the Annex. 

Continuous glucose monitoring systems for T1DM (Published 1 May 2024) [PDF, 152 KB]

Continuous glucose monitoring systems for T1DM Annex (Published 1 May 2024) [PDF, 105 KB]

PES Continuous glucose monitoring systems for T1DM (Published 1 May 2024) [PDF, 111 KB]