Is Now the Time to Review the Diabetes Diagnostic Criteria?

Abstract

The prevention of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains a significant challenge for health systems worldwide. New technology and its expanding spread within the general population can be a helpful tool for healthcare professionals to identify those at risk for diabetes and develop effective and personalized interventions. Recent advancements in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology have provided new insights into interstitial glucose levels, even among healthy individuals. An increasing number of athletes, especially in endurance sports, utilize CGM data during training and competitions to optimize their energy levels. This data-driven approach has led to significant improvements, such as reducing race times by critical seconds—often enough to secure medals. Furthermore, non-athletes are utilizing CGM to make healthier food choices and mitigate postprandial glucose excursions, which can help them achieve the desired body weight. Therefore, use of CGM has the potential to enhance the early detection of dysglycemia (prediabetes and diabetes) and refine the current diagnostic criteria to help individualised interventions and prevent long-term complications.