Pharmacist-Led CGM Programs Improve Glycemic Outcomes in Outpatient Setting

Pharmacist-led continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) programs can significantly improve glycemic outcomes in outpatient settings, reinforcing the expanding role of pharmacists in diabetes management, according to research presented at the American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting and Exposition 2026, which took place from March 27 to 30 in Los Angeles, California.¹

The poster, presented by researchers from the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, evaluated a pharmacist-driven CGM service designed to enhance diabetes care through remote monitoring, medication optimization, and patient education.¹

Pharmacist-Led CGM Model Shows Early Clinical Benefit

The pilot program enrolled adult patients 18 years and older with type 2 diabetes (T2D) using CGM systems with remote monitoring capabilities and a fill history at the institution’s pharmacies. Pharmacists provided ongoing monitoring and interventions through weekly and monthly touchpoints.¹

At baseline, patients had suboptimal glycemic control, with hemoglobin A_1C (HbA_1C) values ranging from approximately 7.8% to 9.2%. Over a follow-up period of up to 6 months, results demonstrated meaningful improvements across multiple metrics, including reductions in average glucose and HbA_1C, as well as increases in time in range (TIR).¹

For example, one patient improved TIR from 41% to 71%, whereas another increased from 61% to 88%, alongside reductions in glucose variability and average glucose levels. These findings suggest that pharmacist-led interventions can translate CGM data into actionable clinical improvements.¹

Improved Adherence and Sustained Engagement

In addition to glycemic outcomes, the study assessed medication adherence using proportion of days covered, with most patients achieving adherence rates above 0.8%, a commonly accepted threshold for optimal adherence.¹

Pharmacists conducted regular follow-ups via patient portals, phone calls, and in-person visits, allowing for timely medication adjustments and lifestyle counseling. This longitudinal engagement was identified as a key driver of improved outcomes.¹

“These findings align with the growing body of evidence supporting pharmacist involvement in chronic disease management,” the authors noted, emphasizing the importance of consistent follow-up and individualized care.¹

Role of CGM in Expanding Pharmacist Scope

CGMs have emerged as valuable tools for real-time glycemic assessment, enabling more precise and proactive diabetes management. The American Diabetes Association recommends CGM use in a broad range of patients with diabetes, particularly those requiring insulin therapy.²

Pharmacists are increasingly integrating CGM into practice, leveraging data such as TIR, time above range, and time below range to guide therapy decisions. Importantly, pharmacist-led CGM services may help address common barriers to diabetes care, including limited provider time and fragmented follow-up. By serving as accessible points of care, pharmacists can help optimize treatment regimens and improve patient outcomes.³

CGM integration into pharmacy workflows can also ultimately save time and optimize visit frequency for patients with T2D. Although initial visits in the pilot program were more resource-intensive, requiring comprehensive CGM education and medication review, follow-up visits required significantly less time. This finding highlights the potential for scalability, as pharmacists become more efficient in managing established patients. The authors noted opportunities to further streamline workflows through electronic health record integration and standardized protocols.¹

Limitations, Future Directions, and Pharmacist Implications

The study was limited by its small sample size (n = 4) and short follow-up duration, which may affect generalizability; however, the results provide a proof of concept for pharmacist-led CGM programs in outpatient settings. Future directions include expanding enrollment, increasing follow-up duration, and exploring additional funding mechanisms to support broader implementation.¹

For pharmacists, these findings reinforce the critical role they can play in diabetes management through CGM integration. From interpreting complex glucose data to adjusting medications and counseling patients, pharmacists are well positioned to improve both clinical and behavioral outcomes. As CGM adoption continues to grow, pharmacist-led models may offer a scalable solution to improving diabetes care, particularly in outpatient and ambulatory settings where ongoing monitoring and intervention are essential.

REFERENCES

1. Hightower A, Sowa K, Kulkarni M, Sarwar M, et al. Impact of outpatient pharmacist-led continuous glucose monitoring management programs on glycemic outcomes. Presented at: American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting and Exposition 2026; March 27-30, 2026; Los Angeles, CA.

2. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 7. Diabetes technology: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2025. Diabetes Care. 2025;48(1 suppl 1):S146-S166. doi:10.2337/dc25-S007

3. Grunberger G, Sherr J, Allende M, et al. American Association of Clinical Endocrinology clinical practice guideline: the use of advanced technology in the management of persons with diabetes mellitus. Endocr Pract. 2021;27(6):505-537. doi:10.1016/j.eprac.2021.04.008