A glucose sensor may help protect your kidneys when you live with diabetes

If you live with diabetes and take insulin, a small sensor on your arm may do more than show your sugar. It may also help protect your kidneys. Adults who started a real-time continuous glucose monitor lost kidney function more slowly over 3 years than similar adults who did not use one. That is good news for anyone thinking about chronic kidney disease.

Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease. Steady blood sugar helps protect the kidneys. A continuous glucose monitor is a sensor that tracks your sugar around the clock, so staying in range gets easier.

How the study worked

Researchers looked at de-identified health records from a large US data network. They included adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who used insulin and had reduced kidney function. They matched people who started a real-time monitor with similar people who did not, then compared the two groups over 3 years. It was a records-based study, so it shows a strong link rather than a test in which people were assigned a monitor. It was published in November 2026 in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism.

What they found

The monitor group had a significantly slower decline in kidney function. Doctors measure this with a blood test called eGFR. This result came from 518 people in each group.

The monitor users also saw a significantly bigger drop in HbA1c, the test that shows your average blood sugar over the past few months. This result came from 461 people in each group.

One measure did not differ. Protein leaking into the urine, checked with a urine test called ACR, was about the same in both groups. That comparison included 138 people in each group.

In short, the people who wore a sensor kept more of their kidney function over time and brought their average blood sugar down further.

What is eGFR?

eGFR stands for estimated glomerular filtration rate. It is a number from a simple blood test that estimates how well your kidneys filter waste. A slower fall in that number over the years means your kidneys are holding up better.

What you can do today

Look at your last set of yearly labs and check for two items: eGFR, which is the kidney blood test, and a urine test for protein. If either is missing, ask for it at your next visit. If you use insulin, ask your doctor whether a continuous glucose monitor is a good fit for you. Many insurance plans, including Medicare in some cases, cover them, and your pharmacy or care team can tell you what your plan includes.