Dexcom G7 cuts A1C by 1.6% in Type 2 patients not on insulin

Dexcom's G7 continuous glucose monitor helped non-insulin-using Type 2 diabetes patients cut their blood sugar levels by 1.6 percentage points over 26 weeks, a 0.9-point greater reduction than those relying on finger-prick testing, according to results from the CONNECT randomized controlled trial presented Saturday at the American Diabetes Association's 2026 Scientific Sessions.

"Our hope is that this will substantially influence the standard of care and improve access for all people with Type 2 diabetes, including those not on insulin, to CGMs," Tamara Oser, a professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the study's principal investigator, said in an interview.

The 26-week trial enrolled 283 patients with Type 2 diabetes who were not using insulin, splitting them evenly between Dexcom's G7 system and traditional self-monitoring of blood glucose. Most participants were already taking common diabetes medications such as metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and SGLT2 inhibitors. Among those using GLP-1 drugs, the G7 group saw a 1.4 percentage point drop in A1C compared with a 0.2 point reduction in the control group, suggesting the devices amplify the benefit of pharmacotherapy.

Continuous glucose monitors are wearable sensors that track blood sugar in real time without finger pricks. The CONNECT study is the largest randomized trial to date demonstrating CGM benefits specifically in the non-insulin-using Type 2 population — a group that represents the vast majority of the roughly 38 million Americans with diabetes but has historically been excluded from CGM coverage by many insurers. Dexcom Chief Executive Officer Jake Leach said the results "prove without a doubt that there's significant benefit here for these users" and predicted they would help establish a new standard of care in the US and globally.

Expanding the Addressable Market

Dexcom, which generated roughly $4 billion in revenue in 2025, has built its business primarily around patients with Type 1 diabetes and insulin-dependent Type 2 patients. The CONNECT data could pressure insurers and government payers to expand coverage to the broader non-insulin Type 2 population, a market several times larger than Dexcom's current base. Abbott Laboratories, whose FreeStyle Libre franchise competes directly with Dexcom's G7, has also been pursuing expanded indications for its CGM systems.

A six-month extension phase of the CONNECT study is underway and will provide data covering up to 12 months of continuous use, which could further strengthen the case for broader coverage.

Investment Angle

Dexcom shares have gained roughly 12% year-to-date as of Friday's close, valuing the company at about $48 billion. The CONNECT results remove a key coverage barrier that has limited CGM adoption to roughly 15% of the non-insulin Type 2 population, according to industry estimates. If Medicare and commercial insurers expand coverage criteria, Dexcom's total addressable market could more than double, though the timeline for reimbursement changes remains uncertain. Abbott's FreeStyle Libre 3, which also offers Apple Watch connectivity, holds a significant share of the global CGM market and will likely respond with its own clinical data.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.