The CGM Era: A New Approach to Diabetes Care

Quality Matters: A Podcast by NCQA

In this episode of Quality Matters, Dr. Richard Bergenstal, Executive Director of the International Diabetes Center, joins host Andy Reynolds to explore the evolving landscape of diabetes care—from the legacy of A1C to the promise of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

Rich shares lessons from decades of clinical leadership, research and quality improvement, including his advisory role in NCQA’s updated Diabetes Recognition Program. He explains how CGM, new metrics like the Glucose Management Indicator and a focus on patient experience are reshaping how we define and deliver high-quality diabetes care.

Listen to this episode to discover:

• Why the A1C Era Was Just the Beginning. Learn how A1C transformed diabetes care—and why it’s no longer enough. Richl explains why A1C is a measurement tool, not a management tool, and how CGM fills that gap.
• The Rise of CGM and What It Means for Quality. Understand why CGM use has surged sixfold in two years, and how it empowers patients with real-time data, alerts and confidence. Discover how CGM metrics like Time in Range and GMI are becoming the new standard.
• The Power of Visualizing Glucose Data. Explore how tools like the Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP) help clinicians and patients detect patterns, personalize care and move from data to action.
• Why Quality Measures Must Evolve. Learn how NCQA’s updated Diabetes Recognition Program adds HEDIS measures to reflect contemporary care standards and whole-person health.
• What’s Next in Diabetes Care. Hear Dr. Rich’s optimistic, collaborative vision for the next decade of helping people who have diabetes live better lives.

This conversation is essential for quality leaders, clinicians and health plan professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve in diabetes care, digital health and patient-centered quality improvement.

Key Quote:

The A1C set up the need for the next technology. Why did finger stick glucose come about? Because the average A1C said, “You need to do better.”

But nobody wants to poke their finger multiple times a day. So A1C led to finger sticks. Finger sticks led to CGM and now CGM has changed the dialogue. The A1C era had its role, but you look for the next thing to get to the next level. That's what I see CGM as.

-Rich Bergenstal, MD

Time Stamps:

(02:14) The Era of A1C

(04:22) What is Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

(06:43) Bridging the A1C and CGM Eras

(10:45) Addressing Skepticism and Myths about CGM

(18:37) The Future of Diabetes Care
Dive Deeper:

NCQA’s Diabetes Recognition Program

Recent Quality News About Diabetes

Connect with Rich Bergenstal