Abbott Slows Diabetes Growth, Cuts Forecast
Abbott's diabetes sales slowed in the third quarter as Dexcom reported stable reimbursement, and CMS may broaden Medicare coverage of glucose monitors.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Diabetes
Live Poll
Should Medicare cover glucose monitors for more Type 2 diabetes patients?
Abbott reported slower growth in its diabetes business in the third quarter and cut its full-year sales growth forecast. The company cited a lack of recent reimbursement expansions and pricing pressures outside the U.S.
Why it matters
The slowdown highlights growing competition between continuous glucose monitor makers as coverage rules shift. Expanded Medicare coverage for Type 2 patients not taking insulin could reshape demand for these devices.
Earnings filings from Abbott show a slower diabetes business and a reduced sales forecast, while Dexcom says its pharmacy benefit manager accounts for under 4% of its revenue. How the expected CMS decision will affect reimbursement rates remains unknown.
The players
Abbott
Abbott is a multinational healthcare company whose diabetes and electrophysiology businesses are major contributors to its revenue.
Dexcom
Dexcom is a medical device company known for continuous glucose monitoring systems used by people with diabetes.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
CMS is the federal agency that administers Medicare and sets its coverage rules for medical devices and services.
Robert Ford
Robert Ford is the chief executive of Abbott, who attributed the diabetes slowdown to reimbursement and pricing pressures.
Jake Leach
Jake Leach is the chief executive of Dexcom, who expects CMS to announce its coverage decision before year-end.
The details
Abbott's diabetes and electrophysiology businesses grew more slowly than expected, and the company faces rising competition in international markets. Dexcom did not see the same slowdown, and a study it published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed benefit for Type 2 patients not taking insulin.
Timeline
Third quarter: Abbott's diabetes business slowed.
Last month: Dexcom's study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Before the end of the year: CMS is expected to announce its coverage decision.
2027: Some CVS Caremark and Aetna Commercial customers are scheduled to switch to Abbott exclusive coverage.
Big Picture
The story follows the ongoing push to extend Medicare coverage of continuous glucose monitors beyond insulin users, with manufacturers such as Abbott and Dexcom positioning for a likely CMS decision.
If the expanded Medicare coverage is approved, Type 2 patients who do not take insulin may gain access to continuous glucose monitors. Coverage decisions will determine whether the devices become a practical option for daily management.
The takeaway
Patients with Type 2 diabetes who do not take insulin should watch for the CMS coverage decision and discuss with their clinicians whether a continuous glucose monitor could fit their care plan. Coverage changes often take effect on a schedule that is not yet public.
What happens next
CMS is expected to announce its decision on broader coverage of continuous glucose monitors for Type 2 patients not taking insulin before the end of the year.
Further reading
Explore more reporting on Diabetes to see how monitoring technology and coverage rules are evolving.
Live Poll
Should Medicare cover glucose monitors for more Type 2 diabetes patients?
