GLP-1 Medications vs. Insulin: Understanding the Difference for Accurate CGM Referrals 

Tag: case-manager

Published: July 20, 2026

Last Updated: July 21, 2026

Summary

As diabetes treatment options evolve, distinguishing between insulin and GLP-1 medications has become increasingly important for case managers supporting CGM referrals. Because these therapies serve different clinical purposes and may have different documentation requirements, understanding the distinction can help reduce referral errors, prevent delays, and improve care coordination for patients requiring diabetes monitoring supplies.

As diabetes treatment options continue to evolve, case managers are increasingly encountering patients who use a variety of medications to help manage blood glucose levels. One area of growing confusion involves the distinction between insulin and non-insulin medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic® (semaglutide) and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Mounjaro® (tirzepatide).

Understanding the difference is important, not only for care coordination, but also for ensuring documentation accuracy and avoiding delays when supporting patients who may be referred for Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) supplies.

As CGM utilization expands, referral requirements and coverage criteria continue to depend on a patient's clinical diagnosis, treatment regimen, and payer-specific guidelines.

Because some GLP-1 medications are administered through injection devices, they are occasionally mistaken for insulin therapies. However, insulin and GLP-1 receptor agonists are distinct medication classes that work differently in the body and may have different documentation considerations.

Accurately identifying a patient's treatment regimen can help prevent referral errors, reduce administrative follow-up, and support a smoother supply approval process.

Insulin is a hormone that helps move glucose from the bloodstream into cells where it can be used for energy. People with diabetes may require insulin therapy when their bodies do not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin they produce.

Insulin therapy may involve:

• Rapid-acting insulin
• Short-acting insulin
• Intermediate-acting insulin
• Long-acting insulin
• Combination insulin regimens

Patients may administer insulin multiple times per day or use other prescribed insulin treatment schedules as directed by their healthcare provider.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a separate class of medications used in the management of certain patients with diabetes and other medical conditions, as determined by a healthcare provider.

These medications work differently than insulin and may help regulate blood glucose through multiple mechanisms, including supporting the body's natural insulin response and slowing gastric emptying.

Examples of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications include:

• Ozempic® (semaglutide)
• Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)
• Trulicity® (dulaglutide)
• Victoza® (liraglutide)

While some GLP-1 medications are delivered by injection, they are not insulin products.

Disclaimer: HCD does not do insulin or GLP-1s, but can support your member's CGM needs. This newsletter is for context only as it pertains to CGMs.

Case managers and care teams may encounter referral delays when medication information is incomplete or inaccurately categorized.

Common issues include:

• Listing a GLP-1 medication as insulin therapy
• Missing medication details in referral documentation
• Outdated medication lists
• Incomplete treatment information submitted with referrals
• Assumptions regarding CGM eligibility based solely on medication type

Because payer requirements can vary, complete and accurate documentation is essential for determining next steps and avoiding unnecessary back-and-forth communication.

To support efficient referral processing and reduce delays, consider the following:

• Verify Current Medication Lists: Review the patient's most recent medication profile and confirm whether prescribed therapies include insulin, GLP-1 medications, or both.
• Document Treatment Regimens Clearly: Ensure referral documentation accurately reflects the patient's current diabetes management plan as prescribed by their healthcare provider.
• Avoid Assumptions About Coverage: Coverage requirements may vary by payer, plan, diagnosis, and treatment regimen. Always refer to current payer guidelines and documentation requirements.
• Partner Early with Referral Resources: Working closely with referral partners can help identify missing information before it causes delays in the approval process.

At the center of every referral is a patient relying on timely access to the supplies and support they need to manage their condition. Understanding the distinction between insulin and GLP-1 medications can help reduce referral errors, improve documentation quality, and streamline communication between care teams and supply partners.

Accurate, complete documentation plays an important role in helping your patients avoid unnecessary delays and stay on track with their supply needs. As diabetes treatments continue to evolve, staying informed and working with trusted partners like HCD can help create a more efficient process and a better experience for your patients.

Learn more about [why accurate documentation is critical for timely medical supply delivery].