In a nutshell
This study compared two methods of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). It found that compared to intermittent monitoring, real-time monitoring led to better glucose control and reduced risk of severe hypoglycemia.
Some background
Treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D) has improved in recent years with better methods of blood sugar (glucose) monitoring. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) involves placing a sensor under a person's skin, which can send blood sugar levels to a monitor, often on the person's smartphone.
CGM can be used in different ways. Intermittent scanning CGM (isCGM) requires the patient to scan the sensor with their monitor when they want to know their blood sugar level. Real-time CGM (rtCGM) automatically sends updated blood sugar levels to the patient's monitor every few minutes.
CGM is important for maintaining correct blood sugar levels, avoiding high sugars as well as dangerously low sugars (hypoglycemia). It is not known whether switching from isCGM to rtCGM improves diabetic control.
Methods & findings
246 patients with T1D completed this study. 124 patients were assigned to use rtCGM and 122 patients used isCGM. Patients were followed up for 6 months.
In the rtCGM group, patients remained at the correct blood sugar level significantly more (59.6%) of the time compared to the isCGM group (51.9%). The rtCGM group also had a lower average HbA1c (7.1%; a measure of blood glucose control over the past 3 months) than the isCGM group (7.4%).
The rtCGM group also had a lower risk of severe hypoglycemia. 3 patients in the rtCGM group suffered from severe hypoglycemia compared to 13 patients in the isCGM group. Skin reactions were more common in the isCGM group. In the rtCGM, the occurrence of bleeding when the sensor was implated was more common.
The bottom line
This study showed that real-time CGM improved diabetic control compared to intermittent scanning CGM.
The fine print
This study involved a Belgian population, who all had previous experience of CGM and a good understanding of diabetes control. Further studies are needed to see if these results are found in other populations.
What’s next?
Talk to your physician about real-time CGM and whether it would be useful for you.
Published By :
Lancet (London, England)
Date :
Jun 01, 2021
