What is the most convenient glucose monitoring system for type 2 diabetics?

This study compared two blood glucose (sugar) monitoring methods, real-time continuous glucose monitoring and internet-based glucose monitoring, in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Patients with diabetes need to monitor their blood glucose levels carefully. Many patient perform self-monitoring, using a glucose monitor. This requires a fingerprick and blood sample to measure glucose levels. Newer methods of glucose monitoring include real-time continuous glucose monitoring and internet-based blood glucose monitoring.

Continuous glucose monitoring measures blood glucose through a small sensor inserted under the skin. The sensor sends glucose levels through a transmitter to a monitoring device. This system can notify the patient when blood glucose levels are too high or too low. Patients using internet-based blood glucose monitoring use a glucose monitor to test levels three times a day, and upload those readings every two weeks for review by their physician.

Both of these newer methods of glucose monitoring lower HbA1c levels (measure of average blood glucose over 3 months) compared to self-monitoring. Most studies examining patient satisfaction with the newer methods have focused on type 1 diabetes. It is not clear whether patient satisfaction is as high in those with type 2 diabetes.

This study compared treatment satisfaction in 40 type 2 diabetes patients who were treated with insulin. Patients were randomly assigned to use either continuous glucose monitoring or internet-based blood glucose monitoring. Patients used their assigned method of monitoring for 6 months. HbA1c levels were measured at the start of the study, after 3 months, and after 6 months. Patients also completed a questionnaire after 6 months focusing on treatment satisfaction.

Treatment satisfaction was rated significantly higher by patients in the internet-based glucose monitoring group. Patients found the internet-based glucose monitoring system more convenient, and were more likely to continue treatment and recommend treatment to others.

Both groups saw a decrease in HbA1c levels: those in the internet-based monitoring group, levels decreased by 1.07%; those in the continuous glucose monitoring group, levels decreased by 0.9%. The decreases in HbA1c were not significantly different.

This study concluded that patients with type 2 diabetes were more satisfied with internet-based blood glucose monitoring than with real-time continuous glucose monitoring.