Real-time continuous glucose monitoring is beneficial for people with type 1 diabetes
Glycaemic control is better in people with type 1 diabetes using real-time continuous glucose monitoring with alert functionality than those using intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring without alerts, a new study suggests.
Researchers have also found that people using real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) with alert functionality are less likely to worry about having a hypo compared to individuals using intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) without alerts.
During the study, more than 254 adults with type 1 diabetes were randomly assigned to either the rtCGM with alerts group or the isCGM without alerts group.
Upon completion of the six-month trial, the participants in the isCGM without alerts group then switched to using rtCGM with alerts.
According to the findings, time in range (TIR) increased from 51.8 per cent at start of rtCGM (month six) to 63·5 per cent at month 12 in the is-rtCGM group and remained stable up to month 24.
The results state: “In the rt-rtCGM group, TIR increased from 52.5 per cent at start of rtCGM (month zero) to 63·0 per cent at month 12, also remaining stable up to month 24.
“HbA1c decreased from 7·4 per cent (57 mmol/mol; month 6) to 6·9 per cent (52 mmol/mol) at month 24 in the is-rtCGM group, and from 7·4 per cent (57 mmol/mol; month 0) to 7·0 per cent (53 mmol/mol) at month 24 in the rt-rtCGM group.”
The research report concludes: “The change in hypoglycaemia worry score was 2·67 in the is-rtCGM group and 5·17 points in the rt-rtCGM group.
“Time in clinically significant hypoglycaemia was unchanged in both groups after month 12. Severe hypoglycaemia decreased from 31 to 3·3 per 100 patient-years after switching to rtCGM.”
To read the study in full, click here.