Effectiveness of Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Managing Type-1 Diabetic Patients and Barrier to Its Use: A Quasi Interventional Trial

Abstract

Background: Type-1 diabetes is one of the largest endocrine and metabolic health issues among children and young adults. Diabetes mellitus is associated with many long-term complications. Aim and Objectives: To compare outcomes in groups monitored either by real time continuous glucose monitoring or by Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG; 3-4 blood glucose measurements per day). Also we studied barrier for the use of CMG. Material and Methods: It is a prospective quasi experimental controlled trial at diabetic center in Abha, KSA. Out of 307 patients registered, 60 T1DM patients agreed to participate; out of them 30 patients were enrolled in intervention cohort, they used CGM sensor continuously while 30 patients were in the control group they used SMBG. All were followed for 6 months; HbA1c was measured at 3 and 6 months. Barrier to use of sensor was evaluated with a questionnaire. Results: At baseline no significant difference was observed in the average HbA1c between the groups (10.57 % vs 10.73 %). HbA1c reduction compared to baseline levels in the intervention cohort was 2.15% and 2.36% at 3 and 6 months. In control group, HbA1c reduced to 1.07% and 1.22% at 3 and 6 months showing significant difference (p=0.002 and p=0.001 at 3 and 6 months). Younger patients age <20 years had significantly better reduction of HbA1c (2.28% vs 1.27%, p=0.015 and 2.47% vs 1.98%, p=0.004 at 3 and 6 months). The hypoglycemic events were statistically reduced in the intervention group (p<0.001) and also the ketoacidosis and hospital admissions (20.0% vs, 3.3%, p<0.001). Conclusion: We found that the use of CGM sensor was associated with significant HbA1c reductions and improved glycaemic control.

Keywords

• Type-1 diabetes
• Hemoglobin A1c
• Hypoglycemia
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring
• Self Blood Glucose Monitoring