CGM Initiation Within First Year of T1D Diagnosis Is Associated With Improved Glycemic Outcomes
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) helps in correcting HbA1c levels and minimizes the incidences of hypoglycemia. Research studies have indicated that CGMS aids in better management of blood glucose levels. Anagha Champakanath and colleagues thereby conducted the study titled “Continuous Glucose Monitoring Initiation Within First Year of Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis Is Associated With Improved Glycemic Outcomes: 7-Year Follow-Up Study” and the summary has been given below.
Method:
Non-pregnant participants having atleast 2 visits per year for 3 years and having a device usage of 70% were appointed for the study. The patients were categorized into three groups: (1) CGM (Use of CGM within a year of diagnosis of diabetes and continued throughout the study. (2) No-CGM: No use of CGM throughout the study and lastly New-CGM (Use of CGM post 3 years since the diagnosis). The follow-up period was 7 years. Two outcomes were ruled out: The chief outcome being a change in HbA1c between the CGM and no-CGM groups and the secondary outcome being the difference in HbA1c between the CGM and no-CGM groups.
Findings:
The research suggests that there is an improvement in HbA1c levels irrespective of the initiation timing of CGMS. It also reflects that the improvement of blood glucose levels was better in those individuals who commenced the usage of CGM within the first year of diagnosis. Therefore it is beneficial, since it helps in delaying any probability of developing complications by aiding in better blood glucose management.
Limitations:
The study was a single centre study with a limited sample size. Further, the study design was retrospective and there was a prospect of bias regarding the initiation of CGM considering the family income, access to healthcare or the status of patients.
Lastly, no information was collected on the utilization of automated insulin systems.
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