Continuous Glucose Monitoring Beneficial for Patients with Diabetes

Both patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes were observed to benefit from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), according to a study presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 77^th Scientific Sessions.

Patients with diabetes require frequent glucose monitoring, as uncontrolled levels can result in serious complications.

CGM provides patients with the direction and rate of glucose change, according to DexCom, which created a CGM system. These systems can alert patients when their glucose levels become too high or too low.

Included in the DIaMonD study were 147 patients with type 1 diabetes and 132 patients with type 2 diabetes. All patients took multiple day injections of insulin rather than other therapy options. Patients were randomized to receive monitoring by the DexCom CGM System or fingerstick blood glucose measurement.

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of CGM on A1C, hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

The investigators found that patients using the DexCom CGM System had a reduction in A1C by an average of 0.9% after 24 weeks compared with only 0.5% of control patients, according to the study. Overall, there were consistent reductions across all subgroups.

The benefits of improved glycemic control were seen in CGM patients who decreased the frequency of fingerstick testing needed, according to the study.

The investigators also discovered that patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes remained adherent to CGM, even after accounting for age, education, and numeracy. After 6 months, 93% of patients were using the system more than 6 days per week, according to the study.

Time in the optimal glucose range for all patients increased, with significant reductions observed in hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

The researchers also noted that patients interacted with their CGM display device regularly. Frequent interaction can lead to an increased understanding of optimal glucose management and can inform diabetes management, according to DexCom.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently approved reimbursement for the DexCom G5 Mobile, making CGM a popular topic presented at ADA 2017.

“This new data represents another important milestone in a blockbuster year for the advancement of diabetes management,” said Kevin Sayer, president and CEO of DexCom. “As the first and only therapeutic CGM approved by Medicare for patients age 65 or older, DexCom G5 Mobile is setting a new standard of care for a wide spectrum of patients.”