The use of continuous glucose monitoring systems in a pediatric population with type 1 diabetes mellitus in real-life settings: the AWeSoMe Study Group experience

• DOI: 10.1007/s00592-014-0643-6
• Publication Date: 2014-09-15T03:33:50Z
• Authors: M. Rachmiel; Z. Landau; M. Boaz; K. Mazor Aronovitch; N. Loewenthal; M. Ben-Ami; Y. Levy-Shraga; D. Modan-Moses; A. Haim; S. Abiri; O. Pinhas-Hamiel
• Keywords: Blood Glucose; Male; Adolescent; Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; 0302 clinical medicine; Child, Preschool; Humans; Female; Prospective Studies; Child; Follow-Up Studies

The aim of the study was (a) to compare annual glycemic control in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who used a healthcare-funded continuous glucose monitoring system (RT-CGMS) to that of those who performed self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) only, in a real-life setting, and (b) to define parameters associated with compliance and glycemic control.A total of 149 youth with T1DM (52.3 % females), mean age 11.8 ± 3.6 years, and 83 in the CGMS group were followed prospectively for 12 months. Glycemic control parameters and compliance to RT-CGMS were assessed periodically.Glycemic parameters did not differ significantly between the groups during follow-up periods. The time spent with RT-CGMS decreased and only 38 % used it for more than 75 % of the time during the 12 months (consistent users). Mean HbA1c decreased by 0.27 % in consistent users and increased by 0.21 % among intermittent users (used RT-CGMS less than 75 % of time), p = 0.013. Consistent users were younger 10. 6 ± 4.2 vs. 12.5 ± 3.6, p = 0.07, and had higher frequency of SMBG at baseline, 10.6 ± 4.9 vs. 6.3 ± 2.8, p = 0.011.The adoption of RT-CGMS was low, even in a healthcare system that funds its use. Caregivers should consider patient characteristics when recommending RT-CGMS use.