Novel ambulatory glucose-sensing technology improves hypoglycemia detection and patient monitoring adherence in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Purpose: Glucose monitoring [GM] is a mainstay of diabetes control and management. Improving glycemic control is essential to prevent microvascular complications. However, adherence to GM can be a challenge in children and adolescents. Detecting hypoglycemia is essential for its prevention and treatment. We aim to study the impact of the flash ambulatory glucose monitoring in detecting hypoglycemia and enhancing adherence in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Methods: The study is prospective involving 3 hospital visits. Children and adolescents with diabetes were enrolled in the study which involved a period on conventional glucose self-monitoring [glucometers] followed by a similar period of monitoring using the flash glucose monitoring device (FreeStyle Libre). Frequency of GM, duration and frequency of hypoglycemia were compared on conventional and the flash monitoring. Results: 75 subjects were studied. Age mean (range) was 11.9 years (2–19). Significant difference was seen in hypoglycemia detection between both testing devices. 68 (94%) and 65 (90%) patients detected nocturnal and diurnal hypoglycemia respectively on Flash monitoring compared to 12 (16.6%) and 30 (41%) on glucometer testing (p < 0.00). Mean (range) duration of hypoglycemia was 95 min (15–330). Statistically-significant difference was found between the frequency of GM on glucometer testing compared with Flash monitoring (2.87 and 11.6/day) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Flash monitoring is a useful tool to improve adherence to GM and detecting hypoglycemia [diurnal and nocturnal] in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.