Beyond A1C: A Practical Approach to Interpreting and Optimizing Continuous Glucose Data in Youth

Abstract

Despite significant pharmacological and technological advances in the treatment of type 1 diabetes, the majority of youth in the United States do not meet the American Diabetes Association’s recommended A1C goal. Understanding and managing glycemic variability is important in children and adolescents. Because A1C provides an incomplete picture of day-to-day glycemic fluctuations, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived metrics are a promising addition to address glycemic management challenges in youth with diabetes. In this article, we discuss how to develop practical strategies to optimize the use of CGM in the pediatric population, interpret the valuable data it provides, and develop personalized and actionable treatment goals.