The Experiences of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems in Patients of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus; Intermittently Scanned vs Real-Time Device

Abstract

Objective: The present study was designed to get evidence-based data for assessing the effectiveness of real-time (rt) or intermittently scanned (is) CGM sensors and comparing their burdens and benefits among patients of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in our setup.

Method: A cross-sectional study with nonprobability convenience sampling was performed from July 2023- December 2023 on all the patients and parents of patients with TIDM, on insulin therapy enrolled with Meethi Zindagi. With ethical consent, a validated questionnaire was filled out by participants. Burdens and benefits of technology were assessed in isCGM and rtCGM users.

Results: Of the 53 participants, 34 were male and 19 female. A total of 41 were isCGM users, whereas 12 were using rtCGM. Levels of HbA1c were significantly lower in the rtCGM group (p value=0.015). As compared to the isCGM group, the percentage of rtCGM users having <7% HbA1c was more (84%) with a significant p-value of 0.005. Comparing CGM benefits in terms of item agreement, 100% of all rtCGM users agreed to easy “diabetes care” and “management of hypoglycemia”. Regarding “less fingerpicks” and “feeling of security” majority (91.7%, 75%) of rtCGM users were in favor.  The majority of the participants of both groups found CGM devices expensive; 28 out of 41 in the case of rtCGM and 8 out of 12 of isCGM users.

Conclusion:  This analysis highlights the encouraging benefits of rtCGM for better glycemic outcomes in the population with T1DM. The data supports the significance of real-time sensors for easy care of diabetes and management of hypoglycemia, providing guidance to clinicians while discussing one-to-one care preferences with their patients. Support for making it more cost-effective, as well as working out to address specific hurdles are needed to grow technology.