Flash glucose monitoring: Impact on markers of glycaemic control and patient-reported outcomes in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus in the real-world setting

M Nana; S L Moore; E Ang; Z X Lee; L N R Bondugulapati

doi:10.1016/j.diabres.2019.107893

Flash glucose monitoring: Impact on markers of glycaemic control and patient-reported outcomes in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus in the real-world setting

Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2019 Nov:157:107893. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2019.107893. Epub 2019 Oct 24.

Authors

M Nana¹, S L Moore¹, E Ang¹, Z X Lee¹, L N R Bondugulapati²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Wrexham, UK.
² Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Wrexham, UK. Electronic address: rao.bondugulapati@wales.nhs.uk.

PMID: 31669628
DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2019.107893

Abstract

Aims: We aimed to evaluate both glycaemic parameters and patient-reported outcomes in patients prescribed FGM based on the local criteria at our institution.

Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients aged > 18 years with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who were prescribed FreeStyle Libre FGM (n = 90). Quantitative data on glycaemic parameters was collected pre- and post-initiation of FGM in addition to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The primary outcome was change in pre- and post-FGM levels of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C).

Results: There was a mean reduction in HbA_1c of -7.29 ± 10.76 mmol/mol (p < 0.001, CI_95% 4.94-9.64) sustained to the latest reading. There was also a mean reduction in the number of hypoglycaemic episodes per week of 3.20 (percentage reduction 51.86%, p < 0.001, CI_95% 1.64-4.77). A significant improvement in quality of life scores was noted in all five domains of the abbreviated DDS between before and after starting FGM (p < 0.001). Key themes highlighted in inductive content analysis include 'life-changing', 'positive experience', and 'convenient'.

Conclusion: Flash glucose monitoring is associated with significant improvement in HbA_1c to a mean follow-up of 4.6 months. Additionally, patients reported positive experiences of FGM with significant improvement in all aspects of a focussed Diabetes Distress Scale.

Keywords: Flash glucose monitoring; FreeStyle Libre; Patient-reported outcome measure; Quality of life; Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Blood Glucose / metabolism*
Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring / methods*
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / blood*
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Reported Outcome Measures*
Quality of Life / psychology*
Retrospective Studies
Young Adult

Substances

Blood Glucose