Recovery of hypoglycemic confidence using intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring among adults with type 1 diabetes with level 3 hypoglycemia: A prospective, single-center, single-arm study

Abstract

Aim: To investigate whether the FreeStyle Libre, an intermittent scanning continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) system, influences confidence in managing hypoglycemia in adults with type 1 diabetes.

Materials and methods: This longitudinal, observational study conducted at one facility included 121 adults with type 1 diabetes. Participants used the conventional finger-prick method for self-testing glucose before using isCGM. At baseline and 12 months after initiating isCGM, the Hypoglycemic Confidence Scale (HCS), Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ), and HbA1c were performed. At 12 months, the percentage of individuals utilizing isCGM trend arrows for glucose management was observed. The primary endpoint was hypoglycemic confidence change attributed to using isCGM.

Results: After using isCGM, HCS scores improved significantly from 2.89 (2.56, 3.22) to 3.00 (2.20, 3.33) (p < 0.001); median (25%, 75%). Among participants with level 3 hypoglycemia at baseline, hypoglycemic confidence during sleep (p < 0.05), in social situations (p < 0.05), and in avoiding serious hypoglycemia-related problems (p < 0.05) were improved. Despite hypoglycemia risk, participants could continue daily activities by using isCGM (p < 0.05), and sixty-nine percent utilized trend arrows effectively.

Conclusion: Using isCGM improved hypoglycemic confidence among adults with type 1 diabetes. Data analysis indicated that people with type 1 diabetes could live more freely and better manage hypoglycemia using isCGM.

Keywords: Freestyle Libre; Hypoglycemic confidence scale; MDI; Multiple daily injection; Type 1 Diabetes; isCGM.