Continuous Glucose Sensor Helps Patients Avoid Highs and Lows

---

Relationship of fasting and hourly blood glucose levels to HbA1c values: safety, accuracy, and improvements in glucose profiles obtained using a 7-day continuous glucose sensor, by S. Garg and L. Jovanovich. Diabetes Care 29:2644-2649, 2006.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

Keeping long-term blood glucose levels (or A1C levels) as close to normal as possible greatly lowers health care costs for people with diabetes. Taking insulin is an effective way to maintain a normal A1C level. Unfortunately, though, insulin therapy is also linked with a greater chance to experience hypoglycemia (very low blood glucose drops, also known as “insulin reactions”). 

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

Even patients who check their glucose levels many times a day experience hypoglycemia if they use insulin to control their diabetes. The researchers wanted to see if using a continuous glucose sensor was a safe and effective way for patients who use insulin to control their diabetes.

Continuous glucose sensors work by transmitting glucose readings to a handheld receiver. A wire-like sensor that measures the glucose levels is inserted under the skin and is held in place by an adhesive. The sensors measure glucose levels continuously, in real time.

Who was studied?

Eighty-six patients who used insulin to treat their diabetes; 69 patients had type 1 diabetes and 17 had type 2 diabetes.

How was the study done?

For three 7-day periods, the patients wore a glucose sensor under their skin. In the first period, the patients were not able to see the glucose measurements on the receiver; during the other two periods, the patients were able to see the real-time measurements on the receiver.

What did the researchers find?

The patients were able to better control their glucose levels when they were able to see their measurements on the receiver of the continuous glucose sensor. The greatest improvements were seen among patients who had high A1C levels at the start of the study.

What are the limitations of the study?

The improvements in glucose fluctuations could be because the patients were in frequent contact with the medical personnel who conducted this study. Patients tend to monitor their glucose levels better when they know they’re being monitored.

What are the implications of the study?

Patients with poor blood glucose control can benefit from using a continuous glucose sensor. The data and alerts provided by the sensor can help patients avoid severe highs and lows in their glucose levels.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

2007 Resource Guide: A Supplement to Diabetes Forecast

Diabetes PHD and Archimedes

Checking Blood Glucose