Abstract #1392967: Effects of Long-Term Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Hemoglobin A1c Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Over the past decade, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems have allowed for better insight into short-term glycemic control and the ability to assess for blood glucose variability throughout the day. Multiple studies have shown the benefits of CGM on Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reduction in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). However, few studies have shown the benefits of long-term CGM use on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who are on oral medications, insulin, or both. Our study aimed to determine the change in laboratory HbA1c levels in patients with T2DM after using a continuous CGM long-term. In this retrospective study we determined if HbA1c levels in patients with T2DM are reduced after using a CGM device for at least 90 days. The pre-HbA1c was a value within 12 months prior to using a CGM device, and the post-HbA1c was a value at least 3 months after using CGM. Patients served as their own control. HbA1c changes over time were assessed via a non-parametric paired t-test using SAS v9.4. There is a significant change in HbA1c from Pre CGM-initiation and 6- and 12-month post-CGM initiation, with a median HbA1c reduction of 0.6 for both. There is a significant change in HbA1c from Pre CGM-initiation and 24-month post-CGM initiation, with a median HbA1c reduction of 0.4. The median HbA1c pre-CGM was 8.4, and the median HbA1c 6-, 12-, and 24-months post-CGM initiation was 7.6. Long-term CGM use of at least 90 days in patients with T2DM was associated with a decrease in HbA1c over time which was statistically significant. Further studies will hopefully lead the way for CGM devices to be used as the standard of care for all patients with diabetes, as these devices have been shown to have significant effects on glycemic control.