EFFECT OF USING THE NIGHTSCOUT SYSTEM ON METABOLIC CONTROL, SAFETY, AND INCIDENCE OF COMPLICATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

Introduction: The Nightscout system is a free Do It Yourself solution. This system appeared in Poland in 2016. The concept of the project is to provide insight into measurements from the system of continuous glucose monitoring in interstitial fluid by authorized persons. The aim: The study was carried out to assess the functionality of the Nightscout system and its effect onmetabolic control, safety and the incidence of complications in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Material and methods:The study comprised 98 patients with type 1 diabetes. The study was conducted online using an anonymous questionnaire targeted at members of the "Nightscout Polska (Poland)" group on the Facebook. Results: Severe hypoglycaemic episodes with loss of consciousness were more frequent before using the Nightscout system and were reported by 3 adults (1-2 episodes). No severe hypoglycaemic episodes were reported when using the Nightscout system. The number of ketoacidosis episodes was reduced from 5 before using the Nightscout system to 2 episodes during the use of the system in children, and from 3 to 0 episodes in adults. Levels of glycated haemoglobin were lower in patients using the Nightscout system, both compared to control groups and values before the use it. In people using the Nightscout system glycated hemoglobin values were lower than their values before using this system. It was also shown that people using the Nightscout system had lower glycated hemoglobin than people from the control group. Conclusions: Using the Nightscout system can positively affect the safety of insulin therapy and the treatment process of type 1 diabetes. The Nightscout system can be an improvement of the system of continuous glucose monitoring in interstitial fluid.