Effectiveness of the freestyle libre 2 flash glucose monitoring system on diabetes-self-management practices and glycemic parameters among patients with type 1 diabetes using insulin pump

Abstract

AimsTo determine the effectiveness of Freestyle Libre 2 (FSL2) on diabetes-self-management (DSM) practices and glycemic parameters among patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using insulin pump. MethodsThis prospective study was performed among 47 patients with T1D (13–21yrs) who self-tested their glucose levels by the conventional finger-prick method using blood glucose meters (BGM). Data related to glycemic profile i.e., mean time in range (TIR), mean time above range (TAR) mean time below range (TBR), mean glucose level, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total daily dose of insulin (TDDI), frequency of glucose monitoring and DSM responses were collected at baseline and 12 weeks. ResultsThe mean TIR was 59.8 ± 12.6%, TAR 32.7 ± 11.6%, TBR 7.5 ± 4.3%, mean glycemic variability, standard deviation 63.2 ± 12.5 mg/dL, and the coefficient of variation 41.3 ± 11.4% at 12 weeks. At baseline, the HbA1c level was 8.3%, and at 12 weeks, it dropped to 7.9% (p = 0.064). Baseline glucose monitoring frequency through BGM was 2.4/day; however, after the patients employed the FSL2, a higher degree of frequency of glucose monitoring was evident at 12 weeks as 8.2/day (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were observed in all the DSM subscales at 12 weeks. ConclusionUsing FSL2 was found to raise the patients' DSM levels and improved metabolic control.