Ambulatory Glucose Profile Research Articles

PDB23 Investigating Internists’ Endocrinologists’ and Paediatricians’ Attitudes in Regards to the VALUE of Innovative Diabetes Mellitus Self-Monitoring Technologies in Greece

Innovative technologies of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and flash glucose monitoring (FGM) contribute significantly to metabolic control and improve quality of life of diabetic patients. In this study, the attitudes of expert physicians regarding the value of innovative glucose self-monitoring technologies in Greece were investigated. Two Advisory Boards (AdB) were set up by Key Opinion Leaders-KOLs (from Academia, National Health System Hospitals and Private Sector): the first consisted of Internists/ Diabetologists (N = 12) and the second consisted of Endocrinologists/Pediatricians (N = 11). Participants were asked to complete a structured questionnaire developed by experts on health services research, in which answers were given through a five-point Likert scale. A common data analysis (taken into consideration both internists/ diabetologists and endocrinologists/pediatricians answers) was conducted using the SPSS.20v. The vast majority of participants (96%) recognized the importance of innovative self-monitoring technologies for the effective management of diabetes mellitus (DM) and was willing to use them in their clinical practice. In particular, 96% of physicians considered as quite/very important the Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP) report provided by the FGM technology. Moreover, participants reported that FGM technology contributes to reducing fluctuations in glucose levels (100%), increasing the time in range (TIR) and reducing the time in hypoglycemia (96% of participants). Additionally, the majority of physicians (87%) stated that FGM technology contributes to achieving savings by reducing complications.Thus, 84% of physicians considered FGM technology should be reimbursed for patients with DM2, in addition to patients with DM1.However, participants highlighted the need for further development and improvements of FGM technology (e.g measurement accuracy at off charts values). The vast majority of participants considered the FGM technology as of high value and consequently recommended its coverage by social security schemes for patients with DM.

Influence of androgen deprivation therapy on glucose metabolism and ambulatory glucose profile

Introduction. Androgen deprivation, used to treat prostate cancer, leads to metabolic disorders, including glucose metabolism disorders. The timing of development and the characteristics of these changes have not been sufficiently studied. The expansion of the possibilities for assessing glycemia makes it possible to obtain changes in glucose.Objective. To study the dynamics of the effect of long-term androgen-deprivation therapy with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists) on the parameters of glucose metabolism and ambulatory glucose profile in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer (La PCa).Materials and methods. The study included 99 patients with La PCa receiving androgendeprivation therapy (ADT) with (GnRH agonists) for at least 12 months. The study of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels was performed at baseline, after 3, 6 and 12 months of ADT, and constant self-monitoring of glycemia was recommended using portable glucometers. Flash glucose monitoring systems (FreeStyle Libre) were installed in ten patients with a detected increase in glycemia on the background of ADT, allowing them to obtain data on the ambulatory glucose profile (AGP).Results and discussion. Long-term ADT in patients with La PCa, regardless of baseline age, BMI, WC, was accompanied by an early, progressive deterioration in parameters of glucose metabolism. The proportion of patients with prediabetic FPG values after 12 months becames 66% according ADA criteria. We found that 12-month ADT changes the AGP: an increase area under the curve and postprandial glycemic levels, an increase in blood glucose variability with an increase in the CONGA index to 6.817 (p < 0.001).Conclusion. ADT by GnRH agonists in patients with La PCa is accompanied by a predisposition to early disorders of glucose metabolism with a high risk of rapid development of prediabetes regardless of baseline age, BMI, and WC. The AGP of patients is characterized by an increase in the total glycemic load, and glycemic variability.

Profiles of Intraday Glucose in Type 2 Diabetes and Their Association with Complications: An Analysis of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Data.

Aims: To identify profiles of type 2 diabetes from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data using ambulatory glucose profile (AGP) indicators and examine the association with prevalent complications. Methods: Two weeks of CGM data, collected between 2015 and 2019, from 5901 adult type 2 diabetes patients were retrieved from a clinical database in Chennai, India. Non-negative matrix factorization was used to identify profiles as per AGP indicators. The association of profiles with existing complications was examined using multinomial and logistic regressions adjusted for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c; %), sex, age at onset, and duration of diabetes. Results: Three profiles of glycemic variability (GV) were identified based on CGM data-Profile 1 ["TIR Profile"] (n = 2271), Profile 2 ["Hypo"] (n = 1471), and Profile 3 ["Hyper"] (n = 2159). Compared with time in range (TIR) profile, those belonging to Hyper had higher mean fasting plasma glucose (202.9 vs. 167.1, mg/dL), 2-h postprandial plasma glucose (302.1 vs. 255.6, mg/dL), and HbA1c (9.7 vs. 8.6; %). Both "Hypo profile" and "Hyper profile" had higher odds of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy ("Hypo": 1.44, 1.20-1.73; "Hyper": 1.33, 1.11-1.58), macroalbuminuria ("Hypo": 1.58, 1.25-1.98; "Hyper": 1.37, 1.10-1.71), and diabetic kidney disease (DKD; "Hypo": 1.65, 1.18-2.31; "Hyper": 1.88, 1.37-2.58), compared with "TIR profile." Those in "Hypo profile" (vs. "TIR profile") had higher odds of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR; 2.84, 1.65-2.88). Conclusions: We have identified three profiles of GV from CGM data. While both "Hypo profile" and "Hyper profile" had higher odds of prevalent DKD compared with "TIR profile," "Hypo profile" had higher odds of PDR. Our study emphasizes the clinical importance of recognizing and treating hypoglycemia (which is often unrecognized without CGM) in patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Clinical Application of Time in Range and Other Metrics.

Time in range (TIR) and other continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived metrics have been standardized in international consensus conferences. TIR correlates closely with A1C; a TIR of 70% correlates to an A1C of 6.7-7%. Evidence is emerging on the association of TIR with long-term diabetes complications, and each 10% increase in TIR shows a substantial decrease in risk for long-term complications. Application of TIR to clinical practice can be easily done with a stepped approach to the analysis and interpretation of CGM-derived metrics and the ambulatory glucose profile report. Clinician education and partnership with patients are crucial for successful implementation of TIR and all CGM-derived metrics in clinical practice.

Beyond A1C-Standardization of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Reporting: Why It Is Needed and How It Continues to Evolve.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems are becoming part of standard care for type 1 diabetes, and their use is increasing for type 2 diabetes. Consensus has been reached on standardized metrics for reporting CGM data, with time in range of 70-180 mg/dL and time below 54 mg/dL recognized as the key metrics of focus for diabetes management. The ambulatory glucose profile report has emerged as the standard for visualization of CGM data and will continue to evolve to incorporate other elements such as insulin, food, and exercise data to support glycemic management.

Insulin Metrics: Need for Development of Consensus Standards for Reporting of Insulin Dosing Data.

The advent of connected insulin pens will generate an avalanche of digital insulin data, especially in the context of prandial- and multiple daily injection-insulin regimens. There is a need for the diabetes community to develop standards for such data, analogous to what has been achieved using the ambulatory glucose profile and associated metrics for glucose, permitting harmonization of data reporting for multiple devices and facilitating integration of glucose, insulin, food intake, and physical activity data. Several studies have estimated the timing of meals by analyses of glucose excursions but using diverse criteria. There is need for uniform criteria for multiple types of insulin boluses, including premeal, perimeal, delayed, missed, and correction boluses to facilitate research studies and patient care. This article contains a first preliminary proposal for standards regarding reporting of insulin dosing data. Clinical usage of these reports will require sensitive communication between health care providers and patients.

Impact of Switching from Intermittently Scanned to Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems in a Type 1 Diabetes Patient French Cohort: An Observational Study of Clinical Practices.

Aim: Assess the impact of switching from intermittently scanned (FreeStyle Libre [FSL]) to real-time (Dexcom G4 platinum [DG4]) continuous glucose monitoring systems on glycemia control in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients with high risk of hypoglycemia and/or elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).Methods: We conducted an observational study in 18 T1D adults with poor glycemic control on FSL. Ambulatory glucose profile data were collected during the last 3 months of FSL use before inclusion (M0 period), during the first 3 months (M3 period) and the last 3 months (M6 period) of DG4 use. Data were then expressed as 24-h averages. Biological HbA1c was measured for all three periods. Patients were their own-controls and statistics were performed using paired t-test or Wilcoxon for matched-pairs.Results: The switch to DG4 at M3 resulted in a higher time-in-range (TIR) 70–180 mg/dL (median [Q1;Q3], 53.1 [44.5;67.3] vs. 41.5 [28.5;62.0], P = 0.0008), and a lower time-below-range <70 mg/dL (TBR mean ± standard deviation (SD), 5.4 ± 3.7 vs. 10.9 ± 7.1, P = 0.0009) and in the glucose % coefficient of variation (%CV mean ± SD, 40.1 vs. 46.9, P = 0.0001). Mean (SD) changes were +10.3 (8.0) percentage points for TIR, −5.5 (5.8) percentage points for TBR, and −6.8 (5.8) percentage points for %CV. These results were confirmed at the M6 period.Conclusions: Switching from FSL to DG4 appears to provide a beneficial therapeutic option without changing insulin delivery systems, regardless of the origin of the patient's initial glycemic issue.

Effect of Professional CGM (pCGM) on Glucose Management in Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Primary Care.

Little data exists regarding the impact of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in the primary care management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). We initiated a quality improvement (QI) project in a large healthcare system to determine the effect of professional CGM (pCGM) on glucose management. We evaluated both an MD and RN/Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Care Model. Participants with T2D for >1 yr., A1C ≥7.0% to <11.0%, managed with any T2D regimen and willing to use pCGM were included. Baseline A1C was collected and participants wore a pCGM (Libre Pro) for up to 2 weeks, followed by a visit with an MD or RN/CDCES to review CGM data including Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP) Report. Shared-decision making was used to modify lifestyle and medications. Clinic follow-up in 3 to 6 months included an A1C and, in a subset, a repeat pCGM. Sixty-eight participants average age 61.6 years, average duration of T2D 15 years, mean A1C 8.8%, were identified. Pre to post pCGM lowered A1C from 8.8% ± 1.2% to 8.2% ± 1.3% (n=68, P=0.006). The time in range (TIR) and time in hyperglycemia improved along with more hypoglycemia in the subset of 37 participants who wore a second pCGM. Glycemic improvement was due to lifestyle counseling (68% of participants) and intensification of therapy (65% of participants), rather than addition of medications. Using pCGM in primary care, with an MD or RN/CDCES Care Model, is effective at lowering A1C, increasing TIR and reducing time in hyperglycemia without necessarily requiring additional medications.

Continuous glucose monitoring: A review of the evidence in type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is becoming widely accepted as an adjunct to diabetes management. Compared to standard care, CGM can provide detailed information about glycaemic variability in an internationally standardised ambulatory glucose profile, enabling more informed user and clinician decision making. We aimed to review the evidence, user experience and cost-effectiveness of CGM. A literature search was conducted by combining subject headings 'CGM' and 'flash glucose monitoring', with key words 'type 1 diabetes' and 'type 2 diabetes', limited to '1999 to current'. Further evidence was obtained from relevant references of retrieved articles. There is a strong evidence for CGM use in people with type 1 diabetes, with benefits of reduced glycated haemoglobin and hypoglycaemia, and increased time in range. While the evidence for CGM use in type 2 diabetes is less robust, similar benefits have been demonstrated. CGM can improve diabetes-related satisfaction in people with diabetes (PWD) and parents of children with diabetes, as well as the clinician experience. However, CGM does have limitations including cost, accuracy and perceived inconvenience. Cost-effectiveness analyses have indicated that CGM is a cost-effective adjunct to type 1 diabetes management that is associated with reduced diabetes-related complications and hospitalisation. Continuous glucose monitoring is revolutionising diabetes management. It is a cost-effective adjunct to diabetes management that has the potential to improve glycaemic outcomes and quality of life in PWD, especially type 1 diabetes.

Use of ambulatory glucose monitoring and analysis of ambulatory glucose profile in clinical practice for diabetes management; a position statement of the Arab Society of Paediatric Endocrinology and diabetes

Background and aimDiabetes mellitus imposes a significant burden around the world generally and in the Middle East and North Africa specifically. Glucose monitoring is a cornerstone of diabetes management. MethodsGlycated haemoglobin has always been the main metric for assessing glycaemic control, but its use is linked with multiple pitfalls. As an alternative, continuous glucose monitoring is becoming a standard of care in many countries. Intermittent scanning glucose monitoring (isCGM) has acquired a worldwide popularity and has been proven to improve glycaemic control, hypoglycaemia detection and prevention, and quality of life. ResultsThe most recent International Society of Paediatric and Adolescent Diabetes practice.guidelines recommended its use in young people with diabetes observing Ramadan to ensure safe fasting. At a meeting in Abu Dhabi in November 2019, the Arab Society for Paediatric.Endocrinology and Diabetes brought together a number of regional diabetes experts, patient.representatives and international expert advisors to review the evidence for isCGM and propose.guidelines for its use in the Middle East and North Africa region. ConclusionIn this paper, the authors strongly recommend the use of isCGM for patients in MENA and present general recommendations and compressive specific guidance for physicians and patients, which they believe will also have wider resonance.

Tackling hypoglycemia in children: teams, targets and technology

On the occasion of the Somogyi Award lecture this review focusses on the current advances in tackling hypoglycemia in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes providing evidence for the importance of multidisciplinary teams, ambitious glycemic targets and implementation of diabetes technology. Meal-related intensified insulin replacement with differential substitution of basal- and bolus insulin is the therapy of choice in the care of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. The use of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring devices is increasing rapidly, with the type of insulin therapy (insulin pen or pump) depending on the age of the patients and family preference. Education appropriate to the age and current challenges is essential for the children's participation in everyday life as undisturbed as possible. New parameters like time in range and time below range suitable for identifying high glycemic variability as risk factor for severe hypoglycemia complement the HbA1c targets and the ambulatory glucose profile (AGP) in a shared decision making on therapeutic adjustments between the diabetes team and people with diabetes. Automated insulin delivery as a hybrid closed loop or dosing advice using artificial intelligence are becoming a clinical reality. However, diabetes education as a team approach, defining clear targets with outcomes evaluated in multinational registries like SWEET remain important for shaping the future of pediatric diabetology.

The Use of Standardized Reporting and Time-in-Range in the Management of Diabetes: A Consensus Report

Introduction: The exhaustion of healthcare resources due to the rising prevalence in Saudi Arabia mandates the search for each method that can help in better control of diabetes. Methods: The gathered task force gath-ered to develop an explicit, evidence-based consensus for the use of time-in-range targets as guidance for better glycemic control while using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). This article has the recommenda-tions of this expert panel. Results: HbA1c and self-monitoring blood glu-cose (SMBG) are not enough to detect blood glucose (BG) fluctuations on a daily basis. The incorporation of technology like FreeStyle Libre with its applications like Libre View is now used in many institutes in Saudi Ara-bia. This system is comprehensive and has all the standardized metrics needed. However, training and support are always needed. Barriers and challenges include the awareness & experience of the technology, the time barrier, the patients’ barriers, the technical barriers, and of course, the availability barrier. All the barriers and challenges should be dealt with by designing new training programs. Conclusion: The expert panel recom-mended using CGMs technology in people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) children and adults, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) on multiple insulin injections, gestational diabetes (GDM) who need further glycemic control, and those at high risk for hypoglycemia. In addition, we recommend using them for a short period for those who require intensive BG control or during acute illness or stress. In addition, Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP) could be used as an educational tool for any individuals with DM to study the im-pact of certain elements of lifestyle modifications on their immediate BG level.

Adjustment of Insulin Therapy: New Insights from Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Diabetes management technology has advanced dramatically in recent decades, particularly real time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) systems. A recent meta-analysis showed that rtCGM can reduce HbA1c by around 0.3% compared to standard care, and prevent hypoglycemia. In the CGM era, new treatment targets such as time in range should be considered in conjunction with HbA1c. One study using rtCGM demonstrated an increase of time in range compared to conventional treatment. rtCGM presents current glucose concentration data, as well as the direction and rate of change in glucose level every 1 to 5 minutes. This information enables development of new insulin dosing algorithms. This fine-tuning of insulin therapy should be based on healthy eating behavior. Furthermore, as the patient is the center of diabetes management patient education is needed regarding how this new technology can improve glucose management. This manuscript summarizes the utility of rtCGM for insulin adjustment. Keywords: Ambulatory glucose profile; Continuous glucose monitoring system; Education; Insulin therapy

The Ambulatory Glucose Profile: Opportunities for Enhancement.

The ambulatory glucose profile (AGP) and the frequency distribution for glucose by ranges are well established as standard methods for display, analysis, and interpretation of glucose data arising from self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring, and automated insulin delivery systems. In this review, we consider several refinements that may further improve the utility of the AGP. These include (1) display of the AGP together with information regarding dietary intake, medication administration (e.g., insulin), glucose lowering (pharmacodynamic) activity of medications, and physical activity measured by accelerometers or heart rate; (2) display of average time below range (%TBR), time above range (%TAR), and time in range (%TIR) by time of day to indicate timing of hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic episodes; (3) detailed analysis of postprandial excursions for each of the major meals after synchronizing by onset of meals and adjusting for the premeal glucose levels, enabling comparisons of magnitude, shape, and patterns; (4) methods to characterize distinct patterns on different days of the week; (5) display of glucose on a nonlinear scale to improve the balance between deviations associated with hypoglycemia versus hyperglycemia; (6) use of time scales other than midnight-to-midnight to facilitate analysis of time segments of particular interest (e.g., overnight); (7) options to display individual glucose values to assist in the identification of dates and times of outliers and episodes of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia; and (8) methods to compare AGPs obtained from different individuals or groups receiving alternative interventions in terms of therapy or technology. These refinements, individually or collectively, can potentially further enhance the effectiveness of the AGP for assessment of glucose levels, patterns, and variability. We discuss several questions regarding implementation and optimization of these methods.

Glycemic Control Improvement in Italian Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Followed Through Telemedicine During Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background/ObjectiveTo minimize the wide spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Italy was placed in an almost complete lockdown state that forced people to “stay at home”. Aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of lockdown on glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) followed through telemedicine.Subjects/MethodsThis observational study involved patients with T1D using the real-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) Dexcom G6®. Ambulatory glucose profile data from the 3-months before schools closure (November 26, 2019–February 23, 2020; T0) and from the 3-months of consecutive lockdown (February 24–May 18, 2020; T1) were compared.ResultsSixty-two children and adolescents (11.1 ± 4.37 years, 50% males) with T1D (median time disease 3.67 years) were enrolled in the study. Insulin total daily dose was unchanged, while time spent on physical activities was decreased (p<0.0001). Despite the lack of statistical significance, median value of the glucose management indicator decreased from 7.4% to 7.25%. Glucose standard deviation (p<0.0001) and coefficient of variation (p=0.001) improved across the study. Median time in range increased from 60.5% to 63.5% (p=0.008), time above range decreased from 37.3% to 34.1% (p=0.048), and time below range decreased from 1.85% to 1.45% (p=0.001).ConclusionsOverall, in our children and adolescents with T1D glycemic control improved during lockdown. Despite patients were confined to their homes and limited to exercise, our data suggest that the use of real-time CGM, the continuous parental management, and the telemedicine can display beneficial effects on T1D care.

Comparison between a flash glucose monitoring system and a portable blood glucose meter for monitoring dogs with diabetes mellitus.

BackgroundFlash glucose monitoring system (FGMS; FreeStyle Libre) was recently validated for use in diabetic dogs (DD). It is not known if this system is clinically useful in monitoring DD.ObjectiveTo compare the clinical utility of FGMS against blood glucose curves (BGCs) obtained with a portable blood glucose meter (PBGM) in monitoring DD.AnimalsTwenty dogs with diabetes mellitus.MethodsProspective study. Dogs with diabetes mellitus on insulin treatment for at least 1 month were included. Comparisons of insulin dose recommendations based on the in‐hospital GCs acquired using FGMS and a PBGM, consecutive‐day interstitial GCs (IGCs) acquired at home using the FGMS, and consecutive‐day, home vs hospital IGCs acquired using the FGMS were made using concordance analysis.ResultsThere was good concordance between insulin dose recommendations based on FGMS and PBGM generated GCs and IGCs obtained in the 2 different environments on 2 consecutive days, but almost absent concordance between IGCs obtained on 2 consecutive days at home. Glucose nadirs were detected in 34/43 (79%) of Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP) reports of the FGMS. In comparison, concordant glucose nadirs were identified in 14/34 (41%) BGCs using PBGM. The individual FGMS scans and PBGM identified 60% and 9% of low IG/hypoglycemic episodes, respectively.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceInsulin dose adjustments based on BGCs can be suboptimal. The FGMS allows a more accurate identification of the glucose nadirs and hypoglycemic episodes compared to the use of a PBGM and assessment of day‐to‐day variations in glycemic control.

Reducing HbA1c in Type 2 Diabetes Using Digital Twin Technology-Enabled Precision Nutrition: A Retrospective Analysis.

IntroductionThe objective of this study was to examine changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), anti-diabetic medication use, insulin resistance, and other ambulatory glucose profile metrics between baseline and after 90 days of participation in the Twin Precision Nutrition (TPN) Program enabled by Digital Twin Technology.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of patients with type 2 diabetes who participated in the TPN Program and had at least 3 months of follow-up. The TPN machine learning algorithm used daily continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and food intake data to provide guidelines that would enable individual patients to avoid foods that cause blood glucose spikes and to replace them with foods that do not produce spikes. Physicians with access to daily CGM data titrated medications and monitored patient conditions.ResultsOf the 89 patients who initially enrolled in the TPN Program, 64 patients remained in the program and adhered to it for at least 90 days; all analyses were performed on these 64 patients. At the 90-day follow-up assessment, mean (± standard deviation) HbA1c had decreased from 8.8 ± 2.2% at baseline by 1.9 to 6.9 ± 1.1%, mean weight had decreased from 79.0 ± 16.2 kg at baseline to 74.2 ± 14.7 kg, and mean fasting blood glucose had fallen from 151.2 ± 45.0 mg/dl at baseline to 129.1 ± 36.7 mg/dl. Homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) had decreased by 56.9% from 7.4 ± 3.5 to 3.2 ± 2.8. At the 90-day follow-up assessment, all 12 patients who were on insulin had stopped taking this medication; 38 of the 56 patients taking metformin had stopped metformin; 26 of the 28 patients on dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors discontinued DPP-4 inhibitors; all 13 patients on alpha-glucosidase inhibitors discontinued these inhibitors; all 34 patients on sulfonylureas were able to stop taking these medications; two patients stopped taking pioglitazone; all ten patients on sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors stopped taking SGLT2 inhibitors; and one patient stopped taking glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues.ConclusionThe results provide evidence that daily precision nutrition guidance based on CGM, food intake data, and machine learning algorithms can benefit patients with type 2 diabetes. Adherence for 3 months to the TPN Program resulted in patients achieving a 1.9 percentage point decrease in HbA1c, a 6.1% drop in weight, a 56.9% reduction in HOMA-IR, a significant decline in glucose time below range, and, in most patients, the elimination of diabetes medication use.

Relationship between interstitial glucose variability in ambulatory glucose profile and standardized continuous glucose monitoring metrics; a pilot study

BackgroundTreatment indexes using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) have become standardized internationally, and the use of ambulatory glucose profile (AGP) is currently recommended. However, the relationship between AGP indexes and standardized CGM metrics has not been investigated. Using flash glucose monitoring (FGM), this retrospective study served to evaluate the association of the inter-quartile range (IQR) of AGP with standardized CGM metrics.MethodsThe study subjects were 30 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 23 non-diabetic patients (control group). We evaluated average IQR (AIQR) and standardized CGM metrics. The primary endpoint was the relationship between AIQR and Time in range (TIR) in a 24-h period.ResultsIn the T2DM group, the AIQR was notably high and correlated negatively with TIR, and positively with Time above range, average interstitial glucose level, standard deviation of interstitial glucose, coefficient of variation of interstitial glucose, and mean of daily difference in blood glucose (MODD). For the T2DM group, the AIQR was notably lower in patients who achieved TIR > 70%, compared to those who did not. The AIQR cutoff value, as determined by ROC analysis, was 28.3 mg/dl for those who achieved TIR > 70%. No association was detected between the presence of hypoglycemia and AIQR.ConclusionsOur study is the first to provide the AIQR cutoff value for achieving the TIR target value. The range of interstitial glucose variability in AGP was associated with indexes of intra- and interday variations and hyperglycemia. Our results provide new perspectives in the yet-to-be established methods for evaluation of AGP in practical clinical settings.

Current status of continuous glucose monitoring among Korean children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) requires life-long insulin therapy because of diminished insulin-secretion capability. Glycemic control and glucose monitoring are important to prevent T1DM complications. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) measures glucose level, every one to five minutes, in the interstitial fluid from a subcutaneous sensor and facilitates better glycemic control, reduces hypoglycemia, and is safely used in the pediatric population. CGM can be categorized as retrospective, real-time, or intermittently scanned CGM, and all forms are available in Korea. The CGM device has 3 components: sensor, transmitter, and monitor/receiver. Key metrics of CGM include days of CGM application, percentage of time with CGM, mean glucose, glucose management indicator, glycemic variability, and use of Ambulatory Glucose Profile for CGM reports. CGM sensors and transmitters have been partly reimbursed by the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) since 2019, and 1,434 T1DM patients (male, 40.8%; age <20 years, 52.4%) in Korea were prescribed CGM as of December 2019. In Korea, the number of CGM users will increase due to reimbursement for CGM sensors and transmitters by the NHIS. Successful CGM use requires long-term policies to establish diabetes education and financial assistance. Clinicians should become well-acquainted with interpretation of CGM data and information updates to facilitate integration of CGM data into clinical practice among pediatric T1DM patients.

AGP in daily clinical practice: a guide for use with the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system

As real-time continuous glucose monitoring and flash glucose monitoring systems become more widely prescribed in the daily management of diabetes, it is important that the ambulatory glucose profile (AGP) methodology for reviewing and interpreting trends in glucose control is effectively applied. In this article we look at the essential features of the AGP and provide systematic and practical guidance on how the AGP can be interpreted in daily diabetes care with confidence. Using examples taken from glucose data captured by the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system, we show how each aspect of the AGP can be used to understand daily patterns in glucose control for a person with diabetes, including the importance of time in range and adjunct use of individual daily logs. Using these elements collectively, we show how and why treatment adjustments can be made, with the goal of improving glycaemic control and diabetes outcomes.