Continuous glucose monitoring on the perception of hypoglycemia in people with diabetes mellitus
Abstract
Introduction: Recurrent hypoglycemia increases the risk of developing asymptomatic hypoglycemia, which affects up to 40% of people with diabetes and leads to severe hypoglycemic episodes.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of instant glucose monitoring on the perception of hypoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Method: A 24-week quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital involving 68 patients with type 1 diabetes with severe or asymptomatic hypoglycemia. The primary outcome was the change in Clark test score from baseline to 24 weeks after implementation of a flash glucose monitoring device (Free Style 2®, Abbott). Secondary outcomes included changes in glycemic data and factors influencing improved perception.
Results: The Clark test score decreased significantly, with a reduction in total hypoglycemic time. No significant changes were observed in time below or in range. Longer duration of diabetes was associated with a higher likelihood of persistent asymptomatic hypoglycemia.
Conclusions: Rapid glucose monitoring improved the perception of hypoglycemia and reduced hypoglycemic time and glycemic variability in patients with type 1 diabetes, although its impact on HbA1c and time in range was minimal.
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