Flash Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Implications for Use of Continuous Data in Daily Diabetes Management

Impact of Pharmacist-Led Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Clinical Outcomes in People With Type 2 Diabetes in Primary Care: Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is increasingly being recognized as the new standard of care for glycemic monitoring in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, despite advances in therapeutics and technology, glycemic control remains suboptimal. Team-based approaches involving pharmacists, particularly in primary care, have shown to be effective in addressing these shortcomings yet have not been rigorously evaluated in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

Herein we present the protocol for a study that seeks to evaluate the change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in people with T2D using CGM under a pharmacist-led approach as compared with a pharmacist-led approach using no CGM (only self-monitoring blood glucose with a glucometer). We will also assess changes in CGM-derived glycemic outcomes, health behavior, and safety outcomes among the pharmacist-led CGM cohort.

METHODS

This is a 12-week prospective cohort study in an academic family medicine department. We will enroll adults with T2D and a HbA1c level of ≥8%. Participants in the intervention cohort will wear a CGM sensor (FreeStyle Libre 2) for 12 weeks and receive structured diabetes self-management education and support from a pharmacist. Each participant in the intervention group will have 5 visits with a pharmacist. The primary objective is the between-group difference in change in HbA1c levels from baseline to 12 weeks between the intervention and historical cohort. Secondary objectives include a change in CGM-derived metrics among the intervention group from baseline to 12 weeks, and a change in health behavior via the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities measure from baseline to 12 weeks in the intervention cohort. A CGM survey will also be administered to participants in the intervention cohort to evaluate changes in diet, physical activity, general lifestyle, and medication adherence. Safety endpoints will also be evaluated. The primary and secondary outcomes will be analyzed within and between groups using descriptive statistics, with a multivariable regression analysis conducted as appropriate to adjust for potential known confounding effects.

RESULTS

This study was funded in July 2023. We began enrolling participants in December 2024. At the time of writing, 3 participants have been enrolled. It is anticipated that we will conclude this study in December 2025 and expect to disseminate results in March 2026.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this study will further elucidate the role of pharmacist-led CGM in primary care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06572306; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06572306.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/67014.

Technological advancements in glucose monitoring and artificial pancreas systems for shaping diabetes care

The management of diabetes mellitus has undergone remarkable progress with the introduction of cutting-edge technologies in glucose monitoring and artificial pancreas systems. These innovations have revolutionized diabetes care, offering patients more precise, convenient, and personalized management solutions that significantly improve their quality of life. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent technological advancements in glucose monitoring devices and artificial pancreas systems, focusing on their transformative impact on diabetes care. A detailed review of the literature was conducted to examine the evolution of glucose monitoring technologies, from traditional invasive methods to more advanced systems. The review explores minimally invasive techniques such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems and flash glucose monitoring (FGM) systems, which have already been proven to enhance glycemic control and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. In addition, emerging non-invasive glucose monitoring technologies, including optical, electrochemical, and electro-mechanical methods, were evaluated. These techniques are paving the way for more patient-friendly options that eliminate the need for frequent finger-prick tests, thereby improving adherence and ease of use. Advancements in closed-loop artificial pancreas systems, which integrate CGM with automated insulin delivery, were also examined. These systems, often referred to as "hybrid closed-loop" or "automated insulin delivery" systems, represent a significant leap forward in diabetes care by automating the process of insulin dosing. Such advancements aim to mimic the natural function of the pancreas, allowing for better glucose regulation without the constant need for manual interventions by the patient. Technological breakthroughs in glucose monitoring and artificial pancreas systems have had a profound impact on diabetes management, providing patients with more accurate, reliable, and individualized treatment options. These innovations hold the potential to significantly improve glycemic control, reduce the incidence of diabetes-related complications, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for individuals living with diabetes. Researchers are continually exploring novel methods to measure glucose more effectively and with greater convenience, further refining the future of diabetes care. Researchers are also investigating the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to further enhance the precision and predictive capabilities of glucose monitoring and insulin delivery systems. With ongoing advancements in sensor technology, connectivity, and data analytics, the future of diabetes care promises to deliver even more seamless, real-time management, empowering patients with greater autonomy and improved health outcomes.

Unveiling the interplay between rational, psychological and functional factors in continuous glucose monitoring early adoption: Novel evidence from the Dexcom ONE case in Italy

BACKGROUND

The escalating prevalence of diabetes, with its multifaceted complications, poses a pressing challenge for healthcare systems globally. In response, the advent of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, offering technological solutions for daily diabetes management, presents significant opportunities. However, the widespread adoption faces several barriers, linked both to the technological configuration of the devices and to the psychological dimension of patients. Therefore, this study aims to apply and test a theoretical model that investigates the antecedents of the intention to use Continuous Glucose Monitoring systems.

METHODS

The research model was built to unveil the impacts of psychological factors, functional components and rational constructs derived from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) on CGM systems sustained adoption. To ensure the comparability of results, we have collected data from people who had used Dexcom ONE Dexcom (San Diego, CA) for the first time for at least one month. Employing Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) techniques, the hypothesized relationships among constructs were assessed.

RESULTS

The analyses confirmed the positive correlation of rational factors to the Intention to Use. Subjective Norm, intended as the physicians' influence, is positively correlated with the Perceived Usefulness. Trend Arrows, albeit being negatively correlated with Perceived Usefulness, have a positive correlation on Perceived Ease Of Use, reinforcing its mediating effect towards Perceived Usefulness. Among psychological factors, Trust in the CGM technology positively correlates with Intention to Use. Health Literacy is negatively correlated to the Intention to Use.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings contribute to theoretical and managerial understanding, providing recommendations to enhance the adoption of CGM systems like Dexcom ONE.

Exercise and Self-Management in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review paper is to examine the most recent evidence of exercise-related self-management in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

RECENT FINDINGS

This paper reviews the benefits and barriers to exercise, diabetes self-management education, the role of the healthcare provider in assessment and counseling, the use of technology, and concerns for special populations with T1D. Adults with T1D may not exercise at sufficient levels. Assessing current levels of exercise, counseling during a clinical visit, and the use of technology may improve exercise in this population.

Use of continuous glucose monitoring trend arrows in the younger population with type 1 diabetes

Early control of glycaemia is key to reduce vascular complications in individuals with Type 1 diabetes. Therefore, encouraging children and adolescents with T1DM to take responsibility for controlling glucose levels is an important yet a challenging task. The rapid expansion of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems has allowed for more comprehensive analysis of glycaemia in T1D. Moreover, CGM devices have the ability to calculate rate of change in glucose levels and display the information as trend arrows. In turn, this can help to take evasive actions to return glucose levels to near physiological glycaemia, which can be highly motivating for young people with T1DM. In the absence of standardised, evidence-based guidance, this consensus document, generated by experts from the Arab Society of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes and international advisors, summarises recent literature on the use of trend arrows in young people with T1DM. The use of trend arrows in different CGM systems is reviewed and their clinical significance is highlighted. Adjusting insulin doses according to trend arrows is discussed while also addressing special situations, such as exercise, fasting, nocturnal hypoglycaemia and menstruation. Adequate understanding of trend arrows should facilitate optimisation of glycaemic control in the T1D population.

Flash Continuous Glucose Monitoring: A Practical Guide and Call to Action for Pharmacists

Despite advances in diabetes technology, the proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes achieving recommended glycemic goals remains suboptimal. There is a growing interest in flash continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) among patients, pharmacists and providers. Pharmacists are well positioned to collaborate with patients and providers in ambulatory care or community-based settings to allow a greater number of patients with diabetes to harness the benefits of flash CGM. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide pharmacists with a background on flash CGM technology, review the data supporting pharmacist-driven flash CGM services, and address common questions that arise in pharmacy practice surrounding flash CGM.

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 AIM

Diabetes 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.

METHODS

Glycated 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.

RESULTS

The 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.

CONCLUSION

In 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.