Abstract
Background: Type-1 diabetes is one of the largest
endocrine and metabolic health issues among children
and young adults. Diabetes mellitus is associated with
many long-term complications. Aim and Objectives:
To compare outcomes in groups monitored either by
real time continuous glucose monitoring or by Self
Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG; 3-4 blood
glucose measurements per day). Also we studied
barrier for the use of CMG. Material and Methods: It is
a prospective quasi experimental controlled trial at
diabetic center in Abha, KSA. Out of 307 patients
registered, 60 T1DM patients agreed to participate; out
of them 30 patients were enrolled in intervention
cohort, they used CGM sensor continuously while 30
patients were in the control group they used SMBG.
All were followed for 6 months; HbA1c was measured
at 3 and 6 months. Barrier to use of sensor was
evaluated with a questionnaire. Results: At baseline no
significant difference was observed in the average
HbA1c between the groups (10.57 % vs 10.73 %).
HbA1c reduction compared to baseline levels in the
intervention cohort was 2.15% and 2.36% at 3 and 6
months. In control group, HbA1c reduced to 1.07%
and 1.22% at 3 and 6 months showing significant
difference (p=0.002 and p=0.001 at 3 and 6 months).
Younger patients age <20 years had significantly better
reduction of HbA1c (2.28% vs 1.27%, p=0.015 and
2.47% vs 1.98%, p=0.004 at 3 and 6 months). The
hypoglycemic events were statistically reduced in the
intervention group (p<0.001) and also the ketoacidosis
and hospital admissions (20.0% vs, 3.3%, p<0.001).
Conclusion: We found that the use of CGM sensor was
associated with significant HbA1c reductions and
improved glycaemic control.