Adherence
Continuous real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) significantly improves glycemic control (reduces HbA1c) in patients with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes compared to conventional self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG).
If you have type 1 diabetes and your blood sugar is consistently high despite frequent finger pricks, switching to a real-time continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that shows your glucose levels and trends on a device can significantly lower your average blood sugar (HbA1c). The key is using it continuously, not just occasionally, and using the data to make timely adjustments to your insulin, diet, or activity. While it requires wearing a sensor, the ability to see and prevent dangerous highs and lows offers a substantial health benefit over traditional monitoring alone.
This is the first randomized controlled trial to demonstrate a clinically meaningful reduction in A1C using real-time CGM in type 1 diabetic patients... real-time CGM gradually improved glycemic control over 3 months, resulting in a reduction in A1C by at least 1% in half the patients and at least 2% in one-quarter.
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial with a reasonable sample size (156 completers), but short duration (3 months) and industry sponsorship.
Source
Improved Glycemic Control in Poorly Controlled Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Using Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Dorothee Deiss et al. · Diabetes Care · 2006
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