Change in Hemoglobin A1c and Quality of Life with Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Use by People with Insulin-Treated Diabetes in the Landmark Study

Authors: Timothy Gilbert, Adam Noar, Olivia Blalock, William Polonsky

Abstract

Background: Initiating continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can affect hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and patients’ relationship with their diabetes. We used real-world HbA1c data to quantify short-term changes in glycemia and validated psychosocial questionnaires to assess changes in quality-of-life indicators in people during their first few months of CGM use. Methods: Eligibility was assessed during calls to Dexcom sales regarding its G6 CGM System. Eligibility criteria included ages 25-65 years, type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) on intensive insulin therapy (IIT), and no prior CGM use. Participants used a web-based portal to complete the 17-item Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) and the 14-item Hypoglycemia Attitudes and Behavior Scale (HABS); provided validated HbA1c measurements; and shared their CGM data pre- and 3-5 months post-CGM initiation. Satisfaction and ease of use with the G6 System were also assessed. Results: Data were available from 248 patients (182 with T1D, 66 with T2D; 57% male, 88% non-Hispanic white). Mean (standard deviation) HbA1c fell significantly from 8.2% (1.9%) at baseline to 7.1% (1.1%) at the end of the study (P < 0.001); more than half (54.4%) of those with initial HbA1c values >7% experienced absolute HbA1c reductions of >1%. Significant reductions in diabetes distress (DDS) and hypoglycemic concerns (HABS) were observed (P < 0.001). Most (93%) participants were satisfied or very satisfied with the G6 System and 73% found it very easy to use. Conclusions: The first 3 months of CGM use was correlated with improvements in psychosocial outcomes and improved HbA1c levels for people with T1D or T2D who use IIT.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33470882/

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June 11Case Consultation
BDI hosts the San Diego-wide, monthly case consultation meeting (for mental health professionals working in the field of diabetes). Contact us at [email protected] if you are in the greater San Diego area and would like further information about this program.
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June 22Using CGM in Diabetes Self-Care
At the American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions (Chicago, IL), Dr. Polonsky, BDI President, will be speaking on Tell Me Why—Using CGM to Drive Changes in Diabetes Self-Care. He also serves a co-author on six poster presentations on that day:
June 23EMBARK
At the American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions (Chicago, IL), Dr. Fisher, BDI Research Director, will present Reducing Diabetes Distress Leads to Positive Glycemic Change—Results from the EMBARK Trial
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August 8 – 10. Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD) will be hosting the in-person ONE event, an amazing weekend experience here in San Diego for more than 500 people with type 1 diabetes and their loved ones. Dr. Polonsky is honored to be one of the presenters, and we will hope to see many of you there. There are still a few spaces left, so if you’d like to know more, please visit: