Sustained blood glucose monitor helps manage type 2 diabetes

Kaiser Permanente, published in a journal on June 2, found that the use of continuous glycemic monitors improved glycemic control and reduced the number of visits to the emergency room due to hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes who received insulin treatment. It is the research result of. JAMA Found.

Monitors have previously been shown to improve Glucose control For patients with type 1 diabetes. Sustained glycemic monitors are now the standard treatment for these patients.

“Improvement Blood sugar control This is comparable to what patients may experience after launching a new diabetes drug, “said Andrew J., senior research scientist at Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California Research Division, lead author of the study.・ Dr. Carter said.

The retrospective efficacy comparison study included 5,673 type 1 diabetic patients and 36,080 insulin-treated type 2 diabetic patients.monitoring their Blood sugarBetween January 2015 and December 2019, at the recommendation of a doctor, 3,462 type 1 diabetic patients and 344 type 2 diabetic patients began using continuous glucose meters.

Researchers used statistical techniques that mimic randomization in clinical trials to evaluate pre- and post-results in patients who started using continuous glycemic monitors compared to those who did not. did. These analyzes showed that continuous glucose monitoring was associated with decreased HbA1c levels. HbA1c is a laboratory test used to diagnose and treat diabetes blood sugar level. The monitor also reduced emergency visits and hospitalizations due to hypoglycemia or very low blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia increases the risk of falls, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and death.

“It’s dangerous if your blood sugar drops too low,” said Dr. Richard Drott, an endocrinologist at the Permanent Medical Group and lead author of the study, who is responsible for population care. “This study shows that a continuous glucose meter helped maintain a target blood glucose level without lowering it too much.”

For decades, diabetics have used their finger sticks to measure blood glucose levels. Since 2017, Medicare has covered the cost of continuous glycemic monitoring for qualified diabetics. (Today, almost all people with type 1 diabetes are affected.) The continuous blood glucose monitor uses a thin metal sensor to detect the blood glucose level just below the skin. The sensor sends your blood glucose readings to your receiver or smartphone every 5 minutes. A prescription is required for continuous glucose meters.

This study examined diabetics who started using continuous blood glucose monitors according to their doctor’s prescription. To qualify under Medicare guidelines, patients typically receive at least 3 insulin injections a day or use an insulin pump and have a blood glucose test at least 4 times a day, every 3 to 6 months. You should always stay in touch with your diabetes team.

“Selective prescriptions for continuous glycemic monitors may partially explain the benefits seen in these type 2 diabetics,” said the National Diabetes Institute-sponsored Diabetes Translational Research Health Delivery System. Carter, who is also the deputy director of the center, said. And gastrointestinal and renal disorders. “Physicians seem to preferentially prescribe monitors to patients who have a history of hypoglycemia or are at high risk of hypoglycemia.”

According to the researchers, the next step is to determine if there are other type 2 patients. Diabetes By using a continuous blood glucose monitor, you can control your blood glucose level more appropriately and safely. “This study was conducted by patients who used it continuously. glucose The monitor gave very good results compared to those who continued only intermittent testing with a finger stick, “says Dr. Dlott. patient Those who may benefit even if they do not meet all of Medicare’s criteria. The latest technology is not always good for everyone. You need to identify the people who are most likely to benefit. ”