The impact of new continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices versus self-management of blood glucose (SMBG) on the daily life of parents and children affected by type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic autoimmune endocrine and metabolic disease which frequently occurs during infancy and childhood. Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is of utmost importance to achieve good glycemic control. Common side effects of SMBG in children are pain, discomfort, skin induration, and reduced tactile sensitivity; moreover, SMBG does not allow continuous glycemic monitoring. The more recent introduction of much less invasive devices for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has indeed reduced procedure-related pain and discomfort, and allowed real-time glycemic monitoring. Methods: From the beginning of May to the end of September 2019, we conducted a survey by means of a two-section (children/parents) questionnaire, aimed at assessing the impact of CGM on children affected by type 1 diabetes mellitus and their families, referring to the Pediatric Diabetes outpatient clinic at Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital in Piacenza, Italy. Results: The vast majority (80%) of children reported that the placement of the glycemic sensor is much less painful than fingertip multiple capillary punctures, as with traditional SMBG. Likewise, 90% of parents think that the use of CGM devices allowed a remarkable improvement of glycemic control, with regard either to the reduction of hypo- and/or hyper-glycemic episodes or to glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level. Moreover, 89% of parents believe that the use of glycemic sensors has led to a sharp improvement in children’s quality of life. According to children, school and sport are the two areas with the most evident improvement of their quality of life; less anxiety, high comfort and better glycemic control, particularly when not at home, have been indicated as major benefits. Conclusions: According to our data, the use of CGM devices can significantly improve the quality of life of type 1 diabetic children and their families.