Impact of short-term application of continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) on long-term glycemic profile in adolescents and adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus: An open-label randomized control cross over study

Aims: The use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS) improves glycemic parameters in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1D), but the cost is prohibitive. Here, we investigated the effect of short-term application of real-time and intermittently-scanned CGMS (rt and is-CGMS) in T1D individuals on change in HbA1c at the end of 3 months. Methods: T1D individuals were randomized into three groups in a ratio of 1:1:2 - Group A (rt-CGMS for 2 weeks initially, followed by is-CGMS for 2 weeks at 3 months), Group B (is-CGMS for 2 weeks initially followed by rtCGMS for 2 weeks at 3 months) and Group C (only self-monitoring of blood glucose), respectively. HbA1c at baseline, 3, and 6 months were compared. Results: Out of a total 68 T1D patients, HbA1c decreased significantly in groups A and B at 6 months compared to the baseline, but not in group C. HbA1c was significantly lower in Group A compared to Group C at 3 and 6 months. Fructosamine levels significantly decreased in Group B before and after cross-over. Glycemic variability indices improved significantly after cross-over from is-CGMS to rt-CGMS. Conclusion: Intermittent application of CGMS for 2 weeks improves short- and long-term blood glucose control in T1D.