With approximately 400,000 Type 1 diabetics in the UK, with as many as a quarter of which having low hypo awareness, it has been proven than continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) reduces exposure to dangerously low hypos. Yet it is still not widely or easily available on the NHS.
The randomised controlled trial (RCT) assessed impact of two glucose monitoring systems, the Dexcom G5 Mobile (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) and Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre (Flash Glucose Monitoring), on hypoglycaemia in people with Type 1 diabetes.
In the study, participants were randomised into 2 groups with 20 users wearing Dexcom G5 Mobile CGM and the other 20 wearing Abbott FreeStyle Libre (Flash Glucose Monitors). The findings of the I HART study (Impact on Hypoglycaemia Awareness of Real Time CGM and Intermittent Continuous Glucose Data) have been published in Diabetic Medicine, the medical journal of Diabetes UK. The study concluded that Dexcom’s G5 Mobile CGM reduced time spent in hypoglycaemia at night and reduced the fear of hypoglycaemia.
Professor Nick Oliver, Principal Investigator, Imperial College London, says, “This impactful study highlights the importance of innovative technologies in managing a challenging long-term condition which has serious health and psychological outcomes for young people. It supports the role of real-time CGM devices with alerts and alarms in the clinical pathway for people with Type 1 diabetes, especially those with a high risk of hypoglycaemia and impaired hypoglycaemia awareness.”
John Lister, General Manager, Dexcom EMEA comments, “We are delighted that the Dexcom G5 Mobile CGM System was able to demonstrate such a significant reduction in hypoglycaemia both during the day and at night, while also reducing the fear associated with hypoglycaemia. This study also helps to demonstrate the value of real-time CGM with alerts and alarms in helping people manage their diabetes around the clock.”
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