Comprehensive Assessment of Neuropathy and Metabolic Parameters in Type 1 Diabetic Patients with or Without Using Continuous Glucose Sensors

The present study was conducted in type 1 diabetic (T1DM) patients to evaluate the metabolic and glycemic control as well as the manifestations of neuropathy. The impact of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on the measured parameters was also analyzed. A total of 61 T1DM patients (age: 42.5 ± 1.8 years, DM duration: 22.8 ± 1.6 years, mean ± SE) participated in the study. In total, 24 patients had CGM sensors and 37 did not. Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy was assessed using cardiovascular reflex tests. Peripheral sensory function was evaluated by a Neurometer and calibrated tuning fork on the upper and lower limbs. Metabolic status was characterized by the determination of triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol, and glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1c). A positive correlation was found between HbA_1c and triglyceride levels (r = 0.28, <i>p</i> < 0.05). CGM users and non-users differed in triglyceride (0.9 ± 0.1 vs. 1.24 ± 0.12 mmol/L, <i>p</i> < 0.05), HDL cholesterol (1.7 ± 0.1 vs. 1.4 ± 0.1 <i>p</i> < 0.05 mmol/L), and HbA_1c (7.5 ± 0.2 vs. 8.3 ± 0.3%, <i>p</i> < 0.05) levels as well. Significant differences were found for the Valsalva ratio, Neurometer, and calibrated tuning fork results between CGM users and non-users. This study found a significant correlation between HbA_1c and triglyceride levels in T1DM. CGM use resulted in improved metabolic parameters and less autonomic and sensory nerve damage. As a novel finding, CGM is presumed to prevent both micro-, and macrovascular complications and, by this way, potentially reducing mortality rates.