Value of continuous glucose monitoring in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) enables the assessment of blood glucose trends and patterns, as well as the significant variability in excursions in glucose in individuals having type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Aim The purpose of this work was to compare patients using CGM devices and patients on self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) regarding time in range (TIR) and assess the association between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and TIR in patients with T1DM using CGM devices and patients on SMBG. Patients and methods This observational, prospective cohort work had been conducted on 60 participants aged from 4 to 16 years old, both sexes, with T1DM. Patients had been assigned into two groups equally: group I: using CGM device (free style libre) and group II: with SMBG on multiple daily insulin treatment. Results TIR was significantly higher in group I compared with group II ( P <0.05). HbA1c was significantly greater in group II compared with group I ( P <0.05). TIR was significantly correlated with HbA1c in both groups ( P <0.001). Lipodystrophy at injection sites in group II was significantly correlated with HbA1c ( P =0.037). High-density lipoproteins cholesterol was significantly greater in group I than group II ( P <0.05). Alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, creatinine, triglycerides, total cholesterol, mean blood glucose, and time above range were significantly greater in group II than group I ( P <0.05). Conclusion CGM contrasted to SMBG has shown an improvement in TIR and a reduction in HbA1c in patients with type 1 diabetes. CGM is revolutionizing diabetes management.