Abstract
Aims
We aimed to evaluate both glycaemic parameters and patient-reported outcomes in patients
prescribed FGM based on the local criteria at our institution.
Methods
This retrospective observational study included patients aged > 18 years with a diagnosis
of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who were prescribed FreeStyle Libre FGM (n = 90).
Quantitative data on glycaemic parameters was collected pre- and post-initiation of
FGM in addition to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The primary outcome
was change in pre- and post-FGM levels of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C).
Results
There was a mean reduction in HbA1c of −7.29 ± 10.76 mmol/mol (p < 0.001, CI95% 4.94–9.64) sustained to the latest reading. There was also a mean reduction in the
number of hypoglycaemic episodes per week of 3.20 (percentage reduction 51.86%, p < 0.001,
CI95% 1.64–4.77). A significant improvement in quality of life scores was noted in all
five domains of the abbreviated DDS between before and after starting FGM (p < 0.001).
Key themes highlighted in inductive content analysis include ‘life-changing’, ‘positive
experience’, and ‘convenient’.
Conclusion
Flash glucose monitoring is associated with significant improvement in HbA1c to a mean follow-up of 4.6 months. Additionally, patients reported positive experiences
of FGM with significant improvement in all aspects of a focussed Diabetes Distress
Scale.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 24, 2019
Accepted:
October 22,
2019
Received in revised form:
September 15,
2019
Received:
July 30,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
