A major clinical trial has found that real-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) significantly improves blood glucose management in adults living with type 2 diabetes who are treated with basal insulin.
Researchers carried out the FreeDM2 trial, which compared the effectiveness of CGM with traditional finger prick of blood glucose monitoring in adults with type 2 diabetes.
The findings of the study, published today in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, support the use of advanced glucose monitoring technologies to improve glucose levels in people living with type 2 diabetes.
The research was led by Dr Emma Wilmot from the University of Nottingham and University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust and Dr Lala Leelarathna from Imperial College London, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
The research was led by Dr Emma Wilmot from the University of Nottingham and University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust and Dr Lala Leelarathna from Imperial College London, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
The team are also presenting the findings at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference in Liverpool this week.
Diabetes is one of the most challenging long-term conditions for people living with diabetes to self-manage, and keeping blood glucose levels within the target range can be difficult. Over time, consistently high blood glucose levels can increase the risk of serious diabetes-related complications, leading to blindness, amputations, heart disease and dying prematurely.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for around 90% of all diabetes cases worldwide. For people with diabetes, managing blood glucose levels, measured using a lab test called haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), is crucial in reducing their risk of developing serious complications, which can have significant healthcare costs.
Finger prick blood glucose tests are commonly used to monitor glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes and to guide therapies, diet and activity.
