Noor, N, Norman, H, Yayah Jones, N-H, Majidi, S, Indyk, S, Clements, M, Dei-Tutu, S, Ebekozien, O, DeSalvo, D

Background and Aims: The management of type 1 diabetes (T1D) involves strict glucose control to avoid acute complications. The use of real‐time continuous glucose monitors (rtCGM) relative to self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) has demonstrated better glycemic control in T1D patients. This study aims to examine the distribution of patient demographics and frequency of clinical outcomes across the rtCGM and SMBG groups.

Methods: The analysis included 14,248 T1D patients in the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement (T1DX‐QI) database for whom electronic medical record data was available from eight endocrinology clinics across the U.S. Patients over 2 years with at least one completed clinic encounter between July 2017 – February 2020 were included for analysis.

Results: In this population, 37% (N = 5,276) of T1D patients were rtCGM users, whereas 63% (N = 8,972) self‐monitored blood glucose. Fewer Non‐Hispanic Black (2% vs. 11%) and publicly insured patients (8% vs. 16%) used a rtCGM device relative to the SMBG group [p < 0.001]. HbA1c levels were higher in the SMBG group compared to those using rtCGM (Mean [SD],%: 8.8 [2.1] vs. 8.1[1.7] [p < 0.001]), and events of severe hypoglycemia (8% vs.10%) and diabetic ketoacidosis (2% vs. 7%) were less frequently recorded for rtCGM users relative to the SMBG group [p < 0.001].\

Full study abstract listed under number O043 at this link: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/dia.2021.2525.abstracts