The association of continuous glucose monitoring with glycemic parameters in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes: A prospective observational study

Background: Uncontrolled glycemic parameters in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are a major concern. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on glycemic control in type 2 diabetics on insulin therapy. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was done in the Outpatient Department of General Medicine from January 1, 2021 till December 31, 2021 on patients with confirmed T2DM and on insulin therapy. Patients underwent detailed history and physical examination. The CGM device was inserted to record blood glucose levels throughout the day and night for monitoring. Parameters like glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), post-paradial blood sugar (PPBS), and lipid profile parameters [cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)] were compared at baseline and after a follow-up of 3 months. P-value < 0.05 was used to indicate significant difference. Results: Of 107 patients screened, 100 were included in the study and seven were excluded. The mean age of the patients was 60.6 +/- 11.1 years. Fifty-six (56%) of the patients were males, and 44 (44%) were females. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 22.9 +/- 2.4 kg/m(2). Compared to baseline values, after 3 months of CGM, there was significantly decreased HbA1c (9.41 +/- 0.83 vs 9.87 +/- 1.16 g%, P < 0.001), FBS (194.640 +/- 22.4587 vs 205.10 +/- 35.7758 mg/dl, P = 0.002), PPBS (271.160 +/- 29.1235 vs 299.180 +/- 42.3798, P < 0.001), cholesterol (184.470 +/- 28.5192 vs 198.430 +/- 38.8367 mg/dl, P < 0.001), LDL (102.410 +/- 22.8973 vs 112.040 +/- 30.8859, P < 0.001), and TG (140.890 +/- 18.0979 vs 146.730 +/- 20.8665 mg/dl, P < 0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant improvement in the glycemic parameters and lipid profile parameters with the adoption of CGM. Overall, CGM is a novel method for practical use for management of patients with T2DM.