Longitudinal study of the flash glucose monitoring system in type 1 diabetics: An mHealth ally in times of COVID-19

Aims and objectives The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the FreeStyle Libre device implantation in adult type 1 diabetics in a Health Area of Castilla La Mancha (Spain) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Background FreeStyle Libre is a so-called mHealth device that supports health care. During COVID-1 confinement, diabetic patients could have improved their glycaemic monitoring thanks to these devices, although health care in these patients may have been limited due to confinement. Methods A 12-month longitudinal study in which a total of 206 type I diabetics participated, belonging to a single health area. Sociodemographic and analytical data and the Self Care Inventory Revised questionnaire (SCI-R) were collected. STROBE checklist was followed. Results The analysis showed differences related to the use of the sensor. After the study period, patients obtained better levels of basal glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL. In addition, a significant increase in the total score of the SCI-R questionnaire was observed after the use of the monitor (MD -7.77; 95% CI -10.43, -8.29). The same occurred with different SCI-R items such as diet (MD -2.995; 95% CI -3.24, -2.57), glucose determination (MD -3.21; 95% CI -3.52, -2.91), medication administration (MD -2.58; 95% CI -2.53, -1.96) and hypoglycaemic episodes (MD -1.07; 95% CI -1.21, -0.93). In the analysis by groups, worse values of glycosylated haemoglobin and adherence to treatment (p < .05) were observed in overweight/obese subjects versus those with normal weight after one year of study. Conclusion The use of flash monitoring is related to better adherence to most of the recommended habits in diabetes. Nevertheless, there seems to be no relationship with an improvement in physical exercise and preventive aspects of diabetes. A good nursing intervention to support physical exercise and the use of mHealth devices could improve the control of diabetic patients. Relevance to clinical practice The use of this mHealth device has shown positive results and reduced complications. Despite less contact with healthcare facilities due to the pandemic, type 1 diabetic patients have improved their blood results and adherence after using the device for one year. Nursing staff should focus on promoting physical activity and routine disease care in type 1 diabetics.