Postprandial glucose monitoring in type 1 diabetes mellitus: use of a continuous subcutaneous monitoring device

Background Pre-prandial glucose gives insufficient information on glycemic excursions throughout the day. We aimed to test a continuous subcutaneous glucose-monitoring device (GlucoDay((R))) to describe postprandial glucose changes. Methods In 23 T1DM patients, 24-h GlucoDay((R)) registrations were started about 14 h before receiving a standard breakfast B and 3 h later lunch L. Results The 3-min glucose values were computed into parameters describing the postprandial changes after B and L. Two-hour glucose was higher after B (243 +/- 69 vs 180 +/- 79 mg/dL after L, p < 0.0001). Maximum glycemia (313 +/- 105 mg/dL after B and 304 +/- 119 after L, p < 0.0001) was higher and was reached after 78 and 57 min respectively. Three-hour AUC was higher but 30-min AUC was lower after B (5725 +/- 2414 vs 7488 +/- 2208 min mg/dL after L, p = 0.004). Glucose spikes (maximum peak minus fasting plasma glucose) were similar after B and L but the difference between maximum and minimum values was smaller after B (165 +/- 110 vs 219 +/- 115 mg/dL after L, p = 0.020). Duration of hyperglycemic periods >200, 140 or 126 mg/dL were not different after B or L, but time spent at glucose <100 mg/dL was longer after L (p < 0.0001). Conclusions These results illustrate the use of subcutaneous glucose registration to characterize postprandial glycemia patterns in T1DM. Application of such methods to evaluate this and other clinical situations in DM can lead to therapeutic and dietary adjustments and ultimately improve glycemic control. Copyright (C) 2004 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.