Evaluating the effectiveness of an implantable continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor in a center in Spain.
Data from patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus who started using an implantable glucose sensor were retrospectively analyzed. Age, sex, diabetes duration, diabetes chronic complications, treatment, sensor time of use and previous use of CGM were evaluated. HbA1c was compared before the start of the implantable sensor and at the end of the follow-up.
19 patients were included with a mean age of 38±12 years, 84.2% men, diabetes duration 14 ± 11 years. 78.9% were treated with multiple doses of insulin and the remaining 21.1% (n = 4) had an insulin pump. 7 patients had previously used another CGM system (3 Dexcom®, 2 Guardian®, 2 FreeStyle Libre®). Of these, 3 patients suffered from diabetic retinopathy and one also from diabetic nephropathy.
The median follow-up was 6 months [4-18], with a maximum follow-up of 15 months.The average time of sensor use was 91.4%. HbA1c decreased from 7.34±0.19 to 7.22±016% (p=0.3). 35 insertions and 18 extractions were performed. No episodes of bleeding, infection or failed extractions were counted. Two patients stopped using the implantable CGM system (one due to a change of address and imposible follow-up and another for issues with the smartphone).
The use of the implantable CGM sensor is safe and provides benefit in glycemic control with a low dropout rate.