EFFECTIVENESS OF CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING IN UNCONTROLLED TYPE-2 DIABETICS IN TERTIARY HEALTHCARE CENTRE

Long term diabetic complications can be prevented or reduced by achieving good metabolic control, reflected by HbA1c <6.5–7.0%.1-3 Glucose excursions might also contribute to the development of diabetic complications.4,5 Fear of hypoglycemia limits the ability to reach strict glycemic control, because it is usually accompanied by reluctance of the patient to intensify insulin therapy. Indeed, the goal of intensive therapy is to normalize HbA1c and control fasting and postprandial glycemia, while concurrently limiting the number and severity of hypoglycemic events. To reach tight glycemic control, frequent self- monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) must be performed.6 SMBG devices provide the patient with accurate but discreet blood glucose levels. They do not provide trend information nor do they reflect glycemic fluctuations, which is possible by using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems. Thus, implementation of strict glycemic control may be facilitated by a CGM device. This manuscript critically reviews the proposed benefits and indications of CGM and the current evidence of CGM on health outcomes in diabetic patients.