Continuous glucose monitoring for type 1 diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a condition that results in elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia). Clinical signs and symptoms include polydipsia, polyuria, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision and recurrent infections (Holt et al, 2015). Continued elevation of blood glucose contributes to progressive long-term micro- and macrovascular complications across multiple organ systems, potentially leading to renal, nerve and ocular damage, representing a significant contribution to morbidity and mortality (Bilous et al, 2021).

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) represents approximately 8–10% of all cases of diabetes (Holt et al, 2015). The pathogenesis of T1DM is complex, principally arising from an autoimmune destruction of insulin-secreting beta cells within the pancreas (DiMeglio et al, 2018).

Optimal glycaemic management, defined as glucose concentrations which mimic those of people without diabetes (normoglycaemia), has long been noted as leading to a reduction in diabetes-related complications (Diabetes Control and Complications Trial Research Group et al, 1993). Frequent monitoring of blood glucose via finger prick testing has historically been established as key in achieving effective glycaemic ranges (Kato et al, 2013).