A systematic review to explore the effects of flash glucose monitoring

Kathleen Michelle Friel, Vivien Coates (Contributor), Claire-Odile McCauley (Contributor), Patrick Gillepsie (Contributor), Michael McCann (Contributor)

Research output: Contribution to journalSpecial issuepeer-review

Abstract

Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Derry, UK, 2Health Economics & Policy Analysis Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland, 3Dept of Computing, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Donegal, Ireland, 4Dept of Clinical Chemistry, Western Health and Social Care Trust, Londonderry, UK, 5School of Health, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, UK, 6Division of Rural Health and Wellbeing, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, UK, 7Director of Public Health & Health Policy, NHS Highland, Inverness, UK, 8School of Nursing, Ulster University & Western Health and Social Care Trust, Londonderry, UK Aims A systematic review to explore the effects of flash glucose monitoring (FGM). Methods A systematic search of four databases (CINAHL PLUS, EMBASE, Medline and SCOPUS) was conducted to identify studies utilising FGM. A total of 1,094 titles and abstracts were retrieved and screened for eligibility. After removing duplicates, 988 articles were identified, of which 937 were excluded based on title, abstract or full text content. Fifty‐one full‐text articles were appraised following which, 14 studies met all criteria. These studies were conducted across nine countries with variable designs: two randomised controlled trials, three randomised controlled pilots, two cost calculations, two retrospective and five observational studies. Results Studies showed benefits to hypoglycaemia (n=6) up to 43%; clinically meaningful improvements in HbA1c (n=10) with significant decrease of −0.4% (95% CI, −0.6, −0.2; p=0.004) during follow‐up; improved % time in glucose target of 32.2% for FGM users and enhanced glycaemic variability (n=7). Treatment satisfaction was overwhelmingly positive (n=6). The potential cost savings associated with FGM (£234 per patient per year) are promising and could lead to reductions in healthcare costs associated with hospital admissions. None of the studies explored FGM in inpatient care in reducing length of stay (LOS) and associated expenditure. Conclusions Studies on FGM are still limited, but these findings have implications for improving the care of people with diabetes. Studies are important to identify the benefits of FGM use in an inpatient setting in reducing LOS and associated costs to advance this emerging literature.
Original languageEnglish
Article number402
Number of pages1
JournalDiabetic medicine
Volume37
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 7 Oct 2020

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