Effect of Using Additional Readers for Flash Glucose Monitoring System on Metabolic Control, Safety, and the Incidence of Complications in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

The FreeStyle Libre is a flash glucose monitoring (FGM) system, and glucose levels are measured when the reader is brought to the sensor. Additional readers allow for the conversion into a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. These transmitters read data from the sensor and send them to a bluetooth-enabled device thanks to which the user acquires glucose measurements automatically. This modification allows the patient to receive alerts when blood glucose values are abnormal.

The study relied on the results of an anonymous online survey conducted among patients with diabetes or their caregivers who use Facebook groups. A total of 132 respondents who met certain criteria (diabetic who use FGM system longer than 3 months, at least 14 days per month) were enrolled in the study.

A significant decrease in self-reported glycated hemoglobin levels was found in adults and children using readers (variable: age P = .008; time P < .001), regardless of the age. The use of additional readers was associated with a significant decrease in the number of self-reported episodes of hypoglycemia (P < .001) and an improvement in the quality of life (based on self-reported limitations in everyday activities, social contacts, work/school, or doing sports).

The use of additional readers for FGM system improves the metabolic control of diabetes and the quality of life, and has a positive effect on the safety of treatment. Flash glucose monitoring used together with additional readers operates as a CGM system and seems to be helpful for patients for the monitoring of interstitial levels of glucose; however, they should be careful when they use do it yourself solution.