Glycemic control is an important for adults with diabetes. Self-monitoring of glucose can help adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) meet their glucose targets. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), an alternative to traditional capillary (finger-stick) blood glucose, uses a wearable sensor that continuously measures glucose levels under the skin. With intermittently scanned CGM (isCGM), patients scanning the sensor to obtain readings. isCGM is painless, provides information on glucose trends, and has improves patient satisfaction. Most adults with diabetes are not on insulin. Yet, the effectiveness of CGM is not well studied in this population. In this randomized trial, we are looking for adults with type 2 diabetes, who need further blood glucose lowering (HbA1c \> 7.0%), who are not yet on insulin. Participants randomized to the treatment group (50%) will receive isCGM with individual coaching; those in the the enhanced usual care group (50%) will receive diabetes coaching only. The intervention will feature three FreeStyle Libre 2 (Abbott Laboratories, IL) sensors (6 weeks), and is intended to be affordable and applicable to a wide range of adults with diabetes under real world conditions.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) with education and feedback on glycemic control at 12 weeks, in adults with type 2 diabetes and uncontrolled HbA1c (\> 7.0%) not on insulin therapy. Background: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has been shown to reduce hypoglycemia in adults on insulin. The effectiveness of CGM in adults with type 2 diabetes not on insulin therapy has not been well studied. We hypothesize that isCGM linked to structured education - specifically one-on-one review and feedback of glucose values with a diabetes educator - can improve HbA1c via a combination of improved lifestyle choices and accelerated medication intensification, in adults with earlier T2DM. To test this hypothesis, we propose a randomized controlled trial of isCGM + structured education, versus enhanced usual care with structured education only. Methods: Open-label, 12-week, single-center randomized controlled trial. Included adults will be randomized 1:1 to intervention or enhanced usual care. Intervention participants will receive three FreeStyle Libre 2 (Abbott Laboratories, IL) isCGM sensors to be applied over weeks 1-6. Diabetes education and coaching will be provided at the beginning and end of the sensor period. The control group will receive diabetes education and coaching during weeks 1-2 and 5-6, but not the isCGM sensors. The primary outcome (HbA1c change from baseline) will be measured by venous blood draw at 12 weeks. Participants will be asked to complete patient-reported outcome instruments for secondary outcomes, e.g.: diabetes self-empowerment, diet, and physical activity - at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Significance: This trial will examine the effectiveness of scheduled, intermittent use of isCGM sensors for type 2 diabetes, when combined with education and feedback. The intervention is designed to be affordable and applicable to a wide range of adults with diabetes, and may have significant implications for the use of isCGM.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
105
A wearable sensor the size of 2 stacked quarters, that allows individuals to "scan" their glucose levels on demand. No fingerstick is required. The device measure interstitial glucose through a filament that is inserted under the skin. The application process is painless, and each sensor lasts 90 days. Sensors can be scanned with certain smart phones. This device is marketed as the FreeStyle Libre 2 glucometer (Abbott Laboratories, IL).
Two encounters with a certified diabetes educator, who will assess lifestyle and medications, and provide individualized advice on diet, physical activity, and medication changes to improve glycemic control.
University of Alberta Hospital / Kaye Edmonton Clinic
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Change in HbA1c
Change in HbA1c assessed by venous blood draw, compared to baseline.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Diabetes treatment satisfaction
Difference in Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) score from baseline (DTSQs scores range 0-36, higher indicating better treatment satisfaction); DTSQc "change" score at 6 weeks.
Time frame: 6 weeks and 12 weeks
Diabetes self-care empowerment
Change in Diabetes Empowerment Scale - Short Form (DES-SF) score from baseline. DES-SF score ranges 1-5, higher scores indicating greater self-care empowerment.
Time frame: 6 weeks and 12 weeks
Diabetes-related distress
Change in Problem Areas in Diabetes Questionnaire (PAID) score from baseline. PAID score ranges 0-100, a score above 40 indicates severe diabetes distress.
Time frame: 6 weeks and 12 weeks
Healthy diet
Change in UK Diabetes and Diet Questionnaire (UKDDQ) score from baseline. UKDDQ score ranges 0-5 with higher scores indicating more healthy dietary choices.
Time frame: 6 weeks and 12 weeks
Physical activity
Change in International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form score. IPAQ score estimates total metabolic equivalent-minutes per week, with higher scores indicating more a more physically active individual.
Time frame: 6 weeks and 12 weeks
Health-related quality of life
Change in Euroqol EQ-5D-5L health utility score from baseline. EQ-5D scores range from 0-100, with 100 indicating a state of perfect health.
Time frame: 6 weeks and 12 weeks
Emergency department visits
Number of emergency department visits during the 12-week trial period.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Hospital admissions
Number of hospital admissions during the 12-week trial period.
Time frame: 12 weeks
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