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

Background: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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). Conclusion: 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.