Does introduction of continuous glucose monitoring at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes increase uptake in children and adolescents?

Objective To assess whether introduction of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D), leads to greater uptake and continuation at 12 and 24 months, in a population-based pediatric diabetes clinic. Research Design and Methods All T1D children and adolescents diagnosed in the 12 months following full government subsidization of CGM were offered CGM from diagnosis at Women's and Children's Hospital, SA (Cohort 1). Uptake and continuation of CGM was compared to those diagnosed in the preceding year, who were started on CGM after diagnosis, but otherwise had identical diabetes management (Cohort 2). Demographic and clinical data were collected prospectively. The primary outcome variable was CGM wear >75% of the time at 12 and 24 months. Results In Cohort 1, 84% were started on CGM at diagnosis. 88% had commenced CGM by 12 months and 90% by 24 months. In Cohort 2, CGM was started on average 10 months after diagnosis (range 1-25 months), with 81% started on CGM within 24 months of subsidization. At 24 months, 78% of Cohort 1 and 66% of Cohort 2 were wearing CGM >75% of the time (p = 0.26), higher than the WCH Clinic as a whole (58%). There was no difference in HbA1c between cohorts. Conclusion Starting CGM at diagnosis of T1D is feasible and well received by families, with high uptake across all ages. Although CGM continuation (wearing CGM >75% of the time) was slightly higher in Cohort 1 than Cohort 2, this did not reach statistical significance.