Use of FGM in type 2 diabetic Sardinian patients on basal-bolus insulin therapy: preliminary data

Introduction: Flash Glucose Monitoring (FGM) efficiently improves metabolic control and quality of life in type 1 and 2 diabetic patients. There are a growing number of studies which have demonstrated similar results. This preliminary database aims to investigate the use of FGM in type 2 diabetic Sardinian patients on basal-bolus insulin therapy to evaluate metabolic control, weight changes, and changes in total daily insulin dose. We also investigated whether the difference between laboratory Hba1c and predicted HbA1c derived from FGM correlated with some clinical parameters. Methods: It’s a retrospective study conducted on 105 patients with type 2 diabetes on basal-bolus insulin therapy, associated or not with other oral therapies (metformin, SGLT2i) before and after FGM use. They have used FGM for at least six months; for 85 of these, there was a follow-up at 12 months. The mean age was 69,8 years, females were 40%, and the duration of diabetes was 16.9 years. FGM metrics collected over the past 90 days were calculated if sensor data was adequate (>70%). Results: Changes in HbA1c at six months and one year were statistically significant (p<0,01), as was the weight change at six months; it remained stable at one year in the 85 patients. Changes in total daily insulin dose constantly decrease at 0, 1 and 2 time points. The mean value of the total difference between HbA1c and GMI was 0.3 and remained stable in patients who continued follow-up. No significant correlation was found with G6PDH deficiency, thalassemic trait, anaemia, hepatic steatosis, cirrhosis, IRC, and a difference greater than 0.3 between laboratory Hba1c and GMI. Conclusion: These preliminary data demonstrated improved glycemic control and weight reduction in Sardinian diabetic patients after using FGM.