Personal continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in diabetes management: review of the literature and implementation for practical use.

AIM: Despite recent advances in diabetes therapy including the new long- and rapid-insulin analogs, insulin intensification strategies such as basal/bolus or pump therapy and sophisticated methods for insulin titration derived from the principles of functional insulin therapy, many patients fail to reach or maintain target glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values, putting them at increased risk for vascular complications. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems represent an important advance in diabetes technology that can facilitate optimal glucose control in type 1 diabetes.

METHOD: This review focuses on the efficacy and safety of CGM systems in diabetes management. The different CGM devices available are also described, as the way to use them and the educational approach to the patient in a step-by-step progression toward optimal glycemic control.

RESULTS: In type 1 diabetes, CGM systems are associated with 0.5-1% reduction in HbA1c without increased risk of hypoglycemia. CGM efficacy correlates with compliance to sensor wear, whatever the patient's age range.

CONCLUSION: Efficacy of CGM systems is now proven but indications, terms of use and educational issues of this new technology still need to be specified.