Attempt to improve glucose control in type 2 diabetic patients by education about real-time glucose monitoring

The effectiveness of a specific educational programme involving the use of a real-time glucose-sensor system (Guardian RT) to improve glucose control was investigated in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes despite insulin therapy. Ten patients participated in a randomized crossover study comparing two 3-month periods, during which glucose levels were monitored by either self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) alone or by Guardian RT (restricted to 1 week per month) in addition to SMBG. Only four of the enrolled patients completed both periods, while dropouts were mainly due to technical difficulties in using the device. All six patients who completed the first 3-month period showed a reduction in glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)) level whatever the mode of glucose monitoring (study effect). A further reduction in HbA(1c) level was observed in two of the three patients using the Guardian RT during the second period. Less frequent symptomatic hypoglycaemic episodes were noted during the 3-month period with the device in the four patients who completed both study periods. These limited, but promising, results of this pilot study appear to justify the initiation of a larger study to assess the use of a real-time glucose sensor in carefully selected patients with type 2 diabetes.