Association between Flash Glucose Monitors and A1C: A Retrospective Pre-Post Analysis
Mustafa Tekarli1, Kyle Turner2, Daniel Witt2
1University of Utah College of Pharmacy.
Innovations in Pharmacy
|May 23, 2022
Summary
Flash glucose monitors (FGMs) significantly lowered hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This study shows FGMs can be a valuable tool for improving glycemic control in diverse diabetes populations.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) have been studied for their effect on hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), but more evidence is needed for broader insurance coverage.
- Limited research exists on the HbA1c-lowering effects of flash glucose monitors (FGMs) in diverse diabetes populations with varying insulin needs.
- This analysis addresses the gap in medical literature regarding FGM efficacy and provides data for clinicians evaluating cost-benefit for their patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the association between the use of flash glucose monitors (FGMs) and a reduction in hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c).
- To investigate this association across patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, irrespective of insulin dependence.
- To provide data supporting clinical decision-making regarding FGM adoption and insurance coverage.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pharmacy dispensing records to identify patients using FGMs at a University of Utah pharmacy (July 2018–July 2020).
- Inclusion criteria required at least an 84-day supply of FGM sensors and available baseline and follow-up HbA1c measurements (within one year before and 3-12 months after FGM dispense).
- Paired Student's t-tests were used to compare pre-FGM and post-FGM HbA1c levels, with significance set at α=0.05.
Main Results:
- The study included 57 patients (50.8% male, mean age 49 years).
- A significant reduction in HbA1c was observed: average baseline HbA1c was 9.33% and follow-up HbA1c was 8.32%, a mean decrease of -1.01% (p<0.0001).
- This HbA1c reduction was statistically significant (95% CI -1.31 to -0.72).
Conclusions:
- Flash glucose monitor (FGM) use is associated with significant decreases in hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) within a patient cohort at a single health system.
- The findings suggest FGMs are effective in improving glycemic control across a broad range of diabetes patients.
- Further research is warranted to evaluate the clinical and economic impact of FGMs.
