Continuous Glucose Monitoring Among Patients with Type 1 Diabetes in Rwanda (CAPT1D) Phase I: Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Diabetes Technology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems have revolutionized diabetes management, improving glycemic control and reducing complications.
• CGM adoption in Rwanda is limited, with no prior clinical studies identified in the literature.
• This study addresses the gap in understanding CGM's impact in the Rwandan context for type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact and feasibility of real-time CGM use in individuals with T1D in Rwanda.
• To assess sensor adherence, time in range (TIR), hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia rates, HbA1c levels, and diabetes-related hospitalizations.
• To provide initial data on CGM effectiveness in a previously unstudied population.

Main Methods:

• The Continuous Glucose Monitoring Among Patients with Type 1 Diabetes in Rwanda (CAPT1D) study enrolled 50 adults with T1D on multiple daily insulin injections.
• A 12-month prospective observational study using Dexcom G6 CGM (Phase I).
• Participants were over 21 years old, not pregnant, and receiving care at the Rwandan Diabetes Association clinic.

Main Results:

• High sensor adherence (>80%) was observed throughout the 12-month study period.
• Significant improvements in time in range were achieved within 3 months and sustained.
• HbA1c levels decreased by 2.8% at 6 months and 3.2% at 12 months (p<0.01), with no severe hypoglycemia or DKA reported.

Conclusions:

• Real-time CGM demonstrated significant and meaningful improvements in glycemic indices for T1D patients in Rwanda.
• The findings suggest that CGM is a feasible and impactful technology for diabetes management in this setting.
• Future research should explore pre- and post-intervention analyses to further assess effectiveness regarding complications and costs.