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Effects of Continuous Versus Intermittent Glucose Monitoring in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Systematic Review
Christian Lange Gantzel1, Milda Grigonyte-Daraskeviciene2, Mathias Maagaard1
1Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hilleroed, Denmark.
Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
|March 30, 2026
Summary
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in intensive care units (ICUs) may reduce mortality and hypoglycemia compared to point-of-care (POC) testing. However, current evidence is very uncertain, requiring further high-quality trials.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Intensive care unit (ICU) glucose management often uses point-of-care (POC) testing.
- Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is increasingly studied as an alternative, but its impact on patient outcomes remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing CGM and POC for glucose management in ICU patients.
- To evaluate the effects of CGM versus POC on glycemic control and clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across major databases (PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science).
- Inclusion of RCTs in ICU patients comparing CGM and POC.
- Meta-analysis, Trial Sequential Analysis, and GRADE certainty assessment.
Main Results:
- 18 RCTs with 2027 participants were included.
- CGM showed a potential reduction in mortality (RR 0.61, very low certainty) and hypoglycemia (RR 0.44, very low certainty).
- Evidence for patient-important outcomes is very uncertain; secondary outcomes were not reported.
Conclusions:
- CGM may offer benefits in reducing mortality and hypoglycemia in ICU patients, but the evidence is highly uncertain.
- Larger, low-risk-of-bias trials are necessary to confirm these potential benefits and guide clinical practice.
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