Randomized Study Comparing Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Capillary Glucose Testing in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes After Hospital Discharge

Objective: The benefits of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in managing hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have been documented in observation and intervention clinical studies. However, the benefits of CGMs after hospital discharge in improving the care of patients with T2D remain unknown.

Methods: This pilot randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of using the FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM vs capillary point-of-care (POC) glucose testing (standard of care) in insulin-treated patients with T2D for up to 12 weeks after hospital discharge. We assessed safety (hypoglycemia), efficacy (mean daily glucose), and healthcare utilization (emergency room visits and hospital admissions) associated with the use of FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM compared to capillary POC testing following hospital discharge.

Results: Among 100 participants (mean age 54.3 ± 10.7 years, HbA1c 10.46 ± 2.24%, median diabetes duration of 9.0 years, IQR 1.0, 42), there were no significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics between the groups at discharge. We observed a trend toward improved glycemic control in the CGM group, including increased time in range 70-180 mg/dl, reduced time above range > 180 and 250 mg/dl, and decreased hypoglycemia and insulin requirements after discharge compared to the POC group. There were no differences in emergency room visits or hospitalization between the study groups.

Conclusion: The results of this pilot study indicate that the use of CGM leads to improved glycemic control, reduced hypoglycemia, and decreased glucose variability compared to POC glucose testing after hospital discharge.