Resident University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine Conway, Arkansas, United States
Background: Patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) need to either use a traditional glucometer or an FDA approved continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to check their blood sugars. Long term CGM usage has shown to improve glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). However, limited data exists on the effect of shorter intervals of CGM usage on HbA1c, specifically within the first 4-8 weeks of diagnosis. Often there is a delay in initiation of CGM due to cost and need for insurance approval, which often may be delayed until their first clinic visit after diagnosis. This study could help provide evidence to an early CGM initiation as a valuable intervention for improved glycemic control at the very outset of their diabetes journey, enhance patient care and ultimately lead to better long-term health outcomes for these patients. Objective: Our aim is to assess the impact of CGM usage on HbA1c levels within 4-8 weeks post-diagnosis (at their first clinic follow up). Design/Methods: Data will be collected from electronic health records of newly diagnosed patients with T1DM in the past five years at our institution for a retrospective analysis. The information includes demographics, presentation at diagnosis (with hyperglycemia only, hyperglycemia and ketosis or diabetic ketoacidosis), CGM initiation/usage, HbA1c levels at diagnosis and on clinic follow up and time to clinic follow up from original diagnosis. Statistical analysis will be performed to compare the primary outcomes between those with or without CGM usage. Data collection is currently underway, and analysis will be complete by January, 2024.
