Evaluation of FreeStyle Libre in pediatric t1dm: improved glycemic control, reduction in diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycemia

BACKGROUND: Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) with glucometers provides only a snapshot of the glycemic profile and is accompanied by significant psychological discomfort and pain, especially in children. Flash Glucose Monitoring System — FreeStyle Libre (FSL) overcomes many of the barriers associated with glucose measurement and improves metabolic control.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of FSL in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in terms of glycemic control, episodes of severe hypoglycemia (SH) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS. A multicenter, prospective, observational study in real clinical practice was carried out. A total of 469 subjects (258 boys and 211 girls) aged 4–18 were included in the study. The median age was 11.3 (8.4–14.6) years, duration of T1DM — 4.2 (2.1–7.1) years. After FSL start, patient was followed up for 6 months.

RESULTS: After 3 and 6 months of FSL use, HbA1c significantly decreased from 7.4% to 7.1% and 7.2%, respectively (p<0.001). The number of children with HbA1c ><7.5% increased from 51% to 60% and 58% at 3 and 6 months, respectively (p><0.001). The incidence of DKA and SH, as well as the proportion of patients experiencing at least one episode of DKA and SH, were significantly reduced after 6 months of FSL use compared with baseline (p><0.001).

CONCLUSION: The Study demonstrated a significant improvement in metabolic control in children with T1DM 6 months after FSL start: decrease in HbA1c, accompanied by reduction in incidence of DKA and SH.

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