Continous glucose monitoring in individuals with new onset type 2 diabetes, an efficient method for glucose control or a waste of money?

A keystone in preventing diabetic complications in persons with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is good glycaemic control as soon as possible after on-set of diabetes. The basic treatment is optimizing lifestyle with increased physical activity, weight control and a healthy diet. Self-measurement of blood glucose (SMBG) by repeated glucose measurements has been a standard.

In recent years continuous glucose monitoring  (CGM) has become an option for guiding the patient by immediate feed-back on the influence of lifestyle.

Previous studies indicate that CGM helps and encourages individuals with type 2 diabetes to improve their lifestyle and that CGM is highly appreciated by patients. However, it is expensive and the effect of CGM on glycaemic control may fade over time. No previous study has examined the effect of CGM on individuals with new on-set T2DM.

Individuals with new on-set diabetes are more prone to change their lifestyle while quick improvement of glucose measurements also is of uttermost importance to prevent future complications.

The aim of the current study is to evaluate effectiveness, sustainablility and treatment satisfaction of CGM in adult persons with newly diagnosed T2DM.

The study is a randomized clinical trial randomizing patients to CGM or SMBG over 18 weeks with a follow-up period up to 52 weeks. The primary endpoint is effect on HbA1c over 18 weeks. In total 200 patients will be included in this study, carried out in 35 health care centers in Sweden.