AACE publishes consensus statement for continuous glucose monitoring

American Association of Clinical EndocrinologistsOct 14 2010

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) today published a consensus statement for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) online, and the statement will be published in the next issue of the association's official medical journal Endocrine Practice.

“Over the past few years, a number of randomized, controlled clinical trials have been undertaken to evaluate the impact of real-time CGM devices in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes”

The statement identifies which patients would be most appropriate for CGM. AACE also recommends that longer-term studies are needed to assess the outcomes beyond 6-12 months, and notes that continued work to refine the accuracy and comfort of the devices is necessary.

The equipment may be owned and operated by the patient and in real time see their blood glucose levels. Consequently, the patient may then adjust medication, nutrition and physical activity to improve glucose management which includes the reduction of hypoglycemia. Alternatively, the device can be purchased by the health care professional or facility. The data accrual is then downloaded and analyzed by the physician and health care team and shared with the patient.

"Over the past few years, a number of randomized, controlled clinical trials have been undertaken to evaluate the impact of real-time CGM devices in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes," said Irl B. Hirsch, MD, member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and co-chair of the CGM task force. "Several important observations have emerged. The most important is that the devices have to be used on a nearly daily basis to be effective in achieving and maintaining target A1C levels."

AACE recommends those patients who are frequently hypoglycemic, have A1C levels over their target, have large variability in their Glycemic levels, need to lower their A1C levels without increasing hypoglycemic events, and those who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant are ideal candidates for CGM.

CGM technology will likely become a key component of comprehensive diabetes management particularly with Type 1 Diabetes patients. Several studies have shown that the more consistently it is used the better the result for the patient.

"Continuous Glucose Monitoring is a relatively new, powerful tool to assist Health Care Professionals in the management of Diabetes Mellitus," said Victor Roberts, MD, MBA, FACP, FACE, member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and co-chair of the CGM task force. "These devices actively engage our patients as partners in crafting the most optimal treatment plan and provide a rich source of data to individualize medical interventions that are most appropriate for each person with Diabetes."