Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The Flash glucose monitoring system (FGS) has recently received a licence for children and young people aged 4–17 years with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in the United Kingdom. Although many families attending a single UK diabetes centre reporting utilising FGS even prior to its licence we aimed to assess the patient experience.

Methods: Patients and families were invited to undertake a 14 day FGS trial following group introductory sessions. 81 patients participated (50.6% male, mean age 12.5y (range 3–18 y); diabetes duration 4.9y (0.1 – 15y); HbA1c 66.9 mmol/mol (8.2%), 38–131 (5.6–14.2%)). Insulin regimes varied; 41/81 (51%) insulin pumps, 36 (44%) multiple daily injection & 4 (5%) three injections a day. Questionnaires were collected Pre trial and Post trial from either patients and/or parents. Both questionnaires offered anonymity. Pre-trial questionnaires assessed current T1D practice. Post-trial questionnaires assessed the impact of FGS on diabetes self-management, usibility and self confidence.

Results: 81 (100%) patients completed the pre trial, and 30/81 (37%) completed the post trial questionnaire. 43/81 (53%) patients reported routinely missing rapid acting insulin and 3/40 (7.5%) long acting insulin. During short-term FGS use, 14/30 (47%) patients (mean age 11.2 yr, HbA1c 58 mmol (7.5%), n=6 missing data) reported to take more insulin. 21/30 (70%) patients found FGS useful in deciding about correction doses and 14/30 (46%) mealtime insulin dosing. The FGS was generally positively received; the majority of patients (25/30 (83%)) felt more confident managing their diabetes, and a minority of patients (3 (10%)) felt more anxious/stressed. The majority of patients (21/30 (70%)) felt confident trusting the FGS system, but 12 (40%) reported technical difficulties with FGS (coming off early/needing replacing). Overall, 20/30 (67%) would like to use FGS continuously.

Conclusions: Short-term use of the FGS increased patient and parent’s confidence in diabetes self-management and improved insulin delivery. Further studies are needed to determine whether sustained use of FGS improves insulin adherence and glycaemic control.