Endocrine Abstracts

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to review the effectiveness of the Freestyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system at improving glycaemic control in a paediatric clinic.

Methods: Data from 13 participants with type 1 diabetes for the first 3 months of use of the Freestyle Libre system either continuously or intermittently was collected using both clinic readings of glycated haemoglobin (Hba1c) and from the Libre itself using the Diasend diabetes management and analysis web platform. Retrospective analysis was carried out to evaluate improvements in glycaemic control over this period using the following parameters; Hba1c, %time spent above and below normal range (4–8 mmol/l) and average blood glucose.

Results: Results obtained showed modest mean reduction in Hba1c over 3 months (−2.9 mmol/mol). Reductions in time spent below normal range were observed with a 8.7% reduction in time spent in hypo seen. Unexpectedly, a 7.1% increase in time spent above range was observed as well as a 0.5 mmol/l increase in average blood glucose after 3 months.

Conclusions: Although reductions in Hba1c and time spent in hypoglycaemia were observed, increases in mean blood glucose and patients do not seem to be gaining maximal benefit from use of the Freestyle Libre System which has the potential to hugely improve glycaemic control in most patients. The key to improving engagement and effective use of the Freestyle Libre system is through education of patients, parents, care-givers and healthcare professionals. Improvements in education across these groups should lead to greater improvements in glycaemic control in type 1 patients.