Blood glucose testing modalities utilized by people with type 2 diabetes in a secondary care setting.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a highly prevalent condition worldwide. Many patients with T2D monitor blood glucose regularly to guide their diabetes management. In recent years continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). CGM can result in improved glycemic control, fewer diabetes-related hospital admissions and improved quality of life. In Ireland, however, CGM is not currently reimbursed for people with T2D, even those who are insulin-treated. The goal of the present study was to examine the glucose monitoring modalities used by patients attending diabetes outpatient clinics in a secondary care setting in Ireland. The proportions using SMBG and CGM and the patients' diabetes medications were recorded. Data were collected through a self-administered survey from participants attending outpatient diabetes clinics. We found that, of 137 patients surveyed, only 17 (12%) were using CGM for blood glucose monitoring, while 102 (75%) were using SMBG; the remainder were not testing glucose. Amongst 45 patients on insulin therapy, 15 (33%) were using a CGM, and 29 (64%) were using SMBG. This study highlights that a preponderance of patients with T2D in a representative Irish secondary care cohort do not use CGM for blood glucose monitoring, even amongst those on insulin therapy. These findings underscore the lack of access to CGM amongst patients with T2D on insulin in Ireland, which is potentially compromising their level of care and quality of life.