Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology
Endocrine Abstracts (2017) 51 P086 | DOI: 10.1530/endoabs.51.P086

BSPED2017 Poster Presentations Diabetes (35 abstracts)

Short-term use of the flash glucose monitoring system increases insulin bolusing and self-confidence in paediatric Type 1 diabetes

Diana Yardley , Supriyo Basu & Rachel Elizabeth Jane Besser


Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.


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.

Volume 51

45th Meeting of the British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes

British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes 

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