Glucose monitors linked to lower death risk with basal insulin
A large patient-record analysis also found fewer serious cardiovascular problems among monitor users.
Adults with type 2 diabetes who started continuous glucose monitoring while taking basal insulin had lower mortality over the next two years than similar patients without the devices. The gap was 44% after 12 months and 35% after 24 months. Monitor users also experienced fewer first-time and repeat problems involving the heart, brain or circulation. Their hospital admission rate for heart failure was about half as high.
Researchers examined anonymized American health records and created two matched groups of 13,935 patients. The comparison accounted for 29 initial characteristics, including age, diabetes history, HbA1c, other medical conditions, medication use and prior health care. Participants were 58 years old on average, and 47% were women. CGM sensors track glucose through the day and relay measurements to a phone, reader or automated insulin setup.
The findings show a relationship rather than evidence that CGM produced the better outcomes. Because the research was observational, differences not captured in the records could have influenced the results. Medication changes and other clinical developments during follow-up were not evaluated. The authors said broader prospective research is needed to test the connection further.
- Death occurred in 1.16% of users versus 2.09% of nonusers at 12 months.
- New macrovascular problems were 24% less likely among users at 24 months.
- Abbott researchers and collaborating institutions conducted the analysis.
- The findings are being presented at the EASD meeting in Milan.
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