Title

Impact of Continuous Glucose Monitors on Non-Insulin-Dependent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in an Alaska Native and American Indian Population

Background

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (T2DM) is a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Effective blood glucose management is critical in reducing complications, particularly microvascular events. Traditional blood glucose monitoring via single point-of-care finger sticks poses compliance challenges for patients. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) offer a less invasive and more effective alternative, enhancing glycemic control and improving quality of life. However, research has predominantly focused on insulin-dependent patients, leaving a knowledge gap regarding the benefits for non-insulin-dependent T2DM patients, especially among Alaskan Natives and American Indians (AN/AI). This study aims to evaluate the impact of CGM use on disease burden in non-insulin-dependent T2DM patients within an AN/AI population.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of CGM use on disease burden in non-insulin-dependent T2DM patients within an AN/AI population. Identify areas for further research regarding CGM use in T2DM patients

Methods

This retrospective study utilized deidentified data from the Electronic Health Record at an outpatient Indian Health Service clinic located in the Northwest United States. The study included patients diagnosed with non-insulin-dependent T2DM who used CGMs between 2019 and 2023. Health metrics analyzed included vitals, A1C levels, glucose readings, cholesterol levels, and liver and kidney function. Data were collected over a period of CGM use, and initial and follow-up measurements were compared to assess the impact on disease management. Statistical analyses, including paired t-tests, were conducted to evaluate trends and significant changes in health outcomes.

Results

The study included 93 patients (37 males, 55 females) with a mean age of 55 years (range 29-83 years). Results of the paired t-test indicated a significant difference between baseline A1C levels (9.5  2.4, MeanSD) and A1C levels one-year post-CGM use (7.6  2.2), t(92) = 7.5, p < .001. These findings suggest that CGM use significantly reduces A1C levels in non-insulin-dependent T2DM patients. Further analysis of T2DM disease burden is ongoing to investigate these findings and explore additional health metrics.

Conclusion

The use of CGMs in non-insulin-dependent T2DM patients within an AN/AI population significantly improves glycemic control, as evidenced by the substantial reduction in A1C levels over one year. These preliminary findings indicate that CGMs could play a pivotal role in managing T2DM beyond insulin-dependent populations, potentially leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life. Further research is warranted to support broader CGM use among non-insulin-dependent diabetes patients. This study underscores the importance of expanding CGM accessibility to enhance diabetes management comprehensively.

References

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