AACE releases statement on continuous glucose monitoring among diabetics

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists said it believes that technology used for continuous glucose monitoring likely will become a key component of comprehensive diabetes management, particularly with Type 1 diabetes patients.

AACE issued a consensus statement that will be published in its official medical journal, Endocrine Practice, and identified which patients would be most appropriate for CGM; and also recommended that longer-term studies are needed to assess the outcomes beyond six to 12 months, noting that continued work to refine the accuracy and comfort of the devices is necessary.

"Over the past few years, a number of randomized, controlled clinical trials have been undertaken to evaluate the impact of real-time CGM devices in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes," said Irl Hirsch, member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and co-chair of the CGM task force. "Several important observations have emerged. The most important is that the devices have to be used on a nearly daily basis to be effective in achieving and maintaining target A1C levels."

CGM equipment, which can be purchased from a healthcare professional or facility, may be owned and operated by the patient and in real time see their blood-glucose levels, AACE said. Consequently, the patient may then adjust medication, nutrition and physical activity to improve glucose management, which includes the reduction of hypoglycemia.

"Continuous glucose monitoring is a relatively new, powerful tool to assist healthcare professionals in the management of diabetes mellitus," said Victor Roberts, member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and co-chair of the CGM task force. "These devices actively engage our patients as partners in crafting the most optimal treatment plan and provide a rich source of  data to individualize medical interventions that are most appropriate  for each person with diabetes."