[How the continuous glucose monitoring system can contribute to HbA1c interpretation in type 1 diabetes mellitus?]

Glycemic Variability, Oxidative Stress, and Impact on Complications Related to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Chronic hyperglycemia is an established risk factor for the development of complications in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but glycemic variability has emerged as a possible independent risk factor for diabetes complications, possibly through oxidative stress. In this review, methods to access glycemic variability and oxidative stress, as well as their correlations, are discussed. Non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies are also debated to achieve better glycemic control, not only by HbA1c target but also with reduced glycemic fluctuations, possibly minimizing the risk of diabetes complications.

Continuous glucose monitoring system: dawn period calibration does not change accuracy of the method

INTRODUCTION

Continuous glucose monitoring system is a valuable instrument to measure glycemic control, which uses a retrospective calibration based upon 3 to 4 capillary glucose meter values inserted by the patient each day.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the interference of calibration during the dawn period in the system accuracy.

METHODS

The monitoring data were retrospectively divided into two groups: with (Group A) or without (Group B) the dawn period calibration (between 1:00 and 5:00 AM). Accuracy of the method was expressed by relative absolute difference.

RESULTS

Thirty-four continuous glucose monitoring data were evaluated comprising a total of 112 nights. A total of 289 paired readings were analyzed - 195 in Group A and 94 in Group B. We did not find a difference in relative absolute difference (RAD%) in any analyzed period of day by adding dawn calibration.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that dawn calibration does not alter accuracy of method.