SAT666 Feasibility, Acceptability And Preliminary Efficacy Of Continuous Glucose Monitoring In Adolescents With Obesity
Authors: Chimatapu Sri Nikhita , Mittelman Steven , Habib Manal , Wisk Lauren , Klomhaus Alexandra , Vidmar Alaina Phillips 
Published: October 2023

Disclosure: S. Chimatapu: None. S. Mittelman: None. M. Habib: None. L. Wisk: None. A. Klomhaus: None. A.P. Vidmar: None.

Background: Childhood obesity is a global health concern that presents as a multifaceted challenge requiring comprehensive interventions targeting nutritional, physical activity and behavioral domains. Despite this, treatment outcomes have been modest due to challenges in adherence and individual variability in response. Wearable technologies, such as Continuous Glucose Monitors(CGMs), offer a unique solution to promote consistent weight control in youth. These devices provide real-time biofeedback, allowing youth to make timely and informed decisions about their lifestyle choices. To date, no trial has explored the feasibility and efficacy of CGM use as a standalone intervention for adolescents with obesity. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that this study will demonstrate feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of CGMs in facilitating weight management among adolescents with obesity. Furthermore, we postulate that the unblinded CGM use will lead to greater changes in diet and physical activity compared to blinded use; emphasizing the use of biofeedback as a motivator for behavior change in this population. Methods: Adolescents with obesity have been recruited into a six-week cross-over trial. All participants wear the CGM daily for six weeks. For three weeks subjects will wear the CGM in a blinded manner, and for the other three weeks they will have access to the real-time CGM data, with blocks assigned in a random, cross-over manner. Outcomes will include recruitment and retention rate, adherence, CGM metrics, sleep, dietary intake, physical activity, eating behaviors and change in weight compared between study arms. Results: We have so far recruited 16 of a goal of 30 adolescents (15.3± 2.4 years old, 68% female, 75% Hispanic). Baseline A1c was 5.6 ± 0.3%. Four participants completed the study; one was lost to follow up, and 11 are currently enrolled in the study. Data logs from weekly telephone calls revealed high continuous engagement throughout the six weeks of the study. Our qualitative analysis of participant feedback suggest that they engaged with their real-time device data during the unblinded window. Device itself was deemed comfortable to wear, fit properly, without adverse effects or negative impacts on daily functioning. One participant reported 2 lbs. weight loss in 2 weeks after wearing the CGM by modifying their behaviors based on the glucose readings. Conclusions: Our preliminary findings suggest that CGM use in youth with obesity is a feasible, acceptable and well-tolerated tool. CGMs also have the potential to bring forth sustainable changes in youth behavior and could be a powerful intervention to enhance lifestyle changes in pediatric weight management programs. Further analyses will be pursued to help understand effect of continuous glucose monitoring on glycemic variability, body composition and self-reported health behaviors in youth with obesity.

Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023