Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

The purpose of this pilot study is to determine if a Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS) is a more effective method of improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes than is episodic self blood glucose monitoring(SBGM) in the both the short- and long-term. CGMS, which includes a sensor that can be self- inserted under the skin and a discrete monitor that records and displays blood sugar levels nearly continuously, allows for real time blood glucose monitoring. This will be a prospective, randomized control trial comparing participants with type II diabetes use of CGMS versus SBGM. The primary endpoint will be improvement of glycemic control as measured by glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C). The secondary endpoints will compare mean daily glucose levels, the number of both hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic events, the amount of time spent in target blood glucose, and the perceived level of diabetes-related stress between the two groups. Participants will be randomized to either the control (SBGM) or intervention (CGMS) group. Subjects in the intervention group will alternate the use of the CGMS with episodic self blood glucose monitoring for four cycles of two weeks during the 12 week study. The control group will perform episodic SBGM throughout the study. The intensified monitoring schedules for both groups will end at the end of week 12, but glycemic control measurement by A1C will continue through 52 weeks. A1C levels will be drawn at 0, 12, 24, 38, and 52 weeks. Mean daily blood glucose levels, number of hypo and hyperglycemic events, and duration of time spent in target blood glucose range will be downloaded from patients' meters periodically throughout the study. The SF-8, a general quality of life questionnaire for people with chronic disease, and Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID), a diabetes-related quality of life questionnaire, will be completed at the beginning and end of the study. The results of this study may help highlight which blood glucose monitoring methods are most likely to improve patients' ability to achieve and maintain target levels of glycemic control.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 or older.
2. Known Type 2 diabetes for at least 3 months
3. Diet controlled, on oral therapy, on basal insulin (e.g. glargine), or on oral therapy and a basal insulin
4. A1C levels between 7% and 12%.
5. Able to independently measure and read finger stick blood glucose levels with the Accu-chek Aviva glucometer and the DexCom Continuous Glucose Monitoring device (DexCom DTS-7).
6. Subjects will have attended a American Diabetes Association recognized Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) program at one of the WRHCS military treatment facilities (MTFs) within the past five years.
7. Willing to avoid or minimize use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and all acetaminophen- containing products such as most over-the-counter (OTC) medications during the study period (Appendix 5)..

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Female subjects who are pregnant, lactating, planning to become pregnant, or without a safe contraceptive method.
2. A1C levels are less than 7 or greater than 12.
3. Subjects who are taking glucocorticoids, amphetamines, anabolic, or weight-reducing agents during the course of the study.