New research has examined how accurate continuous glucose monitors (CGM) are in comparison to capillary blood glucose measurements (CBGMs).
The study has found that CGM can overestimate both fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels, as well as increasing the time spent outside the physiological range of blood glucose levels in healthy people.
According to the researchers, CBGMs appear to be more accurate in estimating post-meal blood glucose levels.
- Type 1 diabetes-related problems predicted by continuous glucose monitors
- New wearable ultrasound patch for continuous blood pressure monitoring developed
- Use of Continuous Glucose Monitors by People With and Without Diabetes
For measuring glycaemic index (GI), CBGMs are seen as the gold standard. However, CGM can successfully help people manage their blood glucose levels.
A total of 15 people took part in the study and the researchers looked at the effectiveness of both CGM and capillary blood sampling.
Throughout the trial, each participant ate seven oral carbohydrate test meals. The academics then measured the participant’s blood sugar levels every 15 minutes for a total duration of 120 minutes.
Fasting and post-meal glucose measurements were roughly 0.9 mmol/L higher when determined by CGM compared to CBGMs, the study has reported.
In addition, the investigation has revealed that blood glucose levels measured by CGM remained high for four times longer compared to when they are measured by CBGMs.
- New continuous glucose monitoring system to transform diabetes care
- New sweat sensor could revolutionise diabetes monitoring
- CGM Sensors: Sensor Placement and Care
The study stated: “CGM is not highly reliable for determining GI values. Variations in GI values with the type of food suggests that a common correction formula cannot be applied to ensure the accuracy of this method.
“Differences in the physical form of the food, type of food, and the way it is eaten may lead to changes in glucose absorption and uptake by cells.”
The research added: “Interindividual differences also affected CGM measurement variation, despite adjusting for fasting glucose measurements, glucose tolerance, or body mass index.”
Read more in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
