After the initial positive data several recent randomised controlled trials offer more firm evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Integrating CGM with insulin pumps offers additional benefit. Improved metabolic control with significant lowering of glycated haemoglobin along with other parameters of glycaemia and without a concomitant increase in hypoglycaemia is demonstrated in all age groups, including children and adolescents. Reducing hypoglycaemia with CGM in well-controlled individuals with T1D remains to be demonstrated; however, evidence for reducing hypoglycaemia in critically ill patients seems convincing. Several important aspects of type 2 diabetes (T2D) were recently addressed by professional CGM. Adding predictive algorithms to CGM may considerably improve its efficacy and lead the way towards the closed loop.
© 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.