Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Can Address Patient Fears and Facilitate Improved Glycaemic Management

Effective diabetes management can delay or prevent many of the complications of diabetes. Achieving optimal glycaemic control, however, often requires intensive insulin treatment, which is associated with an increased risk of severe hypoglycaemia. Many intensively managed patients are reluctant to follow and/or adjust their insulin regimens as needed because of fear of hypoglycaemia. This lack of adherence can result in exposure to chronic hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress and long-term complications. Severe hypoglycaemia can be prevented through vigilance in identifying patients at risk, using appropriate medications and medication regimens, and effective glucose monitoring strategies and technologies. This article reviews some evidence relevant to hypoglycaemia in intensively managed patients and discusses how tools such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can help patients overcome their fear of hypoglycaemia and safely achieve optimal glycaemic control.</jats:p