Impact of Flash Glucose Monitoring on the Fear of Hypoglycemia Phenomenon in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Objective: To assess the clinical impact of flash glucose monitoring (FGM) systems on fear of hypoglycemia (FoH) and quality of life in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods: Prospective quasi-experimental study with a 12-month follow-up. People with T1DM (18-80 years old) and self-monitoring by blood capillary glycemia controls were included. The FH15 questionnaire, a survey validated in Spanish in a comparable study population, was used to diagnose FoH with a cutoff point of 28 points. Results: A total of 181 participants were included, with a FoH prevalence of 69% (n = 123). A mean reduction in FH15 score of -4 points (95% confidence interval [-5.5 to -3]; P < 0.001) was observed, along with an improvement in quality of life (EsDQOL-test (Diabetes Quality of Life, Spanish version), -7 points [-10; -4], P < 0.001) and satisfaction with treatment (Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction questionnaire, self-reported version [DTSQ-s] test, +4.5 points [4; 5.5], P < 0.001). At the end of the follow-up, 64.2% of the participants saw an improved FoH intensity, compared to 35.8% who scored the same or higher. This improvement in FoH status was associated with a higher time-in-range at the end of the follow-up (P = 0.003), as well as a lower time spent in hyperglycemia (P = 0.005). In addition, it was linked to participants with a high baseline FoH levels (P < 0.001) and those who were university degree holders (P = 0.07). Conclusions: FGM is associated with an overall reduction of FoH in adults with T1DM and with an increase in their quality of life. Nevertheless, a significant percentage of patients may experience an increase of this phenomenon leading to clinical repercussions and a profound impact on quality of life.

Keywords: Diabetes education; Fear of hypoglycemia; Flash glucose monitoring; Quality of life; Severe hypoglycemia; Type 1 diabetes.