New-Age CGMS (Continuous Glucose Sensor) Based Intervention Makes an Impact on Diabetes!
Complications of Type 2 diabetes are varied. It affects all the vital organs of the body. Nonetheless, one of its complications, namely hypoglycemia, gets unrecognized and is often left untreated. Patients with type 2 diabetes have huge glycemic variabilities which can result in episodes of both hyper and hypoglycemia
Case history
A 58-year old male patient presented with multiple recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia and high BMI of 28.9 kg/m2.
He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 20 years ago. He was prescribed a combination of insulin and OHAs (oral hypoglycemic agents) to keep his blood sugar levels within the normal range by his treating physician. He also had a history of hypertension and dyslipidemia. He was also prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
There was no significant family history of diabetes and hypertension.
The patient was enrolled in an integrated CGMS-based lifestyle management wellness program by Fitterfly – DiabeflyTMÂ program.
Problem areas identified with its solution:
Here is a short summary of the problem areas identified by our expert Team of Diabefly along with their solutions.
- Hypoglycemia during the day The episodes of hypoglycemiaoccurred primarily during daytime wherein the patient experienced sweat, tremble, felt hungry, anxious, had difficulty in walking and extreme weakness. The patient was advised to improve on meal timings, i.e. smaller, more frequent meals.
- Hypoglycemia at midnight and early morning Alarming low blood sugars were observed during midnight and early morning. To overcome this potentially fatal state, a bedtime snack was added.
- Carbohydrate and Fat overload The patient was taking more than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of carbs and fat in his diet. Diabefly coach advised improving on the quality of carbohydrates sources and their combinations. He was recommended to introduce other millets instead such as ragi. Fats were reduced by controlling the intake of total oil & switching to skimmed milk.
- Lack of interest in physical activity Since the patient experienced tiredness throughout the day, he was less motivated to work out. He was motivated for a regular walk for 20 mins a day for at least 5 days a week. To overcome post-workout fatigue, pre and post-workout snacks were added to the diet.
- Poor intake of Protein and Fiber The patient was not meeting his daily requirement of protein and fiber. He was advised to include salads in every meal to increase the fiber intake. He was given multiple options for food sources to increase protein in his diet.
Results from the DiabeflyTMÂ program:
Changes in blood sugar levels while on the CGMS device in the first 14 days of the program:
- Reduction in calorie consumption from 1773 kcal to 1540 kcal.
- 8% reduction in Average Blood Sugar readings from 159mg/dl to 147mg/dl.
- Daily Time-in-Range (TIR) increased from 56% to 68%.
- Time-below-Range (TBR) decreased from 6% to 4%.
- Time-above-Range (TAR) decreased from 38% to 29%.
Results at the end of 3 months:
- The patient lost 11.3 kgs in 3 months.
- BMI reduced from 28.9 to 25.2 kg/m2.
- HbA1c reduced from 7.4% to 6.2%.
- Insulin dosage was reduced by 8 units in total from 20 U to 16 U (in the morning) and from 8 U to 4 U (at night) by his treating physician.
Summary
This study provides preliminary evidence that CGMS based lifestyle modification plan may be used to identify, intervene and prevent the unwarranted onset of hyper and hypoglycemic events.
The findings provide a basis for more comprehensive, larger-scale study to assess better the potency of CGMS device, revised diet plans and lifestyle modification plans in regulating diabetes and its complications.
Patient ‘s Testimonial
‘Thank you very much, team fitterfly. This has been a great learning experience which has holistically changed the way I live now. Wish your team all the very best.’
Watch him speak about his journey here.
