AIM: Real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) has several advantages over intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) but generally comes at a higher cost. Do-it-yourself rtCGM (DIY-rtCGM) potentially has benefits similar to those of rtCGM. This study compared outcomes in adults with type 1 diabetes using DIY-rtCGM versus isCGM. METHODS: In this crossover trial, adults with type 1 diabetes were randomized to use isCGM or DIY-rtCGM for eight weeks before crossover to use the other device for eight weeks, after a four-week washout period where participants reverted back to isCGM. The primary endpoint was time in range (TIR
3.9-10 mmol/L). Secondary endpoints included other glycemic control measures, psychosocial outcomes, and sleep quality. RESULTS: Sixty participants were recruited, and 52 (87%) completed follow-up. Glucose outcomes were similar in the DIY-rtCGM and isCGM groups, including TIR (53.1% vs 51.3%
mean difference -1.7% CONCLUSION: Although the use of DIY-rtCGM did not improve glycemic outcomes compared with isCGM, it positively impacted several patient-reported psychosocial variables. DIY-rtCGM potentially provides an alternative, cost-effective rtCGM option.