Case study: Continuous Glucose Monitoring

What did we do?

We appraised evidence on the effectiveness of using continuous glucose monitoring to help pregnant women with type 1 diabetes manage their condition. We published Guidance in October 2019.

Who with?

Welsh Government and the NHS Wales National Clinical Lead for Diabetes requested that we appraise this topic. We consulted with a range of stakeholders during the evidence review, including diabetes nurse specialists, diabetologists and academic researchers. We also took information from manufacturers of continuous glucose monitoring devices and patient testimony into account.

What were the reactions?

Stakeholders felt that the evidence review gave a very useful summary of the different continuous glucose monitoring systems available and the evidence to support their use.

What did we learn?

Compared to the self-monitoring of blood glucose, using continuous glucose monitoring results in better control of blood sugar levels and reduces the rate of complications linked to diabetes in pregnancy. It’s also predicted to save costs because some complications are avoided. Therefore, our Guidance supports the use of continuous glucose monitoring for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes.

What difference did this make?

Our Guidance will result in improved outcomes for mothers with type 1 diabetes and their babies by reducing complications. The use of continuous glucose monitoring in type 1 diabetic mothers is predicted to save £1,029 per pregnancy as compared to self-monitoring of blood glucose, due to a reduction in neonatal intensive care requirements. It’s estimated that NHS Wales could save £105,999 by adopting our Guidance. This cost saving is based on the assumption that there would be 50% uptake of the technology without HTW Guidance.

Click here to read the HTW Annual Report 2018-2019 in full.