Discussion
In the present study we describe follow-up data concerning FSL-FGM derived from a nationwide registry. HbA1c decreased significantly after 2 years of follow-up. Among persons who continued FSL-FGM during the whole 2-year period, there was HbA1c reduction of −3.5 mmol/mol (95% CI −6.4 to –0.7), while HbA1c remained unchanged among persons who stopped FSL-FGM. Importantly, we observed significant (sustained) improvements in readouts of quality of life (SF-12 MCS, EQ-5D Dutch tariff score, and levels of anxiety and depression) among persons who continued FSL-FGM compared with persons who stopped.
The observed association between HbA1c improvement and FSL-FGM use is in line with recent publications.1 2 5 14–16 The current study adds by demonstrating a significant HbA1c improvement over a 2-year period among FSL-FGM users. We were unable to demonstrate a difference in change of HbA1c over the 2-year study period between persons who continued FSL-FGM and those who stopped before the 2-year follow-up was completed. We hypothesize that this is related to the fact that the group of persons who stopped FSL-FGM had already used FSL-FGM for at least 1 year, which likely has provided them with more insight into their glucose regulation (and fluctuations).14 We expect this ‘learning effect’ to have a positive influence on glycemic control during the following months after discontinuation of FSL-FGM.
The number of reported hypoglycemic events after 2 years of FSL-FGM use was not different as compared with baseline. However, the percentage of persons who detected at least one episode of hypoglycemia was higher among FSL-FGM users compared with persons who stopped. Importantly, in the DVN-PROM questionnaire, FSL-FGM users reported their hypoglycemic episodes to be less severe. Charleer et al15 found a higher number of perceived hypoglycemic episodes among FSL-FGM users as compared with the period when they used self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), possibly related to more detailed insight into glucose fluctuations with FSL-FGM and a reduction of self-reported severe hypoglycemia.
Overall, continuing FSL-FGM was associated with improved quality of life, as compared with patients stopping FSL-FGM. Other studies have highlighted the positive influence of FSL-FGM on quality of life among persons with DM.4–6 15–19 Overend et al17 reported a positive impact of FSL-FGM on psychological well-being and self-esteem as patients with type 1 DM experienced more control over their blood glucose values. The authors attributed a reduction in frequency, severity and fear of hypoglycemia as the key positive impact on well-being. In line with these observations, the current study showed an improvement in understanding of glucose fluctuations among FSL-FGM users, and possibly related to this enhancement they felt more secure. The positive impact of FSL-FGM on quality of life is also supported by the results of the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire: among patients who continued use of FSL-FGM for 2 years, the reported level of anxiety and depression was significantly lower compared with patients who stopped FSL-FGM (online supplemental table 3).
In the FLARE-NL-4 study a decrease in work absenteeism rate (within 6 months) and in annual diabetes-related hospital admission rate was observed. Previous studies also showed a decrease in diabetes-related work absenteeism and hospital admissions after initiation of FSL-FGM.5 15 The current follow-up study showed that stopping FSL-FGM was associated with a deterioration in the percentage of persons who reported work absenteeism and diabetes-related hospital admissions, compared with persons who continued FSL-FGM.
Of note, during the 1-year FLARE-NL-4 study, patients had to finance half of the cost of the FSL-FGM themselves if they did not fulfill the Dutch criteria for FSL-FGM reimbursement, and during the second year of use this group (56% of persons) had to pay the full amount (approximately €120 per month) themselves. This study demonstrated that 24% of persons stopped FSL-FGM use after the first year. For these persons financial constraints were the main reason for stopping.
This study has several limitations. Data were obtained from a nationwide registry and follow-up questionnaires and as such lacked a comparator. As discussed, a considerable number of persons included in the original FLARE-NL-4 study did not participate in the present follow-up study, potentially resulting in selection bias. Importantly, in this study we did not have access to FSL-FGM data; therefore, information concerning glucose metrics such as time in range is not available. Furthermore, information about the frequency of glucose monitoring, known to be associated with better glycemic control,20 was not included in the database. As data were patient-reported, recall bias may be present. The exact time point when participants stopped using FSL-FGM is unknown.
Since the majority of participants had to finance the costs of the FSL-FGM themselves after 1 year, this inevitably will contribute to selection bias, since the actual participants probably will be more affluent than the average DM population, which may be related to a higher quality of life among FSL-FGM users. Patients used FSL-FGM for several indications, as described in the FLARE-NL-4 study.1
Finally, it should be mentioned that one of the questionnaires (the ‘DVN-PROM’) used in this study has not been validated yet. Although the DVN-PROM was non-validated, we still find the results valuable and useful as they represent the results of a collaboration with a DM patient organization and FSL-FGM users and the questions asked are very recognizable for both caregivers and patients.