Looking for info on continuous glucose monitoring

[icudavis]

Hello there! I would love your expertise!!

I will be doing a study abroad in London this April for my Master's program here in the US. I would love to do a comparative, quantitative study regarding glucose monitoring in the UK versus US pertaining to intensive insulin therapy. I am especially curious about continuous monitoring, but am having a difficult time finding enough research/articles.

Where I work, we use the Atlanta protocol for our insulin infusions which require hourly glucose checks (sometimes 15 min) then a set calculation to determine any rate changes that are needed. Hospital policies frown upon using blood from any lines..be it peripheral, central, or arterial, even in closed systems, so we are finger-pricking only. I would love to find any alternative ways to collect an accurate measurement that would be practical for use in the hospital setting.

1. Do you have any experience with non-invasive glucose monitoring? Likes/dislikes?

2. Do you know where I can find a list of other types of protocols being used, like the Atlanta protocol, for insulin infusions?

3. What types of issues have you noticed with insulin infusions, besides multiple "on/off" use of infusions?

4. Can you recommend any websites to review?

5. Do you believe a sensor would be too costly for hospital stays? And do know where I might be able to find information regarding costs?

I know....lots of questions..I apologize, but it seems after my hours and days of searching ebsco/pubmed..I am still at a lost for some information....I may have to unfortunately change my topic to search...

Thank you so much for your assistance!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

check with the manufacturers of equipment for cost and even research. They have to "prove" to MD's the value of their product so most have assembled evidence. You might even be able to strike a deal about you gathering info to share later in exchange for publishing your work. Non-invasive meters - the only one I have heard patients talk about is one's that basically give you a hickey because they are sucking the blood closer to the surface. Not pleasant and leaves bruises. Websites - Diabetes.org and the AACE and other prof organizations often have research tabs. The references may help. You are aware that European meters do not use mg/dl? That requires conversion. Good luck. This sounds interesting.

[icudavis]

Hello there Classic dame!

Thank you so very much for the information! I did not realize that European meters were different...I have only just scratched the surface of my literature review, but I am determined to stay on topic despite some saying it will be too difficult to do or a waste of time..I guess I am but a few who are curious about alternative methods. I am finding more and more literature every day, so this looks promising!

[newbiepnp, MSN, RN, NP, CNS]

You may also want to check out www.JDRF.org, as type 1s are more likely to use CGMS (like me) and JDRF is geered more towards these types of diabetics. Good luck. Would love to read your research and results.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Go to www.diabetes.org. Look for the 2011 Standards of Clinical Practice. You can order it, or download to your computer.

Another source is www.guidelines.gov. You can compare various guidelines.

The ADA and American Asso. of Clinical Endocrinologists work together for the standards that are on the ADA website (diabetes.org). There are references at the end of the standards that might be helpful.