Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic illnesses of childhood. Glucose monitoring is essential for the management of Type 1 diabetes but adds considerable treatment burden. New technology that reduces some of this burden is available, but is extremely expensive. This technology, called continuous glucose monitoring, provides continuous readings of glucose every 1–5 minutes to the patient. Recently a third-party solution from China has been released that can convert a cheaper glucose monitoring system (the Abbott Freestyle Libre) into a fully functional continuous glucose monitor. This combination provides saving of $2,000–$5,000. While exciting in concept, this product has no regulatory approval, and there is no current research into its function or safety. However, many patients are already adopting and purchasing this device, from the internet, independent of their medical team. This world first study aims to investigate this device using a gold standard randomised controlled crossover trial, during real life use in 55 young children (aged 2-13 years) and their families, the population that may benefit the most from this sort of intensive glucose monitoring. If proven to be of benefit, this study continues our research group broad aim of helping to provide healthier, more equitable and cost-effective diabetes care to children and their families.
Ethics Number: 19/NTB/118
The MiaoMiao set-up.
The image you could expect on your device.
The MiaoMiao sensor.
Staff
Associate Professor Ben Wheeler
Associate Professor Ben Wheeler is a Paediatric Endocrinologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Women's and Children's Health.
Email ben.wheeler@otago.ac.nz
Dr Sara Boucher
Dr Sara Boucher completed her PhD at the University of Otago and is now a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Women's and Children's Health.
Email sara.boucher@otago.ac.nz
Mona Elbalshy
Mona Elbalshy is a PhD candidate in the Department of Women's and Children's Health. Email: mona.elbalshy@postgrad.otago.ac.nz
Shirley Jones
Shirley Jones is a Research Nurse in the Department of Women's and Children's Health. Email: shirley.jones@otago.ac.nz
Professor Barbara Galland
Professor Barbara Galland is a Research Professor in the Department of Women's and Children's Health, with a focus on sleep research.
Email barbara.galland@otago.ac.nz