Professional flash glucose monitoring and health service utilisation in type 2 diabetes: A secondary analysis of the GP-OSMOTIC study.

Aim: Professional flash glucose monitoring involves people with diabetes wearing a glucose monitor for up to two weeks, with the data downloaded by their health professional, and the information used to help guide treatment. This study describes if professional flash glucose monitoring was associated with a change in health services utilisation.

Methods: Administrative claims data from three data sources were linked to 288 participants from the GP-OSMOTIC study, a randomised controlled trial evaluating the use of professional flash glucose monitoring versus usual care in people with type 2 diabetes in primary care. Generalised linear models with the Poisson family specified and log link function were used to compare general practice consultations between the intervention and control groups at 0-6- and 6-12-month time points, with adjustment for baseline health services utilisation.

Results: GP consultations increased in the flash glucose monitoring group in the 6 months following initial flash glucose monitoring sensor application from a median (IQR) 6 (4,9) to 8 (5,11); (P < 0.001). Participants in the professional FGM group were 1.2 times (95 % CI 1.1-1.4 (P = 0.0014)) more likely at 6-12 months to have GP consultation visits.

Conclusions: Administrative claims data identified changes in health services utilisation associated with professional flash glucose monitoring, despite minimal changes in glycaemic control.