Glycemic pattern in diabetic patients on hemodialysis: Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) analysis

Background/Aims: Recent evidences suggest that hemodialysis (HD) induces glycemic variations in diabetic patients. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices measure interstitial glucose in a 'Holter-like' manner thereby improving the glycemic control assessment method. Methods: A CGM device (Medtronic iPRO) was used on 12 diabetic patients with chronic HD for 6 days to assess intra- and extra-dialytic interstitial glucose. Results: In all enrolled patients, HD was associated with a decrease of interstitial glucose values. Intradialytic glucose nadir was 79 mg/dl and it was reached at the third hour after the beginning of the session. At the end of HD, interstitial glucose increased in all patients and a glycemic peak (187 mg/dl) occurred after an average time of 2.5 h. No episodes of nocturnal hypoglycemia occurred. Conclusion: HD is associated with significant intradialytic reduction of glycemia and postdialytic hyperglycemia. CGM devices result in better monitoring of glycemic trends in diabetic patients on chronic HD and could improve insulin management.