Continuous Glucose Monitoring for Hyperglycemia in Critically Ill Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Andrew J. Franck, Andrew L. Hendrickson, Evan D. Telford, et al

Chest 2025; 168: 326-335

Abstract

Background

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) could potentially improve management of hyperglycemia compared with standard point-of-care glucose monitoring for critically ill patients. However, there is limited evidence to support routine use of CGMs in the ICU.

Research Question

In critically ill patients with hyperglycemia, do CGMs improve time within target glucose range compared with standard of care?

Study Design and Methods

This was an investigator-initiated, single-center, parallel-group, open-label, randomized controlled trial. Adult patients admitted to a medical or surgical ICU who had diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia and were treated with insulin were eligible for enrollment. Participants were randomly assigned to have glucose monitoring performed with a CGM (intervention group) or standard of care (control group). Groups were compared for glycemic control and other relevant outcomes. The primary outcome for the study was percentage of time within the normoglycemic range, defined as 70 to 180 mg/dL (3.9-10 mmol/L).

Results

Eighty-five participants were enrolled and randomized to study groups, with 43 participants in the intervention (CGM) group and 42 patients in the control (standard of care) group. For the primary outcome, there was no statistically significant difference between the intervention group (mean ± SD, 60.5% ± 30.5%) and the control group (mean ± SD, 61.4% ± 28.3%) in time within the goal glucose range (mean difference, –0.9%; 95% CI, –13.6 to 11.8; P = .9). Except for patient satisfaction, there were no statistically significant differences between groups for secondary and exploratory outcomes.