Diathermy On Diabetes Glucose Monitoring Effectiveness
This study aims to understand if a common surgical tool called diathermy impacts how accurately continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems work in adults and young people with Type 1 diabetes. Diathermy uses electrical energy during operations to stop bleeding. During surgery, it's very important to keep a close eye on blood sugar levels. Currently, CGM systems are often not recommended during procedures where diathermy is used, meaning patients might have more finger-prick tests. This study will check if CGM readings are still reliable after diathermy is used. We hope to make glucose monitoring during surgery simpler and less uncomfortable for people with Type 1 diabetes.
At a glance
What is this study about?
If you have Type 1 diabetes, you know how important it is to keep your blood sugar levels in check. Many people now use clever devices called continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). These little sensors sit just under your skin and tell you your blood sugar levels throughout the day without needing lots of finger-prick tests. They even show you if your levels are going up or down, which is really helpful, especially if you use an insulin pump that adjusts automatically.
When people with Type 1 diabetes need surgery, it can sometimes be tricky to manage their blood sugar. One common tool used during operations is called diathermy. It uses a special electrical current to help surgeons stop any bleeding. The problem is, we don't fully understand if this electrical current might affect how well CGMs work. Because of this uncertainty, some CGM manufacturers say their devices shouldn't be used with diathermy, meaning patients might have to go back to more uncomfortable finger-prick tests around their surgery.
This study wants to find out once and for all if diathermy does affect CGM accuracy. By understanding this better, we hope to improve how people with Type 1 diabetes are looked after during surgery. If CGMs can be reliably used, it could make monitoring blood sugar much easier and more comfortable for patients, reducing the need for countless finger-prick tests when they’re already going through a lot.
Key takeaways
- This study focuses on continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and a surgical tool called diathermy.
- It aims to see if diathermy affects how well CGMs measure blood sugar during surgery for people with Type 1 diabetes.
- A positive outcome could make blood sugar monitoring during surgery much easier and more comfortable.
- Participants will have extra blood sugar checks and a couple of blood tests around their surgery.
- The study takes place at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults and young people with Type 1 diabetes who are planning to have a surgery at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. You need to be at least 4 years old and regularly using an Abbott Libre-2, Abbott Libre-3, Dexcom G6, or Dexcom G7 glucose monitor.
There are a few reasons you might not be able to join. For example, if you've recently taken high doses of paracetamol or certain other medicines like hydroxyurea or high-dose vitamin C, you wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if you are already involved in another clinical trial where you're trying out new medicines, this study wouldn't be suitable for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Do you have Type 1 diabetes?
- Are you having planned surgery at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust?
- Do you regularly use an Abbott Libre 2/3 or Dexcom G6/G7 CGM?
- Are you 4 years old or older?
- Have you avoided high doses of paracetamol, hydroxyurea, or high-dose vitamin C recently?
- Are you currently not taking part in another drug trial?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll first have your height and weight measured. We'll also ask about your medical history, including your diabetes type, any other health conditions, and any medicines you currently take. During your surgery, we will closely monitor your blood sugar. This means we will take readings from your continuous glucose monitor and compare them with readings from a standard glucose meter every 15 to 75 minutes. This will happen for up to 4 hours before your surgery starts until up to 4 hours after it finishes. We will also take two small blood samples to check your blood sugar: one before diathermy is used and one after. These steps help us see if diathermy changes how accurately your CGM works.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Queen's Medical CentreVerified postcodeNottingham, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is diathermy?
Diathermy is a surgical tool that uses a special electrical current to help stop bleeding during an operation.
What is a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)?
It's a small device that measures your blood sugar levels continuously, usually with a sensor under your skin, showing you trends without lots of finger-prick tests.
Why is this study important?
It aims to find out if diathermy affects CGM accuracy, which could help make blood sugar monitoring during surgery safer and more comfortable for people with Type 1 diabetes.
Will my regular medical care be affected?
No, your decision to take part or not will not affect your usual medical care or treatment.
How long will I be involved in the study?
Your active participation for the study measurements will be around the time of your surgery, typically lasting up to 8 hours in total (4 hours before to 4 hours after the operation).
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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