Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Implementation of Networked Continuous Glucose Monitoring With Telemetry Within the Intensive Care Unit (ICU-TeleCGM)

This research is testing a new way to measure blood sugar levels in patients who are very ill and in intensive care (ICU). It's called Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and uses a device called Dexcom G7. This device constantly checks blood sugar and can send alerts if levels get too high or too low, which is especially important for patients with diabetes or high blood sugar needing insulin. The study wants to understand if this system is safe and easy to use in a busy hospital environment. It will compare the new system to the usual way blood sugar is monitored. The goal is to see if it could help healthcare teams look after patients' blood sugar more effectively.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

01 Aug 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2028

Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes Treated With Insulin Hyperglycemia Intensive Care (ICU)Continuous Glucose Monitoring Hypoglycaemia

What is this study about?

When people are very unwell and in intensive care (ICU), keeping their blood sugar levels steady is incredibly important. Both very high and very low blood sugar can cause serious problems. Hospitals usually check blood sugar by taking blood samples several times a day. This study is exploring a newer, continuous way to do this using a device called Dexcom G7.

The Dexcom G7 is a small sensor worn on the skin that automatically measures blood sugar levels throughout the day and night. It can show these levels in real-time and even send alerts if they go outside a safe range. In this study, researchers want to see if using this continuous monitoring system, which can send information directly to hospital computer systems, is safe and helpful for patients in intensive care.

The study will happen in two stages. The first stage will test the system at one hospital to make sure it works well and is practical to use. The second stage will involve more patients across three hospitals and will compare this new continuous monitoring system with the standard ways hospitals usually check blood sugar. This will help them understand if the new system offers better care for patients with high blood sugar who need insulin.

Key takeaways

This study is testing a new way to continuously monitor blood sugar in intensive care patients.
It uses a device called Dexcom G7, which gives real-time blood sugar readings and alerts.
The goal is to see if this system is safe, practical, and effective in a hospital setting.
Taking part means wearing the sensor; your regular medical care continues as usual.
This research could help improve how high blood sugar is managed in critically ill patients.
You can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your care.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would need to be 18 years old or older. You would also need to be in intensive care (ICU) because of very high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) and be receiving insulin treatment, either through injections or a drip. You must have been admitted to the ICU within the last 48 hours.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have a known severe allergy to plasters or sticky tape. Also, if doctors believe you are unlikely to survive, or if your stay in intensive care is expected to be less than 24 hours. Pregnant women cannot take part.

You would also not be able to join if you need a special kind of life support called ECMO, or if you need your body temperature cooled down after a heart attack. Your medical team will check all these points to see if the study is right 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.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently in intensive care (ICU) for high blood sugar and receiving insulin?
Have you been admitted to the ICU within the last 48 hours?
Do you have any severe allergies to sticky plasters or adhesives?
Are you pregnant?
Is your expected stay in ICU longer than 24 hours?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the main thing that will be different is that you'll have a Dexcom G7 sensor attached to your skin. This small device will continuously monitor your blood sugar levels. This information will then be sent directly to the hospital's computer system for the doctors and nurses to see. Other than this, your medical care will be exactly as usual, and you won't need to take any extra medication specifically for the study.

Your healthcare team will continue to look after your overall condition, including how your blood sugar is managed. The study does not involve any extra visits or appointments outside of your usual hospital care. The continuous monitoring will happen for as long as you are in intensive care or until you no longer need insulin treatment for high blood sugar, as decided by your medical team.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefits of taking part could include closer monitoring of your blood sugar levels, which might help your medical team manage them more precisely. This new technology could also potentially lead to better care for future patients in intensive care. The main risk is the possibility of a skin reaction to the adhesive patch from the glucose sensor, though this is usually mild. As with any study, you are completely free to change your mind and withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and this would not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The study aims to see if a continuous blood sugar monitor (Dexcom G7) is safe and helpful for patients in intensive care who have high blood sugar.

What is a Dexcom G7?

It's a small sensor worn on the skin that automatically measures and displays your blood sugar levels all the time, sending alerts if they get too high or low.

Will I have to do anything extra if I join?

No, you won't need extra visits or medication. The main difference will be wearing the Dexcom G7 sensor to monitor your blood sugar.

Are there any risks to taking part?

The main risk is a possible mild skin reaction to the sensor's adhesive patch. Your care will not be affected if you decide to leave the study.

Who is running this study?

The study is being run by researchers at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

How to find out more

Parizad Avari, MBBS, PhD

p.avari@nhs.net 020 33133706 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.