Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Type 1 Diabetes: Evidence for Glycemic Control and Quality of Life Gains

Mutebi Mark

Department of Pharmacology Kampala International University Uganda

Email: mark.mutebi@studwc.kiu.ac.ug

                                                                                   ABSTRACT
Type 1 diabetes mellitus was characterized by absolute insulin deficiency, marked glycemic excursions, and vulnerability to hypoglycemia, particularly during sleep, exercise, and intercurrent illness. Conventional capillary testing offered episodic measurements that incompletely captured glycemic variability, thereby limiting timely behavioral and therapeutic adjustments. This review examinesd the evidence that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) improved glycemic control and quality of life in individuals with type 1 diabetes, while appraising implementation challenges and future directions. A narrative, evidence informed synthesis was developed from peer reviewed randomized trials, meta analyses, real world observational studies, and major clinical guidance documents on CGM in type 1 diabetes. Across populations, CGM was consistently associated with higher time in range, lower time below range, reduced glycemic variability, and modest but clinically meaningful improvements in A1C, with the strongest and most reproducible benefits observed when device use is sustained and data were actively interpreted. Quality of life outcomes frequently improved through reduced fear of hypoglycemia, improved confidence in daily activities, and enhanced treatment satisfaction, although alerts, data overload, and device burden may attenuate benefit for some users. CGM has moved from an adjunct technology to a core instrument for modern type 1 diabetes care, particularly when integrated with structured education and individualized targets. Future work should strengthen equity, optimize human factors, and clarify long term complication outcomes.

Keywords: Continuous glucose monitoring, Type 1 diabetes mellitus, Time in range, Glycemic variability, Quality of life.

CITE AS: Mutebi Mark (2026). Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Type 1 Diabetes: Evidence for Glycemic Control and Quality of Life Gains. IDOSR JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES 11(2):100- 105. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAS/2026/112100105