Indication of CGMS (Continuous Glucose Monitoring System) in the functionnal investigations of adult type 1 diabetic patients

The Minimed CGMS (Continuous Glucose Monitoring System) is a holter-style e lectroenzymatic sensor allowing 3-days continuous monitoring of interstitia l glucose fluctuations. This device gathers wide informations about the flu ctuations of glucose over the day, in a more detailed (288 measurements) bu t less accurate way than those obtained from glucose self-monitoring. Its u tilisation has been proposed for the analysis of nocturnal glucose control, to detect asymptomatic hypoglycemia or dawn phenomenon, and could be usefu l in the adjustment of type 1 diabetes therapy. Thus, its use could contrib ute to an improvement in glucose control, especially in patients with low c ompliance to self-monitoring. CGMS graphs can be used as an individual teac hing support, or illustrate characteristic situations during collective edu cational sessions. The period chosen for the CGMS record, the duration of t he record and the instructions given to the patients are of major importanc e to obtain accurate and reproductive graphs, that can be used in clinical practice.