The Impact of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Glycaemic Control in Children with Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in a paediatric population represents an ongoing clinical challenge, requiring precise and sustainable strategies for glycaemic monitoring. Traditional capillary monitoring, although essential, presents significant limitations, including discomfort and an inability to detect rapid fluctuations. In this context, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has emerged as a promising technology capable of overcoming these barriers. This systematic review aimed to synthesise the evidence regarding the effectiveness of CGM in glycaemic control in children with T1DM, as well as to evaluate its performance in comparison with conventional capillary monitoring. To this end, a systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, including searches across multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, BVS, Google Scholar, and CAPES Journals), which resulted in the identification of 109 studies, of which 54 met the inclusion criteria. These studies demonstrated that CGM achieved a modest yet significant reduction in HbA1c levels, alongside a marked decrease in the frequency of severe and nocturnal hypoglycaemia, and a substantial improvement in glycaemic variability. A positive impact on quality of life was also observed, with reduced parental anxiety and greater autonomy for children. Thus, it is concluded that continuous glucose monitoring constitutes an effective tool for enhancing glycaemic control in children with type 1 diabetes, offering benefits that extend beyond HbA1c optimisation and include improved metabolic safety and psychosocial well-being. However, it is important to emphasise that successful implementation depends on integrating the technology into a comprehensive care model that is also centred on the child’s family.