Diabetes technology in people with diabetes and advanced chronic kidney disease.

Abstract

Diabetes is the leading cause and a common comorbidity of advanced chronic kidney disease. Glycaemic management in this population is challenging and characterised by frequent excursions of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia. Current glucose monitoring tools, such as HbA_1c, fructosamine and glycated albumin, have biases in this population and provide information only on mean glucose exposure. Revolutionary developments in glucose sensing and insulin delivery technology have occurred in the last decade. Newer factory-calibrated continuous glucose monitors provide real-time glucose data, with predictive alarms, allowing improved assessment of glucose excursions and preventive measures, particularly during and between dialysis sessions. Furthermore, integration of continuous glucose monitors and their predictive alerts with automated insulin delivery systems enables insulin administration to be decreased or stopped proactively, leading to improved glycaemic management and diminishing glycaemic fluctuations. While awaiting regulatory approval, emerging studies, expert real-world experience and clinical guidelines support the use of diabetes technology devices in people with diabetes and advanced chronic kidney disease.