Potential diagnostic and therapeutic use of continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) in thalassemia major: A short presentation of personal experience

Abstract

The prevalence of diabetes insulin dependent (DM) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in adolescents and young adults with TM conventionally treated with desferioxamine (DFO) varies in different series (up to 10.5% and 24%, respectively). The most accurate method with which to evaluate altered glucose metabolism in patients with TM is still controversial. It has been demonstrated recently that the continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) is a useful and valid tool in defining glucose metabolism in children and adults affected by TM with early glucose derangements. CGMS is also an useful method to detect the variability of glucose fluctuations and offers the opportunity for better assessment of glucose homeostasis in TM patients and response to therapy. The Authors report their experience for the diagnosis and treatment of glucose abnormalities in thalassemia.