A New-Generation Continuous Glucose Monitoring System: Improved Accuracy and Reliability Compared with a Previous-Generation System

BACKGROUND: Use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems can improve glycemic control, but widespread adoption of CGM utilization has been limited, in part because of real and perceived problems with accuracy and reliability. This study compared accuracy and performance metrics for a new-generation CGM system with those of a previous-generation device. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Subjects were enrolled in a 7-day, open-label, multicenter pivotal study. Sensor readings were compared with venous YSI measurements (blood glucose analyzer from YSI Inc., Yellow Springs, OH) every 15 min (±5 min) during in-clinic visits. The aggregate and individual sensor accuracy and reliability of a new CGM system, the Dexcom(®) (San Diego, CA) G4™ PLATINUM (DG4P), were compared with those of the previous CGM system, the Dexcom SEVEN(®) PLUS (DSP). RESULTS: Both study design and subject characteristics were similar. The aggregate mean absolute relative difference (MARD) for DG4P was 13% compared with 16% for DSP (P80 mg/dL) compared with 76% for DSP (P<0.001). Ninety percent of the DG4P sensors had an individual MARD ≤ 20% compared with only 76% of DSP sensors (P=0.015). Half of DG4P sensors had a MARD less than 12.5% compared with 14% for the DSP sensors (P=0.028). The mean absolute difference for biochemical hypoglycemia (YSI <70 mg/dL) for DG4P was 11 mg/dL compared with 16 mg/dL for DSP (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The performance of DG4P was significantly improved compared with that of DSP, which may increase routine clinical use of CGM and improve patient outcomes.