Accuracy of a Flash Glucose Monitoring System in Diabetic Dogs.
BACKGROUND
A novel flash glucose monitoring system (FGMS) (FreeStyle Libre, Abbott, UK) was recently developed for humans. It continuously measures the interstitial glucose (IG) concentrations for 14 days.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the clinical and analytical accuracy of the FGMS in diabetic dogs.


METHODS
Ten client-owned diabetic dogs on insulin treatment.


METHODS
Prospective and observational study. The FGMS was placed on the neck for up to 14 days. During the 1st-2nd, 6-7th, and 13-14th days from application, the IG measurements were compared with the plasma (EDTA) glucose (PG) concentrations analyzed by a reference hexokinase based method.


RESULTS
The application and the use of the FGMS were apparently painless, easy, and well tolerated by all dogs. Mild erythema at the site of the application was found in 5/10 dogs at the end of the wearing period. A good correlation between IG and PG concentrations (rho = 0.94; P < .001) was found. The FGMS was 93, 99, and 99% accurate at low, normal, and high blood glucose concentrations. Mean ± standard deviation difference from the reference method was 2.3 ± 46.8 mg/dL.


CONCLUSIONS
The FGMS is easy to use and is accurate for IG glucose measurement in diabetic dogs.
Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
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Corradini
Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
B
B
Pilosio
Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
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F
Dondi
Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
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G
Linari
Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
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Testa
Portoni Rossi Veterinary Clinic, Bologna, Italy.
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F
Brugnoli
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
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P
Gianella
Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
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M
Pietra
Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
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F
Fracassi
D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood*; D004285:Dogs; D045604:Extracellular Fluid; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary*
D001786:Blood Glucose
Canine; Diabetes mellitus; FreeStyle Libre; Noninvasive glucose measurement