New Trends: Time in Range and the Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Devices on Glycemic Control

Time in Range is a new concept in Diabetology, defining the percentage of the length of time in which the patient stays within a predetermined range of blood glucose. Electronic devices, from which the concept of Time in Range derived, help promote a better comprehension of these procedures, and may lead to a decrease in glycemic variability and to a lower risk of complications. It may also ease the control and adjustments in the treatment of diabetes. Therefore, the application of the Time in Range concept could generate a better diabetes control. Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease caused by hyperglycemia due to changes related to insulin production and action. It has high morbidity and mortality and high prevalence and may affect several age groups. Currently, its classification is based on its etiology, with the most common diagnoses being pre-diabetes, type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. It should be investigated early in patients who have risk factors such as obesity and physical inactivity. It is diagnosed by alterations in fasting or random glucose measurement, oral glucose tolerance test and glycated hemoglobin. Its control and monitoring should be based on glycemic stability. Even more mechanisms are being developed to help the patient in the control of blood glucose, avoiding risks of acute and chronic complications, which can be severe and limiting.