Diathermy On Diabetes Glucose Monitoring Effectiveness
United Kingdom126 participantsStarted 2026-05
Plain-language summary
The goal of this observational study is to investigate if diathermy (a surgical tool that uses electrical energy to control bleeding) has any affect on the accuracy and functioning of continuous glucose monitoring systems in adults and young people with Type 1 Diabetes. The main questions this study aims to answer is -
\- Does the accuracy of continuous glucose monitoring systems change after use of diathermy?
Participants will:
* Have their height and weight checked.
* Provide information about their medical history including type of diabetes, other medical conditions and any current medications they take.
* Have paired glucose meter and sensor glucose measurements taken every 15-75 minutes from up to 4 hours before surgery until up to 4 hours after the end of surgery.
* Have two blood samples taken to measure glucose levels, The first one will be before the use of diathermy and the second will be after the use of diathermy.
Who can participate
Age range
4 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
* Planned admission for elective surgery at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
* Currently routinely using a prescribed Abbott Libre-2, Abbott Libre-3, Dexcom G6 or Dexcom G7 glucose monitoring system to monitor glucose concentrations.
* Aged 4 years or older on the day of surgery.
* Ability to give informed consent / ability of parent/carer to give informed consent (as appropriate).
Exclusion Criteria:
* Use of paracetamol above maximum dose within 7 days before the scheduled date of surgery (in adults with body weight under 51kg - maximum of 60mg/kg per day, in adults with body weight 51kg and above - maximum of 4g per day, in children - maximum dose as per their age as stated in the British National Formulary for Children)
* Any use of hydroxyurea within 7 days before the scheduled date of surgery
* Use of more than 500mg per day of ascorbic acid / vitamin C within 7 days before the scheduled date of surgery
* Currently taking medications as part of a clinical trial.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
To assess if the Absolute Relative Differences (ARDs) of continuous glucose monitoring systems change after use of diathermy.
Timeframe: From up to 4 hours prior to the start of surgery to 4 hours after the end of surgery, for no more than a total of 24 hours.