Diathermy On Diabetes Glucose monitoring Effectiveness
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assessing the impact of intraoperative diathermy on accuracy and functioning of glucose monitoring systems
IRAS ID
340863
Contact name
James Law
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NA, NA
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The incidence of type 1 diabetes is rising, and technology is an increasingly important part of treatment. Contemporary ways to monitor glucose levels continuous glucose sensors provide users with information about their glucose levels in real-time without finger-prick capillary glucose testing. Crucially, these systems provide information on whether glucose levels are falling, rising or stable and are now a standard part of clinical care. The use of sensors is also needed for patients who use “close loop” systems which automatically adjust the rate of insulin infusion in response to glucose levels. The use of these strategies improves long-term outcomes for persons living with diabetes.
During surgery, diathermy is often used to control bleeding. Diathermy uses high-frequency electrical energy to seal small blood vessels, reducing bleeding. Available information supports the notion that sensors may not be affected by diathermy but, as there is currently little information on the actual impact, they are rarely used during surgery. Consequently, patients undergoing surgery require finger-prick testing to monitor and respond to glucose levels which may be rendered unstable in the period around surgery. This exposes patients to potentially unnecessary interventions and, for those patients who are needle-phobic or have learning difficulties, the need for repeated finger-prick capillary blood testing may be a significant barrier to effective and optimal glucose monitoring and control. There will also be a delay in responding to high and low glucose levels.
Demonstrating that glucose monitoring systems could be effectively used during surgery would:
- prevent/reduce the need for the anaesthetic team to access the patients’ fingers/toes and venous/arterial lines for blood glucose testing during surgery.
- provide easy, convenient and accurate glucose monitoring to the anaesthetic team, with data transmitted from sensors which remain underneath surgical coverings.
- provide prompt information on glucose trends during surgery, leading to better control of glucose levels including earlier recognition of low and high glucose levels (hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, respectively).REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/WM/0007
Date of REC Opinion
25 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion