What Researchers Did
Canadian researchers reviewed the safety and accuracy of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) used by diabetic patients during HBOT, examining device specs from Dexcom, Abbott, Medtronic, and Senseonics plus published literature.
What They Found
All major CGM brands are validated only up to about 1.06 ATA, well below the 2.0-3.0 ATA used in standard HBOT. Five published reports covering 39 participants (12 with diabetes) generally supported CGM safety and accuracy in multiplace chambers, but data was limited and inconsistent. CGMs should not be used in oxygen-pressurized monoplace chambers due to lack of safety data.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Diabetic Canadians using CGMs who are prescribed HBOT for diabetic foot ulcers need to know their devices are not officially validated for hyperbaric conditions. Patients in multiplace chambers may use their CGM with caution, but those in monoplace chambers should discuss alternative glucose monitoring with their care team.
Canadian Relevance
This is a Canadian study with authors affiliated with Toronto General Hospital and the University of Toronto. Diabetic foot ulcers are an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT in Ontario.
Study Limitations
Only 5 reports with 39 total participants were found, making it impossible to draw firm conclusions about CGM safety across the full range of HBOT protocols used clinically.