In studies analyzing the performance of CGM systems, a large number of different procedures and comparator samples are used, with the result that the comparability of the CGM systems is limited. We have developed a specific test procedure and certain characteristics for comparator methods that, if followed, should ensure that a CGM system is tested for performance in all clinically relevant areas. We hope that this article will serve as an important basis for the development of a future standard for clinical CGM performance studies. This work is the result of a collaboration between the IFCC working group on CGM and other experts in the field of clinical CGM performance evaluations.

For the diagnosis of diabetes using an oral glucose tolerance test, the German Diabetes Association recommends the use of test tubes with citrate and fluoride additives to inhibit glycolysis. As the effect of the different additives on the measurement results has been the matter of debate for years, we have now systematically analyzed this in a study.

In many CGM performance studies a method called arterialization of comparator samples is used. This is the warming of the arm from which venous blood is drawn with the aim to reduce the differences in blood glucose levels between capillary and venous blood samples. In this study, we investigated the effect of warming on venous blood glucose concentration and the associated effect on CGM accuracy.

At this year's Diatec Congress in Berlin, which was entitled "AI in technology", Dr. Freckmann was a speaker on the topic of "Measurement accuracy of CGM systems". He also presented our latest findings on smartwatches that promise non-invasive glucose monitoring. They delivered the identical blood glucose curves in our self-experiment with humans and bananas. This makes in our belief all further questions about measurement accuracy obsolete...

This year, the JA-PED took place in our home town Ulm. Although we were not represented in the scientific program this time, we were present with our small diabetes technology museum.

At this annual Diabetes Technology Meeting, which was still completely virtual, we were again mainly representing the topic of CGM standardization. At the pre-meeting on November 1, the IFCC working group even had its own symposium. Dr. Freckmann and Dr. Pleus presented the results of the IFCC working group's latest publications. John Pemberton and Dr. Rolf Hinzmann were also invited to contribute. In the main meeting on November 2, Dr. Eichenlaub presented our newly developed method of displaying CGM accuracy - CG-DIVA.