Q-Score Complements the Time in Range in the Evaluation of Short-Term Glycemic Control

Abstract

Background and aims: The Q-Score is a single-number composite metric that is constructed based on the following components: central glycemic tendency, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and intra- and interday variability. Herein, we refined the Q-Score for the screening and analysis of short-term glycemic control using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) profiles. Methods: Continuous glucose monitoring profiles were obtained from noninterventional, retrospective cross-sectional studies. The upper limit of the Q-Score component hyperglycemia‚ that is, the time above target range (TAR), was adjusted from 8.9 to 10 mmol/L ( n = 1562 three-day-sensor profiles). A total of 302 people with diabetes mellitus treated with intermittent CGM for ≥14 days were enrolled. The time to stability was determined via correlation-based analysis. Results: There was a strong correlation between the Q-Scores of the two TARs, that is, 8.9 and 10 mmol/L (Q-ScoreTAR10 = −0.03 + 1.00 Q-ScoreTAR8.9, r = .997, p < .001). The times to stability of the Q-Score and TIR were 10 and 12 days, respectively. The Q-Score was correlated with fructosamine concentrations, the glucose management indicator (GMI), the time in range (TIR), and the glycemic risk index (GRI) ( r = .698, .887, –.874, and .941), respectively. The number of Q-Score components above the target increased as the TIR decreased, from two (1.7 ± 0.9) in CGM profiles with a TIR between 70% and 80% to four (3.9 ± 0.5) in the majority of the CGM profiles with a TIR below 50%. A conversion matrix between the Q-Score and glycemic indices was developed. Conclusions: The Q-Score is a tool for assessing short-term glycemic control. The Q-Score can be translated into clinician opinion using the GRI.