Development of a Novel Tool to Support Engagement With Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems and Optimize Outcomes

Authors: Barnard-Kelly KD, Polonsky WH.

Abstract

Background: Increasing numbers of people with diabetes, especially those with type 1 diabetes (T1D), are using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems to support their diabetes self-management, yet even so only approximately 30% of individuals with T1D meet the American Diabetes Association HbA1c target of 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) for children and 53 mmol/mol (7.0%) for adults. We aimed to produce a useful tool for people with diabetes to improve personalized understanding of CGM.

Method: A brief leaflet titled “Guidelines to Improve Glucose Control Using CGM” was developed for people with diabetes. Semistructured interviews were held with 12 adults with T1D, focusing on their views regarding the relevance, readability, and usability of the newly revised leaflet. Participants were specifically asked to share what they would find most useful in terms of information and advice provided as well as how to make use of that in the context of their own diabetes self-management. Data were analyzed thematically and used to inform revisions of the leaflet content.

Results: Data highlighted information and advice needs as well as personalization in terms of own diabetes management.

Conclusions: CGM systems are associated with improved medical and psychosocial outcomes, especially when used effectively to meet the individual needs of the user. Ensuring greater understanding of the individual’s expectations when first starting CGM, matching experience and skills to meet those expectations, and tailoring use to the individual needs of each person with diabetes (PWD) are all required to achieve widespread and consistent benefit.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31113238/

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BDI Monthly Events

March 12Case Consultation Meeting
March 12: BDI hosts the San Diego-wide, monthly case consultation meeting (for mental health professionals working in the field of diabetes). Contact us at [email protected] if you are in the greater San Diego area and would like further information about this program.
March 19-22International Conference
18th International Conference for ATTD (Advanced Technologies and Treatments for Diabetes) in Amsterdam, Dr. Polonsky (BDI President) has three presentations.
March 19Type 2 Presentation
On March 19, Dr. Polonski will present CGM is Wonderful, But… at the Roche-sponsored symposium, “Translating the Power of Prediction into Diabetes Management”, and Insulin Therapy Experience: Considering the Needs of People Living with Diabetes (with Professor Cukierman-Yaffe) at the Sanofi-sponsored symposium, Confidence and Simplicity in Diabetes Management”. https://attd.kenes.com/
March 20Type 2 Presentation
On March 20, Dr. Polonski will present Improved Patient- and Physician-Reported Outcomes with IGlarLixi When Switching From Premixed Insulin in People with Type 2 Diabetes: The Soli-Switch Study. https://cslide.ctimeetingtech.com/attd25/attendee/confcal/session/calendar/2025-03-20