How Continuous Glucose Monitoring Can Motivate Self-management: Can Motivation Follow Behaviour?

How Continuous Glucose Monitoring Can Motivate Self-management: Can Motivation Follow Behaviour?

Authors: Michael Vallis, Hana Ryan, Lori Berard, Emmanuel Cosson, Finn Boerlum Kristensen, Fleur Levrat-Guillen, Nicolas Naiditch, Remi Rabasa-Lhoret, William Polonsky

Abstract

Objectives: Motivation to adhere to clinical recommendations requires engagement, and the urgency to act is one of many factors that contribute to achieving glycemic benefits in people with type 2 diabetes (PwT2D). Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices are associated with improved glycemic benefits. We conducted a qualitative assessment of PwT2D who found using CGM extremely beneficial and examined the potential for CGM to elicit motivation to engage in self-management behaviours.

Methods: Participants using CGM were recruited through social media and interviewed, and transcripts were analyzed (template analysis using thematic analysis) to generate coded responses and inductive themes by 2 raters.

Results: Thirteen participants (84.6% women, with a duration of T2D >5 years and CGM use for >6 months) were interviewed. Codes were organized around 3 themes: improved self-management, experience of glucose-sensing technology vis-à-vis general positive or negative experience, and positive impact of CGM on living with diabetes. Improved self-management was reflected in how the CGM technology provided personalized knowledge and ability to self-manage, particularly in contrast to finger pricking. Positive experience included motivation for behaviour changes as well as improved relationships with health-care providers and in social situations. This translated into a sense of improved health and an avoidance of complications. Negative experience included costs, concern over location of the sensor, and discomfort with the device.

Conclusions: CGM technology profoundly impacts multiple aspects of self-management and care for PwT2D. Developing a validated instrument to assess identified constructs could contribute to developing interventions and leveraging benefits of this technology, particularly the motivational constructs of engagement and urgency.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37044242/

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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