Experiences of Using Wearable Continuous Glucose Monitors in Adults With Diabetes: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to understand the experiences of adults with diabetes wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Methods: This qualitative, descriptive study included 19 adults with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, who had used the FreeStyle Libre CGM for at least 4 weeks, from an outpatient clinic at a university-affiliated hospital in Korea. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using an inductive content analysis approach. Results: The content analysis revealed 3 major themes—navigating glucose level fluctuations, reframing diabetes self-care and improving quality of life, and device improvement and service quality. Participants reported that CGMs offered convenient glucose level monitoring, allowed early response to rapid glucose changes, and facilitated effective patient-clinician communication. Participants expressed concerns about the financial burden and limited services, recommending improvements for devices, consumer services, and health insurance coverage. Conclusions: Study findings indicated that using wearable CGMs could improve self-care and quality of life in adults with diabetes. Using CGMs could improve patients’ understanding of how diabetes self-care management affects real-time glucose levels. Health care providers could support patients’ self-care by using device data. Improvements in quality, services, and insurance coverage could increase user satisfaction and promote self-care.

Patient experiences of continuous glucose monitoring and sensor‐augmented insulin pump therapy for diabetes: A systematic review of qualitative studies

“…“I tried to maintain my glucose levels within the normal range. I realized that checking glucose levels is essential, and I exercised more in the morning or reduced the amount of food if my fasting glucose levels rose above the normal limits.” 48 …”

“…If the arrows point vertically downward, glucose levels drop within 30 minutes, causing hypoglycemia. It is possible to be prepared.” 48 …”

“…CGM was regarded by patients both as less painful and time consuming than the standard monitoring of blood glucose. Participants described the finger prick test as a deterrent to checking blood sugar level, but with CGM they “ no longer [had] sore fingers .” 56 Standard monitoring of blood glucose was time consuming to use and patients often had to interrupt their daily activities to perform the test, whereas CGM offered a pain‐free and “ convenient ” 48 alternative and glucose results that they “ can check instantly .” 56 …”

“…Endorsement of the use of CGM from physicians and nurses increased patients' confidence in the CGM/insulin pump therapy's ability to improve their diabetes to get “ best possible treatments .” 33 Participants trusted their clinicians to be knowledgeable and were interested to “ use this machine because [their] attending physician introduced it to [them] .” 30 Participants were able to derive more benefits from CGM when clinicians provided them with “ support ” 35 and encouragement—“ They looked at the graph and then just said: ‘You're doing a great job’ .” 60 Participants were encouraged to use CGM when they get “ active familiar support .” 48 …”

Experiential Learning With Continuous Glucose Monitors: A Novel Curriculum for Volunteers in a Student-Run Free Clinic

“…In addition to clinical improvement, patients report better quality of life, treatment satisfaction, and empowerment to participate in disease management. [7][8][9][10][11][12] Despite strong evidence supporting the benefit of CGMs, there are barriers to their widespread and equitable use, including high costs, wearer discomfort, and social factors. 13,14 For example, low socioeconomic status (SES) is a barrier to specialist care and preventative services.…”