Methods of Evaluating the Utility of Continuous Glucose Monitor Alerts

Abstract

Continuous glucose monitor alerts are capable of both detecting and predicting low and high BG events. The setting of alerts entails a trade-off between predictive ability and FA rate. Realistic analysis of this trade-off will guide patients in the effective utilization of CGM.

Facilitators and Barriers of Sleep in Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

“…Young adults with T1D must balance safety of high/low alert settings with the nuisance of false alarms. 41 Having the alarm also may ease their fear and allow them to sleep, knowing they will be awakened if there is a problem.…”

Continuous glucose monitoring in people with diabetes: the randomized controlled Glucose Level Awareness in Diabetes Study (GLADIS)

“…Up to 30% of CGM alarms may be false . If the false alarm rate is perceived as high, the corresponding response rate is low or none .…”

“…At a basic level, CGM can alert the user of hypo‐/hyperglycaemia via low and high alarm settings, respectively , and CGM device alarms are deemed to be a requirement by both manufacturers and clinicians . In a survey among young people with Type 1 diabetes, the continuous data were very popular; however, intermittent users and those who discontinued use described real‐time alarms as annoying and as interfering with their lives .…”

Continuous Glucose Monitoring: A Perspective on Its Past, Present, and Future Applications for Diabetes Management

“…Many patients report alarm fatigue as a major barrier to CGM use and adherence (42,43). Earlier studies of first-generation CGM technology found that up to 30% of all alarms, and up to 50% of alarms for hypoglycemia, may have been false (46,47). Although newer CGM systems have improved accuracy, alarm fatigue and perceptions of inaccuracy of the alarms may make users less likely to respond to hyper- or hypoglycemia.…”