Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity (Sep 2024)
Exploring the Initial Encounter with Continuous Glucose Monitoring among Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Two-Week Trip
Abstract
Miseon Shin,1,* Youngran Yang,2,* Jeong Hee Kang,2,* Heung Yong Jin3,* 1College of Nursing, Graduate School, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea; 2College of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea; 3Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Youngran Yang, College of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Science, Jeonbuk National University, 567 Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, 54896, South Korea, Tel +82632703116, Email [email protected]: This study aimed to explore the inaugural experience of using a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system in patients with type 2 diabetes.Patients and Methods: This study employed a qualitative design. Thirty-one patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited from a national university hospital and underwent CGM for two weeks. Individual interviews with 28 participants were conducted between August 1 and October 17, 2022, after the CGM. Thematic analysis was used to examine the data.Results: The results revealed transformative shifts in aspects of participants’ lives due to CGM use, including alterations in dietary management and interpersonal relationships. During the two-week journey with CGM, participants were able to visually observe exercise effects and other benefits, leading to the discovery of a new utility for this innovative medical device. However, unavoidable drawbacks such as high cost, inaccurate results, and skin irritation have been identified, prompting suggestions for improvement.Conclusion: This study determined that CGM is both feasible and valuable for facilitating lifestyle adjustments to manage diabetes. Nevertheless, the challenge of discomfort associated with CGM use should be addressed in the future. To ensure effective utilization and overcome potential obstacles, it is recommended that a comprehensive and user-friendly CGM education manual be created, with the scope of CGM insurance coverage extended to include this research in the future.Keywords: diabetes mellitus, type 2, blood glucose self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring, qualitative research
