Burdens and Benefits of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Use in Patients of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Objective: The present study is designed to scan the positive outcomes and the barriers that hinder continuous glucose monitoring use in our set-up experienced by type 1 diabetes mellitus patients. 

Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study. Data was collected through nonprobability convenience sampling from July to December 2023. All the TIDM patients on insulin therapy alone, enrolled with the Meethi Zindagi (MZ) organization which identifies patients with diabetes all over Pakistan, were included in the study. Ethical approval was obtained from the HITEC-Institute of
Medical Sciences Research cell (HITEC-IRB-28-2023). The burdens and benefits of technology were assessed through a validated questionnaire in continuous glucose monitoring users and non-users.

Results: Out of 84 study participants, 60% were males and 40% were females.  A total of 53 participants were continuous glucose monitoring users while 31 were non-users. Users described more benefits with significant p-values. Device users with HbA1c < 7% and participants of 01 and 13-18 years of age agreed with managing hypoglycemia, a sense of security, reduced finger prick frequency and better diabetes care with the device. Strong agreement about alarm usefulness was reported by parents of children of 1 year of age. Device users for >1-3 years reported stress-free diabetes care with this device. Among all the burdens, strong agreement was found with the high cost of sensors.

Conclusion: The study delivers evidence-based data on the benefits of continuous glucose monitoring for all type 1 diabetes mellitus individuals. At the same time, specific barriers should be identified and addressed to increase the use of continuous glucose monitoring.