Abstract
Aims: In many countries, real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rt-CGM) is not funded, and cost presents a barrier to access. A do-it-yourself conversion of intermittently scanned CGM (DIY-CGM) is a cheaper alternative. This qualitative study aimed to explore user experiences with DIY-CGM in people aged 16 to 69 years with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Methods: Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants for semi-structured virtual interviews exploring experiences of DIY-CGM use. Participants were recruited after completing the intervention arm of a crossover randomised controlled trial that evaluated DIY-CGM versus intermittently scanned CGM (isCGM). Participants were previously naive to DIY-CGM and rt-CGM but not isCGM. The DIY-CGM intervention consisted of a Bluetooth bridge connected to isCGM, adding rt-CGM functionality over 8 weeks. Interviews were transcribed, then thematic analysis was performed.
Results: Interviews were with 12 people aged 16 to 65 years, with T1D: mean age +/- SD 43 +/- 14 years; baseline mean HbA1c +/- SD 60 mmol/mol +/- 9.9 (7.6 +/- 0.9%) and time in range 59.8% +/- 14.8%. Participants perceived that using DIY- -CGM improved both glycaemic control and aspects of quality of life. Alarm and trend functionality allowed participants to perceive reduced glycaemic variability overnight and following meals. The addition of a smartwatch increased discrete access to glucose information. There was a high degree of trust in DIY-CGM. Challenges while using DIY-CGM included signal loss during vigorous exercise, alarm fatigue and short battery life.
Conclusions: This study suggests that for users, DIY- -CGM appears to be an acceptable alternative method of rt-CGM.