Continuous glucose monitoring as a tool for psychological support - exploring metabolic control and psychological well-being after initial cgm implementation in adults with type 1 diabetes.

Abstract

Objectives: The initiation of reimbursement for intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM)/ continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for those 26 and older could greatly benefit people with type 1 diabetes (PwT1D). The aim of the study was to assess changes in quality of life, metabolic control, fear of hypoglycemia and selected psychological parameters after 3 months of implementation of the isCGM/CGM in PwT1D aged 26 and above.

Methods: The study involved 57 PwT1D from five diabetology centers. To be included in the study, each participant had to be at least 26 years old, have a minimum of two years of diabetes history. Participants completed a set of validated questionnaires including the FSH-II, DDS, PSS10, DTSQs, WHO-5, PAID, DBQ, and a sociodemographic survey. They also downloaded pump/glucometer data and underwent HbA1c measurement at the beginning and again at the end of the study.

Results: PwT1D reported higher treatment satisfaction measured by DTSQs. Well-being assessment according to WHO-5 was also higher, and the level of diabetes burnout measured by DBQ, fear of hypoglycemia assessed by HFS-II significantly decreased. Diabetic distress measured by means of total score of DDS lowered. Participants scored also lower on PAID upon follow up. The HbA1c level after three months of using the CGM system was significantly lower.

Conclusions: The use of isCGM/CGM, even during relatively short observation, leads to improved quality of life, reduced fear of hypoglycemia and diabetes burnout, and lower HbA1c levels in PwT1D over the age of 26 who were naïve to this technology.