title: Real-life utilization of real-time continuous glucose monitoring: the complete picture.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Very few studies to date have analyzed the reasons why some people do not use real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) continuously, especially given its positive glycemic outcomes, or choose not to wear it at all, even after learning about its benefits.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire was designed to assess real-life use of and issues surrounding RT-CGM. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and duration of sensor use were also obtained from the patients' charts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-eight subjects with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), average age 15.0 ± 4.8 years, T1DM duration 5.7 ± 3.8 years, HbA1c 8.8 ± 2.1%, 50% with RT-CGM, were included in the analysis. Hemoglobin A1c was lower with increased RT-CGM use. Real-time continuous glucose monitoring was ordered to improve control. Users liked the continuous data. The most disliked part was pain and discomfort. Occasional users described RT-CGM as annoying, a hassle, and interfering with their lives. Reasons for discontinuing RT-CGM included problematic equipment and inaccuracy (64%), intrusion in life (36%), and insurance issues (29%). Twenty-one percent of nonusers reported RT-CGM to be inconvenient or a hassle or just did not want it. Fifty-two percent of subjects continue to use RT-CGM despite reported problems.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Real-time continuous glucose monitoring is a beneficial tool for improving glycemic control, and many use it despite reported problems and hassles with current devices. However, this technology has not been wholeheartedly embraced by many individuals with T1DM, especially in youngsters, because of issues mentioned here. Based on the findings of this study, it is hoped that improvements will be made to RT-CGM technology so that more people with diabetes will embrace this beneficial tool.
authors: Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, New York 10467, USA. neesha.ramchandani@gmail.com
authors: Neesha
authors: N
authors: Ramchandani
authors: Sandeep
authors: S
authors: Arya
authors: Svetlana
authors: S
authors: Ten
authors: Sonal
authors: S
authors: Bhandari
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D015190:Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003199:Computer Systems / Q000592:standards; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000097:blood* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D019369:Life; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose