Background: Real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) provides glucose readings to patients with diabetes, potentially supporting self-care. Preliminary data suggests efficacy of these devices influencing behavior change but data are limited on the sustainability of this change following short term use.
Methods: Following completion of a 14 week intervention involving use of RT-CGM as a behavior modification tool, a 6 month follow up survey was conducted. The survey included ten questions evaluating the impact of the subject's participation in the study on their continued lifestyle and health. The final question of the survey inquired if the subject had a significant other available to answer questions regarding their awareness of the subject's participation and impact on their own lifestyle choices.
Results: Twenty-two participants with diabetes participated in the initial intervention, of which sixteen responded to the survey. In the six months since their participation, 100% of respondents reported that CGM continues to contribute to a healthier lifestyle. 75% reported that they have excluded or limited certain foods as a result of participating and participation has motivated them to increase activity level. If available, 88% reported that they would you like to wear a CGM device on a regular basis. 68.8 % reported subjective weight loss since participating in the study with 7 (63.7%) of those participants reporting a weight loss of 10lbs or greater. Of the 16 participants, 3 subjects had a significant other that lived with the subject throughout the study and was able to be contacted. Of these three, 1 reported feeling healthier and changing their food choices as a result of their partner wearing a CGM.
Conclusion: In patients with diabetes, RT-CGM creates a sustainable lifestyle impact 6 months following use and is a desired tool for self care. However, longer prospective studies need to be completed. Further evaluation of RT-CGM contribution to the “health” of the household is also needed.
M. W. Porter: None. L. Needleman: None. S. Ramhmdani: None. N. M. Ehrhardt: Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk, Research Support; Self; Dexcom, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Novo Nordisk.
