The introduction of CGM devices has completely changed diabetes management. They let patients monitor their glucose in real time, reducing the number of painful fingersticks and helping to manage glucose levels.
Yet, CGM technology is not preferred by every patient right away. A number of individuals feel that using CGM devices is challenging, as they have difficulty with discomfort, difficulties in using the devices and feelings of stress over expenses, which leads some of them to stop relying on them.
When everyone understands these concerns, patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers can find better solutions for diabetes care. This guide will help those just looking into CGM, those who have had difficulties, and those who help someone with a CGM.
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Top Reasons Patients Do Not Prefer CGM Devices
Below are crucial reasons patients do not prefer CGM Devices:
1. Physical Discomfort and Skin Reactions
Many people do not like using CGMs because they often feel uncomfortable. Although sensors are very small and minimally invasive, they still have to be injected into the body with a small needle. Thinking about having a sensor inserted can stress people who struggle with needles. Some people may experience pain simply because the device feels uncomfortable during insertion.
Besides putting the sensor in, some people find that the adhesive patch used to hold the sensor causes further problems. It is normal for some people (especially if their skin is sensitive or they react to adhesives) to have redness, itching, swelling or rashes after they use stickers. Application of these sprays to the same area often can cause discomfort or even minor infections.
The thicker electronics might be difficult to deal with during sleep, while doing sports, or while wearing particular types of clothing. If users are concerned the sensor could be dislodged, they may reduce their normal movements, which leads to frustration.
2. Inaccurate or Inconsistent Readings
A common problem for many people who use CGMs is the perception or true evidence that glucose readings can be inaccurate. Most CGMs are dependable, though they take glucose readings only in the interstitial fluid, not from the blood. Because of this, you get slightly delayed results when monitoring your blood glucose.
A lag might cause the alerts from CGM devices to be inaccurate after eating or exercising. When a CGM keeps giving inconclusive information or unwanted warnings, it might upset users and make them wonder if it is reliable.
It is vital to adjust the device (if necessary) and interpret the data patterns. However, a lack of proper training for patients leads to frustration, too much stress from alarms, and less trust in the device.
3. Emotional and Psychological Impacts
For some individuals, having a CGM is always a reminder that they have diabetes. Because the device often shows easily on the arm or abdomen, it can make some teens and young adults self-conscious. Such emotions can make someone ignore the technological or practical advantages of having the device.
The frequent alerts, notifications and charts may make the user feel as if they are observed constantly. As a result, healthcare professionals may feel stressed and exhausted and sometimes avoid dealing with the stress. Patients sometimes feel confused or even scared when they see all the data about themselves.
Mentally, CGMs may sometimes make diabetes seem like something negative. Patients might feel that they don’t have control over what happens to them and may even feel like they are being supervised too much, especially if family or doctors have access to their health information without them fully understanding how it will be used.
4. Device Complexity and Learning Curve
Setting up, inserting the sensor, linking the app and figuring out your data are all easier today, but there is still a bit of a learning process initially. If someone is not very tech-savvy, for example, many elderly users or people with limited computer skills, handling a CGM can feel daunting.
Some users mention they have difficulty making sense out of shepherd-like graphs, meters and patterns in glucose report data. If the device isn’t well described or patients lack help from the clinic, they could feel discouraged and not wait for positive results.
Equally, poor performance and time spent on repairs could happen if you forget to reset sensors or apply software updates.
5. Cost and Insurance Coverage Barriers
Many people cannot use CGM devices because they are too expensive. You still have to pay for copays and some costs for transmitters and sensors, which can be costly even with insurance. For people who have to pay a lot before their insurance coverage kicks in, CGMs might be too expensive.
Getting CGMs approved for insurance coverage may take time and involve a lot of paperwork, prior authorization, and follow-up. This can prevent patients from starting treatment and may cause them to quit.
Among people in such vulnerable communities or with limited resources, a CGM can appear financially unaffordable, even if they understand how useful it would be.
How to Improve and Overcome Poor CGM Experiences
We need to be aware of the problems patients face and give them useful ideas for success. Here are some general ways patients can deal with problems and benefit from using CGM.
1. Patient-Centric Education and Hands-On Training
If a patient understands their CGM better, they’re more driven to use it more often and appropriately. Working on inserting sensors, reading trend data, installing apps and interpreting alerts helps you gain confidence.
Teaching should continue beyond a single lesson. Regular appointments, additional training, and the option to view videos or read guides help a lot. Teaching activities need to be adjusted according to a person’s level of tech skills, age, and particular needs.
2. Customizing Alerts and Notifications
Many people who use CGMs become frustrated by the device’s never-ending warnings. They can talk to their doctors to set alerts that let them know about changes, but not too frequently.
Choosing to use alerts when you need them and to mute them temporarily improves your feelings of anxiety. Even though alert fatigue occurs many times, a few adjustments in device settings are enough to address the problem.
Patients should be informed that they can choose whether remote sharing is set on or off. Because of this feature, some patients might feel violated if the caregiver doesn’t disclose it clearly.
3. Enhancing Skin Comfort and Device Wearability
Small changes can be very effective in reducing skin sensitivity. For example, using barrier wipes, skin prep solutions, or hypoallergenic adhesives can help reduce skin discomfort. Moving the sensor, cleaning and drying the area often reduces the risk of infections and skin harm.
If you are an athlete or are very active, you may need to be told about how to secure your CGM with a sports cover or overlay. Different individuals may feel more at ease when the catheter is placed in the abdomen rather than the arm (or vice versa).
4. Encouraging Mental and Emotional Resilience
Constant monitoring using CGM is handy yet quite tiring. If patients become too stressed, occasional breaks from checking their own health can help. Telling them that success comes from improvement can change their thinking.
Mental health support, diabetes advice, or peer support can ease users’ loneliness and help them feel appreciated by their peers. Telling users about positive results and the long-term well-being they gain helps keep them going when the routine becomes repetitive.
People finding it tough to pay for CGMs should be directed to financial help, discounts, and relevant community health resources. If you meet eligibility criteria, many states, veteran groups, and nonprofits can offer help with the cost of school.
Providers are expected to inform patients about their insurance and should help them complete paperwork or write letters when needed. Occasionally, not only the cost but also the lack of knowledge about healthcare coverage keeps people away.
Conclusion
Continuous Glucose Monitoring systems are very helpful, but many patients find them hard to use first because of physical, technical, emotional, and financial issues. Support and education make it possible to overcome these challenges.
At Healify, our focus is on supporting you by giving personalized guidance, assistance, and advice throughout your use of a CGM. Our team is happy to answer your questions about CGMs or advise on how to improve your use of this equipment, and you can get advice during a free consultation. By collaborating, we can make the most of CGM in managing your diabetes.
Visit healifynow.com to get started today.
