Keeping up with technology in this day and age is a constant challenge for all of us, including those of us in the world of diabetes. The advancements in personal continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), alone, presents a big learning curve, not only for those with diabetes, but their clinicians. Unless both parties embrace the technology and become educated on the devices, the full benefit of CGM technology goes unrealized.
Despite CGM being recognized as a standard of care for those treated with intensive insulin therapy, the potential of this technology is often not fully utilized. Patients are pursuing CGM and often perceiving it only as a matter of convenience- a way to monitor without finger sticks. This certainly is an attractive benefit for the person with diabetes (PWD), along with improved glycemia- both of which offer them a better quality of life. However simply wearing the device does not elicit benefits. Users must be able to interpret and respond to their data and clinicians must understand how to interpret retrospective data to assess safety and effectiveness. Diabetes educators are in a perfect position to not only educate the PWD on CGM, but also their providers to elicit the full benefit of CGM use.
Approaching CGM technology as a partnership between the PWD and clinicians is imperative. Educators and clinicians must encourage the PWD to engage with their device and its real-time data. Empowering them to respond appropriately to their sensor readings builds confidence in their ability to prevent extreme highs or lows and allows them to manage their diabetes safely and more effectively. In addition, the monitor’s historical data is also valuable. Educators can encourage patients at initial trainings to set up accounts for downloading their devices in order to make this data easily available to their providers for interpretation and discussion at their appointments. Similarly, educators can assist clinicians and their staff with integrating CGM into their practices. This may include, general education on the various devices, instruction on downloading and retrieving reports, and assistance with report interpretation. Finally, educators should advocate for users and clinicians to collaboratively identify problematic glycemic trends, discuss possible reasons, then decide and agree on a plan of action to address the problems. It is at this point, where the benefits of CGM are fully realized.
As more and more PWD obtain CGM, the demand for education both for users and providers will continue to grow. Diabetes educators’ expertise in CGM technology is the key to bridging the knowledge gap. We are improving the lives of people with diabetes by encouraging them and their providers to partner in optimizing the use of CGM!