The psychological and health benefits of using a continuous glucose monitor for a person with type 1 diabetes: A South African higher education context

Abstract

Background: There has been an increasing focus on the unique health needs and experiences of people with chronic health problems, given health disparities between these groups and the wider population. The focus of this study is on understanding the psychological and health benefits of using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) by people with type 1 diabetes (T1D)  and to present findings from interviews on their experiences. All interviewees were subsequently invited for intervention at an Open Distance Learning institution in South Africa. Methods: Data were collected using an online semi-structured questionnaire to gather information influencing the study participant’s decision to use CGM during the context of COVID-19. An invitation was sent via Facebook group ‘Type 1 Diabetics South Africa’ and attracted 30 responses.  The final study comprised of 10 respondents whose returned questionnaires met the inclusion criteria and took part in the in-depth interviews for analysis using Atlas.ti9 software.  Results: The results suggest that T1D participants benefited from using CGM in combating chronic medical and psychological (psychosocial) conditions. Many reported improvements in health and psychological factors; in time monitoring of glucose levels, low events of hypoglycaemia, improved self-confidence, improved concentration span, diminished numbers of hospitalization.  Some reported improved socialization, relief from finger pricking pains and better control of life. Graphical representations of the different results will be depicted in tables  and figures. Conclusions: The 4th industrial revolution is technology-based and continuous glucose monitoring is a form of artificial intelligence enabling people living with T1 diabetes to make smarter choices more often and at a faster pace with more information. If people with diabetes are unable to access this intelligent technology, they will be at increased risk of complications, hypoglycaemia, reducing their quality of life. The use of CGM by T1D, with complementary psychotherapy, indicated improved health related quality of life.