(P105) Continuous Glucose Monitoring Smartphone App Use for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes

Background/Purpose: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) use has been shown to improve diabetes management and reduce adverse events. However, a major barrier to optimal CGM use is in limitations in data delivery and reporting tools that enable effective interpretation. In this study we assessed CGM user needs with respect to CGM smartphone applications that can facilitate reflection on personal health data and improve diabetes management strategies. Research Hypothesis and/or Research Questions and Specific

Aims: The specific aims of the project were to: (1) describe how adults with diabetes collected and incorporated data from CGMs into their self-management behaviors; and (2) provide insights toward developing improved, tailored visualizations of CGM data. Methods/Methodology: A survey was emailed to adult participants with type 2 diabetes from an endocrinology clinic in Central Texas. The survey, based on Li’s stage-based model of personal informatics systems, included 45 multiple choice questions evaluating participants’ preparation, collection, integration, reflection, and action related to use of a CGM device and the CGM data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Fifty-one participants completed the survey (Mean age: 55.7 (SD 11.0); 55% female; 57% non-Hispanic white). Preparation: Most used a CGM to avoid finger sticks or because a health care provider recommended it (37%, 24%). Collection: The majority (93%) could download CGM data and 30% used the CGM to track non-glucose data (e.g. meals). Integration: Most (69%) reviewed glucose data multiple times per day and felt glucose graphs were easiest to understand (51%). Reflection: Eight-six percent spent time alone reflecting on causes of glucose numbers and 91% reviewed them with a health care provider. Action: CGM data was used to make diet, medication, and exercise decisions (84%, 77%, 46%).Conclusions (Impact on Diabetes Care and Education): Greater insight into the relationships between behaviors and glucose allow for the tailoring of interventions specific to patients’ needs. The use of real-time data allows for opportunities to intervene in the moment, in day-to-day life. CGM systems are a valuable tool because they allow users to easily change what kind of data they collect and support multiple facets of people’s lives. Source of funding for this research: NA