“What is it like to live with a CGM?”: A qualitative study on type 1 diabetes patients’ experiences

Abstract

Background

The use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is increasing in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) due to its convenience and usefulness for glucose management.

Purpose

This qualitative study explores the experiences and challenges of patients with T1DM regarding their CGM use.

Methods

Twenty-nine participants were recruited from a hospital and an online community between May 26 and October 5, 2022. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and subsequently transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework for thematic analysis.

Results

The participants’ ages ranged from 19 to 64 years, and the duration of CGM use varied from 2 to 84 months. The qualitative results revealed three themes: typical diabetes care, tied to CGM for life, and conditions for better use. The immediate monitoring capability of CGM was highlighted as a key advantage, liberating individuals from the fear of hypoglycemia and enhancing their overall quality of life. However, the participants also encountered inevitable inconveniences and shared common concerns regarding the accuracy of CGM and the financial burden associated with CGM costs.

Conclusions

Healthcare providers and policymakers must address the concerns of patients with T1DM and implement educational activities to bridge the gap between self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and CGM.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-025-13705-6.

Background

Monitoring blood glucose levels is essential for managing diabetes, helping individuals meet glycemic targets, and adjust their lifestyle accordingly. It enables informed decisions about diet, activity, and medication, leading to the prevention of complications and improved diabetes outcomes [1]. Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is a conservative method utilized by patients to draw blood from their fingers to monitor blood glucose levels. Currently, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is also used. CGM devices automatically measure blood glucose levels in the interstitial fluid (ISF) every 15 min via a sensor tail inserted into the ISF of patients with diabetes; these measurements are stored in the sensor. When patients place their smartphones on the sensor, the device immediately transmits the stored blood glucose measurements to the smartphone via near-field communication. Accordingly, CGM minimizes the pain and discomfort associated with SMBG and can help determine blood glucose levels in real-time [2, 3]. Several studies have reported that CGM devices can monitor blood glucose levels in real-time, resulting in improved diabetes management [4, 5].

Several qualitative studies have explored CGM users’ experiences. Lawton et al. [6] reported that participants with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who used CGM for four weeks or longer could understand the relationship between insulin, activity, and food and blood glucose levels, as well as cope with dietary changes, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia. CGM is a motivational tool that enables patients with diabetes to manage their condition, resulting in improved glycemic control. Scharf et al. [7] evaluated 25 adults with insulin-dependent T1DM or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), who reported that CGM’s greatest benefit was blood glucose monitoring without being discovered by coworkers. They rarely stopped what they were doing to manage their diabetes. When they did, interruptions were much shorter, and they could concentrate on work better than they could before CGM use, resulting in improved productivity.

In Korea, as of January 2020, the use of CGM devices has increased due to the partial reimbursements received by patients with T1DM. The experiences of patients with T1DM using CGM may differ from those of patients with T2DM in terms of insulin dependency, hypoglycemia risk, and life context. However, no studies have explored the experiences of patients with T1DM regarding CGM use, associated discomfort, recommendations for improvement, or its status within the Korean medical system. Qualitative research on the understanding of CGM use could benefit patients with T1DM who are considering using CGM, guide new users who have just started using CGM devices, and inform healthcare professionals who manage patients or educate students on CGM use.

This study aims to understand the benefits and drawbacks of using CGM and its effects on overall diabetes management through an in-depth investigation of the experiences of patients with T1DM who use CGM. The key research question is, “What are the experiences and challenges of patients with T1DM in using CGM?”

Methods

Design

This is an inductive qualitative study in which the patterns and meaning of data collected from participants were identified.

Participants

This study included patients who (1) were at least 18 years old; (2) were diagnosed with T1DM; (3) had used CGM for at least two months; and (4) agreed to participate in the study. Advertisements used to recruit study participants were posted on bulletin boards at the endocrinology department of a university and on a social network site after receiving approval from the responsible person. Those who participated in another study or had conditions that would make interviewing difficult, such as severe illness, mental health problems, or declined cognitive function, were excluded. Based on a previous qualitative investigation of the self-care experiences of patients with diabetes, we planned to recruit 20–30 participants [8]. From May 26 to October 05, 2022, in-depth interviews were conducted until saturation was reached (i.e., when no new themes or concepts emerged from three consecutive interviews). This study included 29 participants.

Data collection

The principal investigator and sub-investigators collected data using a structured questionnaire and through in-depth interviews. The questionnaire, which could be completed in approximately 5 min, collected data on participants’ basic characteristics. In-depth interviews were conducted either face-to-face in a quiet setting or online via real-time web conferencing, depending on participants’ preference.

The interviews, involving semi-structured, open-ended questions and standardized probes such as “Can you tell me more about that?,” “Can you give me a specific example?,” and “How did that make you feel?,” were conducted in Korean. These probes encouraged the participants to share their experiences with CGM devices through questions such as “Can you share how you first started using a CGM?” and “What challenges have you encountered while using CGM devices?” (Supplementary 1: Interview Questions). Participants’ nonverbal behaviors, facial expressions, and posture during the interview, as well as the room’s atmosphere, were noted. Each interview continued until no new information could be obtained, lasting 40–90 min per session.

The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim in Korean. For journal publication, representative quotes were translated into English by a professional bilingual translator. The research team carefully reviewed the consistency between the Korean texts and English translations to preserve participants’ original meaning, nuance, and tone. Additionally, a professional editor cross-checked the translations to ensure accuracy and validity.

Data analysis

We conducted a thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework [9]. First, we familiarized ourselves with the data by reading and rereading interview transcriptions, highlighting meaningful content. Next, we generated initial codes focused on self-care-related expressions. These codes were then organized into preliminary themes aligned with the research questions. Third, we reviewed and refined the themes by comparing similarities and differences among concepts. Themes were then defined and named to reflect their underlying meanings. Finally, we synthesized the findings into a coherent report.

Ethical considerations

This study was approved by the Jeonbuk National University Institutional Review Board (No. JBNU 2022-06-023-001). The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. All participants provided informed consent before participating in the interviews.

Ensuring research rigor

To ensure trustworthiness, we applied Lincoln and Guba’s [10] criteria: credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability. Credibility was maintained through rapport-building and continued interviews until data saturation. Dependability was supported by the detailed documentation of procedures. Transferability was addressed by describing the study context and participant characteristics. Confirmability was enhanced through ongoing investigator collaboration to reduce bias, thereby strengthening the study’s overall validity and reliability.

Results

This study included 29 participants (aged 19–64 years; x̄ = 42.4). All participants had T1DM with a duration of 0.8 to 33 years (x̄ = 16.2) and a CGM use duration of 2–84 months (x̄ = 16.5). The most common reason for initiating CGM use was physician recommendation (65.5%), followed by own decision (24.1%). Table 1 presents a summary of participant's characteristics.

Table 1.

Participants’ characteristics

Number	Sex	Age (yrs)	Diabetes duration (yrs)	CGM use (mo)	Education	Employment status	Living with	CGM initiation source
1	F	64	33	2	Elementary school	Unemployed	Spouse, children	Doctor recommendation
2	M	24	11	6	University	Unemployed	Alone	Doctor recommendation
3	M	62	30	8	University	Unemployed	Alone	Doctor recommendation
4	M	42	0.8	7	Elementary school	Unemployed	Alone	T1DM community
5	F	22	4.1	6	High school	Unemployed	Children, brothers, sisters	Doctor recommendation
6	M	27	25.2	6	University	Employed	parents, brothers, sisters	Doctor recommendation
7	F	54	3	3	University	Unemployed	Spouse, children	Doctor recommendation
8	F	20	12	19	High school	Unemployed	Parents	Unreported
9	M	54	25	4	Middle school	Employed	Spouse, children	Doctor recommendation
10	M	50	6	17	University	Employed	Spouse	Own decision
11	F	29	5	4	University	Unemployed	Parents	Doctor recommendation
12	M	52	20	24	University	Unemployed	Spouse, children	Doctor recommendation
13	F	62	22.1	3	High school	Unemployed	Spouse, children	Doctor recommendation
14	M	54	23	4	University	Employed	Spouse, children	Doctor recommendation
15	F	58	9	23	University	Employed	Spouse, parents	Doctor recommendation
16	F	19	12	7	High school	Unemployed	Alone	Doctor recommendation
17	F	61	20	12	Middle school	Unemployed	Spouse	Doctor recommendation
18	F	26	12.3	56	University	Unemployed	Parents	Own decision
19	F	42	19	16	University	Employed	Spouse, children	Doctor recommendation
20	F	40	1.1	12	University	Unemployed	Spouse, children	Own decision
21	F	27	10	17	University	Unemployed	Parents	Own decision
22	F	62	32.5	30	University	Unemployed	Spouse, parents	Own decision
23	M	42	22.7	36	University	Employed	Spouse, children	Community recommendation
24	F	44	15	12	University	Employed	Spouse, parents	Doctor recommendation
25	M	60	30	84	University	Employed	Spouse, children	Own decision
26	F	33	13.9	30	University	Employed	Spouse	Doctor recommendation
27	M	38	9	12	High school	Employed	Spouse, children	Doctor recommendation
28	F	34	23	12	University	Employed	Alone	Own decision
29	F	29	20	6	University	Unemployed	Parents	Doctor recommendation

Note CGM = continuous glucose monitoring; F = female, M = male

The data from interviews regarding the experiences of participants using CGM were analyzed, resulting in eight categories and three themes. The themes were “typical diabetes care,” “tied to CGM for life,” and “conditions for better use.” Fig. 1 illustrates the three themes and their associated sub-categories, as well as the processual relationship among them. It also illustrates participants’ progression from initial challenges in diabetes care to the benefits and burdens of daily CGM use, and finally, to the contextual factors affecting its effective and sustainable integration. These themes reflect a dynamic and interrelated view of CGM use, shaped by individual experiences and external conditions.

Fig. 1.

Conceptual Flow. Note. This figure illustrates the conceptual flow derived from participants’ narratives. Green boxes represent positive subcategories, whereas boxes outlined in red denote negative subcategories. Arrows indicate the direction and type of relationships between major themes and subcategories

The analysis of CGM usage duration revealed that participants with shorter usage periods (2–12 months, n = 13) focused on adapting and learning how to use the device, while those with longer usage periods (> 24 months, n = 10) focused on lifestyle integration and long-term benefits. Nevertheless, some themes emerged in all participants, irrespective of CGM usage duration.

Theme 1. Typical diabetes care

Participants first mentioned their prior experiences using SMBG to better frame their experiences with CGM. This was mainly due to the drawbacks of SMBG, which contrasted with their experiences of using CGM.

Inconvenient and cumbersome SMBG

The participants performed SMBG once or twice daily before switching to CGM use. However, they found it inconvenient outside their homes. SMBG was painful owing to the blood draw and was cumbersome to repeat daily.

When I used SMBG, I got bruises on my fingers after fingersticks, and I was not able to draw blood even with multiple finger pricks because my finger got calloused. Since inserting a CGM sensor feels like a slight pinch, I like using CGM. (P16, 7 months of CGM use)

Diabetes care by rough guess

Before CGM use, the participants found it difficult to measure blood glucose levels in real-time and predict glycemic changes. They administered a predetermined dose of insulin or modified the dose based on their feelings: “I made a rough guess that I would need 2 or 3 units of rapid-acting insulin because I had this much food at a certain blood glucose level, or (ellipsis) I often missed measuring the level before dinner.” (P3, 8 months of CGM use).

Theme 2. Tied to CGM for life

The participants mentioned how they learned about and became familiar with CGM, the benefits of CGM use in managing diabetes, and the unavoidable inconveniences. The categories included in the second theme were “meeting and becoming familiar with the new device,” “guiding diabetes care,” “tremendous convenience,” and “unavoidable issues.”

Meeting and becoming familiar with the new device

Most participants were recommended CGM use by diabetes specialist nurses or primary care doctors in an outpatient care setting. Some learned about CGM via online communities, other patients with diabetes, employees of medical device companies, or their families. Some participants also asked their doctors to place an order for CGM after they learned about it via the news or Internet search: “The nurse there, well, kind of like during training, when I brought the device, she opened it with me, held my hand, and showed me how to attach it. And then she also explained the device to me.” (P7, 3 months of CGM use).

In the early stages of CGM use, participants encountered trial and error, including difficulties operating the device and incidents where sensors were unintentionally pulled off—often when caught on a door. For some, adapting took as long as five months. Initially, a diabetes educator provided brief instructions. At each outpatient visit, participants received dietary counseling informed by printed ambulatory glucose profile (AGP) reports. Over time, they grew more accustomed to CGM by gathering information from online platforms, visual media, CGM company staff, and an online community for people living with diabetes: “I also asked a lot of questions online by myself … because when people who’ve lived with the disease for decades share answers from their own experience, that’s actually much more helpful in real life.” (P20, 12 months of CGM use).

Guide to diabetes care

Participants mentioned CGM as a guide in performing daily activities because it continuously measured and indicated their blood glucose levels in real-time, allowing them to adjust their physical activity, diet, field of activity, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

I know how to get to a certain place where I visit often without a GPS. However, with a GPS, I can drive more safely and faster, and I am less likely to get lost. Likewise, I believe that CGM is a car navigation system in diabetes management. (P23, 36 months of CGM use)

Previously, participants were unable to concentrate on activities due to the thoughts of the onset of hypoglycemic events. After beginning CGM use, they felt free and could expand their field activity because glycemic changes could be monitored in real-time. Additionally, some participants expressed that improved glycemic control after using CGM led to reduced fatigue and allowed them to engage in more activities. However, one participant expressed that wearing the CGM device made physical movement uncomfortable, discouraging them from engaging in activities.

I feel that I have a more balanced life. Before, I often hesitated to go out because I was afraid of having an unexpected hypoglycemic event. Now, I can simply check my CGM device, attach it, and bring my insulin with me when I go out. (P22, 30 months of CGM use)

Some participants felt free from food consumption because they checked their blood glucose levels frequently, which allowed them to easily control their glucose levels with insulin. However, some reported that they refrained from eating more strictly because their blood glucose levels increased when consuming food.

Participants saw noticeable decreases in HbA1c levels after initiating CGM, which provides continuous glucose data that reflect long-term glycemic trends. Without needing extra time for fingerstick tests, they checked glucose frequently, which improved their glycemic control. Real-time glucose data enabled more accurate adjustment of insulin doses.

My HbA1c level once reached 14 and exceeded the level that the device can measure. Since it was unassessable, I was admitted to the hospital. Now, my HbA1c has decreased by half and is between 7.0 and 7.9%. Today, my HbA1c is 8.1%. (P1, 2 months of CGM use)

Participants reported that CGM alarms helped them quickly respond to hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia episodes. Moreover, they described a range of positive changes, including reduced insulin use, increased bodily awareness, improved quality of life, better interpersonal relationships, and reduced fatigue. They felt that maintaining stable blood glucose levels through CGM positively influenced their overall well-being.

Increased convenience

Most participants appreciated the convenience of using CGM in monitoring their blood glucose. They could check their levels simply by scanning the sensor with their smartphone. One participant shared that she checked her glucose every five minutes and felt reassured knowing her levels at all times. Several participants also mentioned that, without the need to carry a glucose meter, their bags—and even their minds—felt lighter: “Now, I like using CGM because I do not have to carry a blood glucose meter anymore since I have started using CGM” (P8, 19 months of CGM use).

They should definitely tell college students to use the device… because then they can feel freer when doing activities. I went through college without it, and I kept thinking, if I’d had it back then, it would’ve been such a huge help. Students wouldn’t be held back by this and could really spread their wings. (P18, 56 months of CGM use)

Most participants said that they would recommend CGM to patients with diabetes because it is more convenient than SMBG, despite its high cost and other drawbacks.

You must use CGM to control your blood glucose levels. Otherwise, you will encounter recurrent hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, which is bad for you. Thus, from the moment you are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, CGM use is an inseparable method to control diabetes in your life. This is what I want to say to those who have just been diagnosed with diabetes. (P22, 30 months of CGM use)

Unavoidable issues

Despite their satisfaction with CGM use, participants experienced various inconveniences. In particular, using the monitor roughened the skin and caused various skin problems, including mild itchiness, eczema, rash, and erosion. The skin problems worsened during summer: “I had heat rash and severe itchiness on the adhesion site because the sensor has good adhesion with poor ventilation. There was a wound if I ripped the adhesive patch. Skin problems only occur in summer” (P18, 56 months of CGM use).

Some participants reported smartphone compatibility issues, as only specific models supported CGM apps. Consequently, a few carried two phones or purchased secondhand devices. Dexcom required the sensor to remain within six meters of the linked smartphone, making constant phone possession necessary and burdensome. Guardian users also found the unchangeable alarm sound frustrating; loud alerts startled users and those nearby, leading some to switch off their phones or store them in cars or drawers during important moments to avoid drawing attention.

One inconvenience is that the monitor is compatible only with certain smartphones. I had to buy another smartphone because the one I am using now is not compatible with Dexcom. Moreover, once my phone was updated, it did not work with Dexcom. Owing to this, I was not able to measure using Dexcom for almost one month. It was inconvenient for me. (P6, 6 months of CGM use)

Some participants described the negative impacts of CGM use. For example, some felt tethered to their smartphones due to the need for constant monitoring. Others reported that the fear of postprandial hyperglycemia led them to skip meals after insulin administration, resulting in frequent hypoglycemia. A few mentioned that they stopped monitoring their blood glucose levels entirely when not wearing the CGM. Concerns about CGM accuracy also emerged. While some participants stated that CGM readings were generally consistent with SMBG values, others reported discrepancies ranging from as little as 5 mg/dL to more than 100 mg/dL. Comments on accuracy varied depending on the CGM device model and sensor placement. Participants who questioned the accuracy often cross-checked with SMBG at least three times a day while using their CGM.

I heard that Dexcom G6 does not require calibrations. After I used devices from three companies, the levels were incorrect many times during the first and second days (until 48 h)…I spent more time checking the levels during the daytime since I could check my blood glucose levels manually. I attach a patch in the morning. Like I said, the levels differed between measurements up to 48 hours. (P23, 36 months of CGM use)

Most participants preferred not to have their CGM devices visible, which limited their clothing choices as sensors were attached to the thigh, abdomen, arm, side, or other areas. Many desired to conceal the device to avoid drawing attention, making others worry, or revealing their illness.

Theme 3. Conditions for better use

Participants added notes for improvement or requests relating to CGM use, including “help in using CGM” and “high cost for convenience.”

Help in using CGM

All participants emphasized the need for training among new CGM users. They shared that first-time users often found it difficult to fully understand training videos. Some participants suggested that hospitals should provide more proactive education and outreach to help more people use CGM effectively: “As I mentioned earlier, new users should be educated on how to connect to a smartphone, how to disinfect the site for preventing infection, and how to change a sensor every 14 days” (P10, 17 months of CGM use).

Participants expressed several requests for future CGM development, including expanding smartphone compatibility, reducing system errors, and improving the concealment of devices. Some also hoped for regulatory changes to allow the use of wearable devices for blood glucose monitoring and for quicker access to newly developed CGM technologies in Korea.

High cost for convenience

As all participants had T1DM, the CGM devices were covered under the National Health Insurance Service. Nevertheless, participants considered CGM use financially burdensome, as even with the coverage, cost remained a concern for long-term use. This is because the health insurance service does not reimburse the total cost spent, and users must bear the full price for additional sensors bought in case of accidental detachment or device malfunction. To minimize costs, many participants reported purchasing CGM devices through alternative channels, including medical supply companies, the CGM manufacturer’s website, and international e-commerce platforms: “I wish I had one or more extra devices. Although I tried to use the devices with caution, sensors sometimes fall off. When devices malfunction, I receive after-sales services. However, it is not easy to get after-sales services” (P19, 16 months of CGM use).

Discussion

Understanding patients’ experiences with CGM is essential for effective diabetes care. This study explored how individuals with diabetes perceive and manage CGM, identifying three key themes: typical diabetes care, tied to CGM for life, and conditions for better use.

Under the first theme, typical diabetes care, participants described the limitations of SMBG, including finger-prick pain, inconvenience, and challenges in insulin adjustment. The repeated finger-prick blood sampling decreased patients’ adherence and led to avoiding checking glucose levels during outdoor activities [11], which ultimately motivated CGM adoption. CGM was seen as a helpful alternative, providing real-time feedback and improving adherence. Another qualitative study involving patients with T1DM who had used CGM for over six months reported that although sensor insertion caused some pain, it was less painful than SMBG [12]. Therefore, providing systematic education for patients who are required to use CGM (e.g., insulin pump users) is important, emphasizing the pain and limitations of SMBG as well as the functional advantages of CGM, such as real-time glucose monitoring and the ability to predict and prevent hypoglycemia [13, 14].

Participants noted that SMBG often involved guesswork, whereas CGM provided real-time data that supported timely insulin adjustments and dietary decisions. Adjusting insulin doses based on personal judgment, experience, or subjective feelings can reduce management accuracy and increase the risk of both hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic events [15]. Contrarily, CGM enhanced participants’ independence, confidence, and sense of safety [15, 16], ultimately promoting more effective daily self-management [17]. Reportedly, CGM use also improves physical, emotional, and relational well-being [6, 18, 19]. Taken together, these findings suggest that CGM fosters empowerment and enhances quality of life by supporting self-care practices [19].

The second theme, “tied to CGM for life,” covered categories such as meeting and becoming familiar with the new device, guiding diabetes care, convenience, and issues. Previous studies have reported similar concerns, such as skin problems at the site of insertion or device exposure [20–22]. An allergic reaction to isobornyl acrylate in the library sensor was also reported [23], along with bleeding, erythema, and edema at the insertion site [21, 22]. To promote CGM use, relevant guidelines should be established to minimize skin problems. In this study, concerns related to the accuracy of CGM measurements were also raised. Some participants said it was not reliable owing to a difference in the measurements between SMBG and CGM. A previous qualitative study also mentioned the poor accuracy of CGM devices [24]. Abbott and Dexcom, both leading CGM brands, addressed this drawback and launched an updated device with improved accuracy.

Most participants expressed concerns about the high cost of CGM devices. This suggests that participants perceived expanded insurance coverage as important for reducing their financial burden, indicating the potential relevance of improved reimbursement policies for the long-term care of patients with T1DM. In South Korea, national health insurance currently covers CGM use only for patients with T1DM, reimbursing approximately 70% of the device cost within a reference price, while patients are responsible for upfront payment and any excess costs [25]. Real-time CGM sensors have been reimbursed since January 2019, with transmitters and intermittently scanned CGM (isCGM) devices added to coverage in 2020. However, despite insurance coverage, CGM usage among T1DM patients in Korea remains low. Data from 2020 revealed that only 7.3% of patients had ever received a CGM prescription, highlighting the need for improved access and education [26]. These findings also highlight the need for healthcare providers to more actively prescribe CGM for T1DM.

AGP reports generated from CGM provide both visual and statistical summaries of glycemic data [3, 27]. They help assess hypoglycemia patterns, glycemic variability, and glucose stability, which can support dietary adjustments in patients with diabetes [28]. This study’s participants also used AGP reports to review their glycemic control status and inform diet-related education and consultation. By integrating CGM and AGP feedback, they gained insight into their physiological responses to food and became more actively engaged in diabetes self-management. The tool also enables healthcare providers to offer tailored guidance and enhance patient motivation [28]. Moreover, AGP has been found more effective than SMBG in minimizing hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia episodes [27]. It serves as a collaborative platform for patients and providers to explore the necessity of diabetes care and address relevant challenges [29]. Accordingly, incorporating AGP reports into nursing care may help develop personalized mid- and short-term intervention plans, ultimately empowering patients to engage in systematic and proactive self-care.

Additionally, participants expressed a desire for more detailed education on CGM use during their hospital visits. Since August 2022, CGM consultations, training, and readings have only been reimbursed to patients with T1DM. Medical fees are low, and only certain activities are covered [30]. This indirectly implies that active patient training is challenging. To facilitate CGM use and actively manage diabetes, a systematic training manual should be developed based on requests for education from patients with diabetes, and periodic consultations and training should be conducted. The costs of education and consultations with nurses should also be considered.

The clinical effectiveness of CGM has been demonstrated in previous studies (17, 19, 27). This study sought to understand CGM use in Korea by investigating how it affects patients with diabetes and the broader implications of its use, demonstrating the likelihood of applying previous findings in foreign contexts to Korea. This study is significant because it investigated various factors influencing CGM use activation for effective self-care among patients with diabetes in Korea.

However, caution should be exercised when generalizing the findings. In this study, all participants had T1DM, and most participants used the same CGM model (Libre), managing their insulin through injection therapy. While our sample size provided rich qualitative insights, future qualitative research should explore the diverse experiences of individuals based on different diabetes types, CGM device models, duration of use, and methods of insulin administration.

Conclusions

This study explored the effects of CGM use on the overall care of patients with T1DM by examining their lived experiences. Consequently, patients were found to recognize the importance of glycemic control and actively participate in self-care. As they used CGM to manage and regulate their daily lives, their sense of self-efficacy improved, contributing to enhanced diabetes management and positive clinical outcomes. However, barriers related to device limitations and the lack of adequate institutional support in Korea were identified, contributing to the relatively low CGM uptake. To address these issues, technological improvements and strengthened healthcare policy support are necessary, alongside educational initiatives and proactive interventions. Given that national and international guidelines recommend CGM use, the findings can serve as foundational data for establishing supportive systems and policies. Furthermore, they provide nurses and healthcare professionals with insights into CGM use from the patient’s perspective, promoting more patient-centered care approaches.

Supplementary Information

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Author contributions

Study conception and design: JHK, YR, SY, Data collection: JHK, YR, Data analysis and interpretation: JHK, YR, Drafting of the article: JHK, YR, Critical revision of the article: YR, SY.

Funding

This work was supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant, funded by the South Korean government (MSIT) (2021R1A2C2092656), and Research Funds of Jeonbuk National University in 2024.

Data availability

The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are not publicly available due to the qualitative nature of the data and the potential risk of participant identification. However, de-identified excerpts of interview transcripts are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

This study was approved by the Jeonbuk National University Institutional Review Board (No. JBNU 2022-06-023-001).

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.