Table 3.
Theme | RT-CGM user |
Non-RT-CGM user |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Codes | Representative quote | Codes | Representative quote | |
RT-CGM facilitates feelings of safety by preventing hypoglycemia | Warning of hypoglycemia Ability to be proactive in treating hypoglycemia |
Wife has not had to use glucagon once since going on Dexcom! The ability to detect a drift toward hypoglycemia when I can treat it myself rather than waiting to a point where assistance from someone else is needed. The continuous glucose monitor allows a real time control of blood glucose that cannot be achieved with 3 or 4 fingersticks a day. |
Not being aware of hypoglycemia Increased SMBG to avoid hypoglycemia |
My ability to be aware of an impending hypoglycemic episode has become quite diminished and I usually can only know how low my blood sugar is by taking a blood sample from my finger. I am very concerned about not being timely aware of a hypoglycemic attack. I want to be alerted to dangerous high and low blood sugars and take steps to correct the problems. |
RT-CGM improves well-being | Ability to avoid extreme glycemic variability Improved sleep and driving due to CGM alarming if glucose out of range CGM has and can save lives |
[I’m] not worried now about losing my life in the night because of a low blood sugar. [I have] better control, [fewer] safety concerns, eg, driving, hypoglycemic unawareness, wife doesn’t have to worry. Really a positive game changer. |
CGM would prevent avoidance of extreme glycemic variability CGM would prevent complications and injury related to hypoglycemia |
[CGM] would help me treat a low or high before it became dangerous, [such as] when driving. I would not be falling and having seizures. |
Access is a barrier to RT-CGM use | Medicare does not provide coverage The cost of CGM is not affordable without insurance |
I do not understand why Medicare won’t pay for the CGM which is such a lifesaver, medical cost saver, and necessity for diabetics. I was about to start on Medicare and was concerned that it doesn’t cover supplies. I did not know if I could find a supplemental insurance that would help pay some of the cost. |
Medicare does not provide coverage The cost of CGM is not affordable without insurance |
I can’t believe how much money I would have to pay because Medicare won’t help. I do not have a CGM because I cannot afford the costs. I had one until my husband retired and we had to change to Medicare and Supplemental Insurance that does not cover CGM. |