Background: Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) provides information about glucose excursions, can assist in clinical decision making and client education. Therapy adjustments based on CGMS downloads have shown improvements in haemoglobin A1c levels and a reduction in hypoglycaemia1.

As CGM is traditionally only available in hospital settings, its utility in the community and primary care setting remains unknown.

Aim:  To evaluate clinicians and patients perceptions of the clinical effectiveness and acceptability of CGM in a community-based diabetes healthcare team.

Method: Patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes (n=10) aged between 57-76 years underwent CGM for 6 days. The patient, their DNE and GP were surveyed to assess their satisfaction and perceptions of effect on glycaemia. In addition HbA1c and number of hypoglycaemic events were collected.

Results: Of the GP’s surveyed 9% were either not aware or vaguely aware of CGM prior to referral and 67% would refer patients in the future. Overall patients reported that CGM was comfortable to wear (100%), the log easy to use (100%), and that treatment changes lead to improvements in blood glucose control (89%). Patients were able to see the direct effects of medication, food and exercise on their blood glucose levels that lead to changes in their treatment in 100% of patients. Patients reported less hypoglycaemic events in 56% of cases, and 78% have reported less hyperglycaemia.  

Conclusion:  Overall, the patients surveyed, their DNE and GP were satisfied with CGM, demonstrating feasibility of its use in the community setting.