If you're feeling unsure about getting started with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), you're not alone! Building trust in a new diabetes device can take time, and the transition is often a journey, not just a switch. Beyond Type 1 spoke with members of the diabetes community to explore the ups and downs of making this change.
Why Wouldn't Someone with Diabetes Wear a CGM?
Although CGMs are a useful tool for many people with diabetes, there are several common reasons why someone might choose not to or be unable to wear one. Here are some of the most frequently reported reasons:
- Discomfort with Showing Diabetes Devices: Not everyone with diabetes is eager to show it. Some people might feel this way because they've had negative experiences with misconceptions about diabetes or faced cultural stigma. Feeling comfortable with this is a personal journey that takes time.
- Physical Discomfort: Some people experience skin irritation or discomfort when wearing a CGM, often due to the sticky adhesives that help it stay in place longer.
- Cost Concerns: CGMs can be costly, and despite efforts by diabetes organizations, insurance gaps still exist, making CGMs hard to budget for.
- Constant Attachment: Diabetes devices serve as a constant reminder that diabetes requires 24/7 attention; alarms help manage blood sugar, but can also get annoying.
- Building Trust: Switching from a blood glucose meter (BGM) to a CGM can feel overwhelming, and trusting a new device to essentially support your survival with diabetes takes time and relationship-building.
Why CGMs Are Helpful to Most People with Diabetes
While there are some understandable frustrations with CGMs, thankfully, the benefits usually outweigh the drawbacks. Using a CGM can empower you to improve your diabetes management, making the journey easier. To address some of these challenges, CGM users can:
- Set glucose alerts to vibrate, so you can conveniently pause your CGM alerts whenever needed.
- Use skin barriers or wipes to minimize the effects of sticky CGM adhesives.
- Explore savings programs to help reduce or cover the cost of your CGM.
- Rotate where you place your CGM regularly to prevent redness or dryness around the insertion area.
- Connect with others in the diabetes community to get inspired by people confidently living with their devices.
Hesitant to Try a CGM? Most People Are!
Dante V., who lives with type 1 diabetes (T1D), relates to the ups and downs of using a CGM. "I was timid but curious starting out," Dante shared. "The idea of having something attached to my body felt a bit off-putting at first. I'm the kind of person who doesn't love wearing extra devices, so the thought of a CGM was a little intimidating."
Dante's active lifestyle pushed him to pursue it anyway. "I've always been into sports, so I figured it could help me understand my body better," he said. "Especially with how food, stress or exercise might impact my glucose levels."
Most CGM apps provide helpful features like:
- Real-time blood glucose alerts: A glucose reading at least every five minutes.
- Customizable alert settings: Choose the sounds and times you'd like to be notified about your glucose readings.
- Clarity app data: Displays your real-time glucose tracing and time-in-range (TIR), helping you identify patterns in your diabetes management.
- Blood glucose graph: View trends in your blood sugar levels over 3-, 6-, 12-, or 24-hour periods.
Being Present with T1D
Since beginning his CGM journey, Dante has adjusted how he manages his daily diabetes routine. The biggest change? His intentionality.
"I'm much more intentional about fueling before coaching or workouts, and I've become more mindful of how I structure my meals to avoid big swings," Dante said. "It's been a game-changer in terms of feeling more balanced and in control. Another tip: reach out to existing CGM users. Whether it's someone you know personally or someone in a community online, it really helps to hear firsthand what their experience was like. I found it encouraging to hear how others made it work and how it improved their daily lives."
Dante's Advice for Newbies: "Take the Chance."
For anyone thinking about using a CGM who feels hesitant or faces obstacles, Dante offers some helpful advice.
"If you're facing hurdles getting started with a CGM, one of the biggest things that helped me was having an open conversation with my doctor," he shared. "Don't be afraid to ask questions or express your concerns, especially if you're unsure whether it's the right fit."
"Take the chance," Dante said. "I totally get how intimidating it can be to try something new, especially something that's attached to your body, but honestly, it's worth it. A CGM is designed to help you thrive, not just manage."
If you want to be a part of the millions of people benefiting from CGMs, are new to Dexcom G7, and are curious about trying it, you may be eligible for a free trial. To determine if you qualify, visit dexcom.com/freetrial.
Beyond Type 1 believes CGMs must be available at an affordable price point for anyone on glucose lowering medications. For cost-saving programs from Dexcom, visit dexcom.com/savings-center. To find out if you qualify for Dexcom's Patient Assistance Program, visit assistance.dexcom.com.
