More training required to ensure patients with Type 2 Diabetes benefit from glucose monitoring technology

New research shows that Type 2 diabetic patients benefit from continuous glucose monitoring technology (CGM) to improve their care but do not receive this due to lack of training. 

CGM devices, which are usually worn on the arm, allow individuals to see their blood sugar levels in real-time, cutting down on delays to treatment which can be made with the most up-to-date information. 

The findings, by experts from the University of Leicester’s Diabetes Research Centre, have just been published in Diabetic Medicine.

They showed that not only can CGM help reduce high blood sugar, known as hyperglycaemia, and prevent dangerously low levels (hypoglycaemia), but can also provide feedback that can be used to motivate better health habits and improve decision-making for doctors, reducing delays to treatment plans. 

However, the study, which used a Dephi approach on 35 healthcare professionals also highlighted several barriers to the widespread use of CGM, including lack of training among practitioners and resistance to adopting new workflows, making it challenging to implement widely. 

In the UK, more than 3.6 million people are living with diabetes - approximately 90 per cent of these are type 2 – when the body doesn’t make enough insulin to provide vital energy to its cells. This can be managed through various medical treatments, as well as lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, increased activity and weight loss. 

Professor Samuel Seidu from the University of Leicester, who is also vice chair for Research for Primary Care Diabetes Europe (PCDE), led the study. 

 

He said: “Type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of preventable sight loss in people of working age and a major contributor to kidney failure, lower limb amputation, heart attack, stroke and some cancers which is why managing this very treatable condition and finding the best and quickest ways to do so is very important. Any delays to effective treatment can cause additional medical issues for patients and also increases healthcare costs.

“This study highlights that not only is there resistance to change from healthcare providers to introduce this technology and its associated systems but national and local guidelines on when to prescribe CGM are unclear, causing hesitation among doctors, exacerbating the issue.

"Primary care teams need comprehensive training on insulin therapy and CGM use. Patient management systems should also be updated to handle CGM data, making it easier to use in routine care. It’s also vital efforts are made to ensure fair access to CGM for all eligible patients, especially in economically deprived areas.

“Improving the use of CGM in primary care could lead to better blood sugar control, fewer complications, and lower healthcare costs for people with T2D. It also empowers patients to take a more active role in managing their condition, which can improve their quality of life.

"By addressing barriers such as training gaps and resistance to change, healthcare systems can unlock the full potential of CGM technology, making it a standard tool in the management of diabetes in primary care.”