Glycemic and Psychosocial Correlates of Continuous Glucose Monitor Use Among Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes.

Abstract

Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use has been linked with better glycemic outcomes (HbA1c), yet many adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) struggle to maintain optimal CGM use. This study examined CGM use and its association with HbA1c and psychosocial factors among adolescents with T1D experiencing at least moderate diabetes distress (N = 198). We examined mean differences in HbA1c, diabetes distress, diabetes-related family conflict, and quality of life among CGM user groups (Current Users, Past Users, and Never Users). Current Users demonstrated significantly lower HbA1c than Never Users and significantly lower diabetes distress than Past Users. CGM use was not associated with family conflict or quality of life. CGM use was associated with lower HbA1c and diabetes distress but not with other psychosocial outcomes. Longitudinal data may explain why many adolescents do not experience improvements in quality of life with CGM use.