Lack of Awareness and Education About CGM Technology

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are great for managing diabetes, but many challenges slow their wider use. Let’s break down the key issues in a simple way:

High Cost and Insurance Limits

Many people find CGMs too expensive. In fact, 55% of users say cost is a major barrier, and 91% of clinicians point out that insurance restrictions keep patients from trying CGMs. Even those with insurance often face inconsistent coverage, making out-of-pocket costs a big problem.

Clinician Misunderstandings

Around 72% of doctors overestimate how unwilling patients are to wear a CGM. This misunderstanding makes some doctors hesitate to prescribe them, even though many patients are open to using the technology.

Physical and Psychological Discomfort

Patients sometimes report pain during sensor insertion, skin irritation, and discomfort during daily use. There’s also a mental side to it, seeing sugar levels spike can be unsettling. But remember, these spikes give useful feedback to help manage your diabetes better.

Knowledge Gaps

Too much information and unclear guidance on interpreting CGM data can confuse patients. At the same time, many doctors don’t have enough time or resources to offer detailed education.

What Needs to Change?

Structured education programs, like those from the Diabetes Research in Children Network (DirecNet), can help patients learn how to use CGMs effectively. Gurucose is working hard to educate diabetics about managing their condition. Plus, as technology improves, we expect CGM prices to drop, making them more accessible.

Gurucose is here to help you manage your sugar levels better. If you haven’t yet connected your CGM to our platform, download the Gurucose app from the App Store or Play Store today!