Older Adults Benefit From Virtual Support for Continuous Glucose Monitor Use But Require Longer Visits

Abstract

Background:

Older adults may be less comfortable with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology or require additional education to support use. The Virtual Diabetes Specialty Clinic study provided the opportunity to understand glycemic outcomes and support needed for older versus younger adults living with diabetes and using CGM.

Methods:

Prospective, virtual study of adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D, N = 160) or type 2 diabetes (T2D, N = 74) using basal-bolus insulin injections or insulin pump therapy. Remote CGM diabetes education (3 scheduled visits over 1 month) was provided by Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists with additional visits as needed. CGM-measured glycemic metrics, HbA1c and visit duration were evaluated by age (<40, 40-64 and ≥65 years).

Results:

Median CGM use was ≥95% in all age groups. From baseline to 6 months, time 70 to 180 mg/dL improved from 45% ± 22 to 57% ± 16%; 50 ± 25 to 65 ± 18%; and 60 ± 28 to 69% ± 18% in the <40, 40-64, and ≥65-year groups, respectively (<40 vs 40-64 years P = 0.006). Corresponding values for HbA1c were 8.0% ± 1.6 to 7.3% ± 1.0%; 7.9 ± 1.6 to 7.0 ± 1.0%; and 7.4 ± 1.4 to 7.1% ± 0.9% (all P > 0.05). Visit duration was 41 min longer for ages ≥65 versus <40 years (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

Adults with diabetes experience glycemic benefit after remote CGM use training, but training time for those >65 years is longer compared with younger adults. Addressing individual training-related needs, including needs that may vary by age, should be considered.