Experiences of Women With Diabetes Using Wearable Continuous Glucose Monitors During Pregnancy: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of women with diabetes using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) during pregnancy.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive design was used. Fourteen perinatal women participated in this study, and data were collected through in-depth interviews conducted between November 2024 and May 2025. Qualitative content analysis was performed using NVivo software.

Results

The participants were ages 31 to 42 years. One participant had pregestational diabetes, and the remaining 13 had gestational diabetes. Five participants received insulin therapy, and others were managed without insulin. Three key themes emerged: (a) navigating self-care for glucose management by integrating wearable CGM, (b) guidance of health care providers for glucose management and fetal well-being, and (c) expected improvements in affordability and usability. The participants appreciated the convenience and real-time feedback provided by CGM. They actively engaged in self-care by utilizing CGM data along with health care provider guidance to maintain target glucose levels. However, concerns regarding costs and utility were commonly expressed.

Conclusions

This study highlights that integrating CGM into self-care, with guidance from health care providers, can positively influence glucose management during pregnancy. Enhancing access to CGM through supportive health care policies may improve maternal outcomes and reduce health disparities, thus aligning with sustainable development goals.