Barriers and facilitators to continuous glucose monitor use in type 1 diabetes: A biopsychosocial model of the adolescent experience

Our study aims to understand the barriers and facilitators surrounding continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) in adolescents experiencing diabetes distress from type 1 diabetes through a biopsychosocial lens. We qualitatively analyzed interviews of 21 adolescents and coded their emotional experiences. Findings show that biologically, adolescents noted improved mood with healthier glucose ranges and future health prospects. Psychologically, adolescents preferred a sense of control over when to use, and take a break from, their CGM. Socially, they described mixed feelings surrounding how CGM use impacts relationships with friends, with family, and at school. The biopsychosocial framework captures the complexity and interplay among these factors, highlighting the desire for identity exploration, sense of belonging, and good health as important themes in adolescent diabetes management with a CGM. Clinicians can play a crucial role by bringing a biopsychosocial understanding of the CGM experience into care conversations for adolescents and families to consider.