Experience of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Use Among Diabetic Patients and Healthcare Providers in South Korea

Abstract Purpose: Despite the growing adoption of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for diabetes management, limited research exists on the perceived benefits and challenges of CGM from both patient and physician perspectives. This study aimed to explore experiences and opinions regarding CGM use among diabetic patients, physicians, and diabetes educators in Korea. Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted from January to December 2021 across four university hospitals in Korea. The survey targeted diabetic patients, physicians, and diabetes education nurses, collecting data on CGM usage, perceived benefits, and barriers to use. Results: A total of 1,010 diabetic patients completed the survey (mean age 51.4 years; 52.4% female; 337 with type 1 diabetes, 642 with type 2 diabetes). Among them, 92.7% reported that CGM use helped in managing their diabetes. Commonly cited advantages included glucose monitoring without finger pricks (56.6%), maintaining target glucose levels (40.1%), and better postprandial glucose stability (25.1%). Most patients (81.9%) continued using CGM, while 18.1% discontinued due to high cost (63.4%), maintenance burden of sensor attachment (31.1%), and physical discomfort (29.5%). Among physicians, 51.9% prescribed CGM to type 1 diabetes patients—60% preferred Libre 1. Only 14.5% of type 2 diabetes patients were prescribed CGM, with Libre 1 also being the most used (91%). Main reasons for CGM refusal were cost, discomfort, and body attachment issues. Conclusion: Most patients and healthcare providers viewed CGM as beneficial for glycemic control. Addressing cost and comfort-related concerns could improve CGM uptake and sustained use. Keywords: Continuous glucose monitoring; Blood glucose self-monitoring; Diabetes mellitus