Parental experiences of continuous glucose monitoring in Danish children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Purpose: To explore parents ‘experience of having a child aged 4–9 years with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) using continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Design and methods: The study was a qualitative study. Twelve families were recruited for individual or dyadic interviews through purposeful and convenience sampling procedures. Results: Thematic analysis generated three main themes: 1) Living in the context of the unpredictability of diabetes 2) Establishing a sense of control and security with the CGM 3) Learning to use and trust the CGM and educating other caregivers. Conclusions: Living in the context of the unpredictability of T1DM causes a loss of stability and control as T1DM pervades family life and transforms everyday routines. CGM use seems to increase opportunities for other family activities, as it provides parents with a sense of control and moderates the pervasiveness of T1DM. Yet the parents have to learn how to trust and use the CGM and take on the burdensome task of training and trusting other caregivers. Practice implications: The CGM is used as an integral part of T1DM care in everyday life. Therefore, it should be accessible to families. Health-care professionals should be aware of how to assist parents with how to use and trust the CGM. Furthermore, parents may need help and support in educating other caregivers on how to use the CGM. This could be done through teaching sessions, written materials and recorded demonstrations of CGM use.