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Exploring the Role of Healthcare Providers in CGM Coaching, Education
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) coaching and education are crucial as they empower patients to make informed decisions.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has emerged as an essential tool in diabetes management, revolutionizing how healthcare professionals and patients approach the disease.
On an episode of Healthcare Strategies, Tina Platania, PharmD, Director of Clinical Services at CCS and a certified diabetes care and education specialist, provided valuable insights into the role of healthcare providers in CGM coaching and education.
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What Is a Continuous Glucose Monitor?
“Continuous glucose monitors are small medical devices that continuously measure glucose levels in the body through a small sensor that sits on either the arm or abdomen,” explained Platania. CGMs provide a comprehensive 360-degree view of glucose levels throughout the day by monitoring glucose in the interstitial fluid.
The data is wirelessly transmitted to a smart device, enabling immediate feedback for providers and patients. Platania emphasized that CGMs have revolutionized diabetes management, providing patients with a wealth of information to make informed decisions about their health.
"Having that data at their fingertips to help them make informed decisions is one of the best features," added Platania. “CGMs have revolutionized diabetes management. It's the next best thing to insulin.”
In the United States, CGM systems approved by the FDA are currently offered by four companies: Abbott with Freestyle Libre 2 and 3, Dexcom with G6 and G7, Medtronic with Guardian Connect and Guardian Sensor 3, and Senseonics with their implantable Eversense.
Personalizing Diabetes Care
Traditional diabetes management often relied on intermittent office visits and lab work. However, with the advent of CGMs, healthcare providers can remotely access comprehensive data and gain a deeper understanding of their patients' glucose patterns.
Tina stresses that CGMs enable personalized care by allowing providers to analyze daily trends and patterns. This information empowers providers to create tailored treatment plans for patients' daily lives.
"By leveraging CGM data, healthcare providers can collaborate more effectively with patients, working together to optimize glucose control and overall health,” Platania highlighted.
Platania shared real-world examples of how CGM coaching and education have helped patients make more informed decisions about their diabetes management. For instance, patients can observe trend arrows on their CGM devices, indicating how their glucose levels are changing.
"CGMs tailor care to the individual, helping patients fine-tune their diabetes management based on their specific needs,” continued Platania. “The immediate feedback provided by CGMs helps patients and healthcare providers identify patterns and make adjustments to medication, diet, and lifestyle choices — it's a great benefit.”
Challenges and Misconceptions
While CGMs offer numerous advantages, healthcare providers and payers face challenges integrating these devices into practice. Platania shared some common hurdles, including the need for staff training to interpret CGM reports and the time required for providers to review patient data.
To address these challenges, Platania and her team of educators alleviate the burden on providers by spending dedicated time with patients to help them understand their CGM data.
Another challenge lies in navigating insurance coverage for CGMs. Providers often grapple with insurance companies and submitting prior authorizations, which can be time-consuming and complex. Patients may also face concerns regarding the cost of CGM devices and the overwhelming nature of the technology, particularly for those without smartphones or computers.
While challenges such as staff training and insurance coverage exist, addressing these issues will further enhance the accessibility and adoption of CGMs, benefiting individuals with diabetes and the healthcare system. By effectively integrating CGMs into practice, healthcare providers can move beyond traditional glucose monitoring methods and embrace a more comprehensive and personalized approach to care.
“CGM coaching and education empower patients to take an active role in their diabetes care, leading to increased engagement and better self-management,” concluded Platania.
