Awareness and perceptions of healthcare professionals on real-time continuous glucose monitoring among patients with type 2 diabetes in South Africa: Are we ready?

Abstract

Glycaemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is suboptimal and early control can reduce the risk associated with complications. Effective monitoring of glycaemic control is important and currently glycated haemoglobin (HBA1c) and whole blood capillary testing using glucometers are used to monitor glycaemic control. Both these methods have limitations in some cases. Real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rt-CGM) has been shown to be effective in enhancing management of patients with T2D. The objectives of the study were to determine the awareness and perceptions of healthcare professionals on the use of rt-CGM among patients with T2D. A cross-sectional descriptive survey using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among health care professionals (HCPs). The study took place in primary health care facilities and community health centres in Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa. The findings revealed that only 22% (n=45/205) of HCPs were aware of rt-CGM, and of those, 64% (n=29) never used it before. Although most HCPs were not aware of rt-CGM, about 86% had a positive perception of its use among patients with T2D. In conclusion, despite the low level of awareness of rt-CGM among HCPs, their positive perceptions and willingness to use rt-CGM (if made available), is encouraging. These results can serve as an impetus for future adoption of rtCGM in primary health care settings, among patients with T2D.