Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Diabetes Distress in Insulin-Dependent Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review [poster]

Diabetes distress is a significant emotional burden for adults who rely on insulin therapy to manage type 2 diabetes, affecting treatment adherence, self-care behaviors, and clinical outcomes. Continuous glucose monitoring has been widely recognized for improving clinical measures such as hemoglobin A1c, yet less is known about its impact on emotional well-being in this population. This systematic review examined whether continuous glucose monitoring reduces diabetes distress compared to traditional finger-stick self-monitoring. A comprehensive search of three electronic databases identified relevant studies published from 2020 to 2025. After applying eligibility criteria and quality appraisal tools, seven primary research studies were included. Study designs consisted of randomized controlled trial, quasi-experimental, qualitative, and cross-sectional methods. Data were extracted using a standardized evidence table and synthesized to identify common themes and outcomes. The findings consistently demonstrated that continuous glucose monitoring use was associated with reduced diabetes distress, increased confidence in self-management, improved quality of life, and enhanced patient engagement. Participants reported feeling more informed, supported, and capable of managing their glucose levels with real-time feedback. These positive emotional and behavioral outcomes extended beyond glucose control, highlighting the value of continuous glucose monitoring as both a clinical and psychosocial intervention. The results support the integration of continuous glucose monitoring into routine diabetes care for adults who use insulin. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is recommended to strengthen understanding of its long-term emotional effects and guide implementation in real-world practice settings.

Author dc:creator

• Carrow, Christopher

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Cropley, Stacey

• continuous glucose monitoring
• diabetes distress
• type 2 diabetes
• insulin therapy
• self-management

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10877/23385

OAI record oai:identifier

https://digital.library.txst.edu/server/oai/request?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=dim&identifier=oai%3Adigital.library.txst.edu%3A10877%2F23385