Degree Name
Nursing Practice, DNP
Publication Date
2-1-2025
First Advisor
Mary Newkirk
Abstract
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) estimate glucose levels in the interstitial fluid, updated every few minutes. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, CGMs are used by patients with Type 1 diabetes. However, research demonstrates that patients with Type 2 diabetes can also benefit from their use. The primary function of CGMs is to enhance glucose management, provide emergency alerts, and reduce the need for frequent fingerstick evaluation, promoting better long-term health. CGM use has lowered hemoglobin A1C levels in the primary care setting. This is due to the correlation between frequent glucose monitoring and increased glycemic time-in-range, which is associated with improved A1C outcomes. This project aimed to enhance healthcare providers' ability to initiate and manage CGM use in adult patients with Type 2 diabetes in a primary care setting. Barriers to CGM prescribing in these settings include time constraints, cost, and inadequate provider education regarding CGM initiation and monitoring. The project began by identifying key barriers that hindered providers from prescribing CGMs to their patients. A pre-survey was conducted among primary care providers to assess knowledge gaps related to CGMs, such as cost, application, patient education, monitoring, and time limitations. Following this, providers were invited to participate in an educational session led by a CGM representative and myself. This session covered CGM applications, insurance coverage, and continuous monitoring in the primary care context. The project's overarching goal is to increase prescribing CGMs in primary care clinics, thereby improving patient health outcomes through enhanced provider education.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Tyson, Heather, "The impact of continuous glucose monitor education on primary care providers prescribing behavior" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 313.
https://arch.astate.edu/dnp-projects/313
