1017-P: Experience of Using Continuous Glucose Monitor among Chinese Americans with Type 2 Diabetes

Background & Objective: Growing evidence has shown continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has improved glycemic control. However, culturally-relevant facilitators and barriers to CGM use is unclear among Chinese Americans with type 2 diabetes (T2D), although they face high T2D prevalence with disparities in diabetes care. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using CGM for diabetes care among Chinese Americans with T2D. Methods: This is a one-group prospective study. Participants wore a CGM for 2 weeks and kept a diary recording food, medication, and physical activity. Individual interviews were conducted after 2-week use to discuss their experience. Two independent and trained research assistants applied ATLAS.ti software to thematically analyze the transcription of the interview data. Results: The Chinese Americans (N=11) aged 42-77 years with 3 females. Facilitators of using CGM included (1) CGM was comfortable and easy-to-use compared to finger sticks; (2) CGM made Chinese Americans with T2D mindful of meal choices (e.g., highlighting the need to reduce portion size even for commonly consumed foods related to Chinese culture, such as rice, noodles, and steam buns, debunking the misperceptions that one needs to only reduce sugar intake); and (3) CGM motivated them to change eating behaviors by informing their food portion size decisions. The most common barriers include the sensor falling off, getting trapped in clothes, followed by skin sensitivity. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that it is feasible for Chinese Americans with T2D to use CGM in their diabetes care. Using CGM to reduce routine food intake with high carbohydrates may be particularly beneficial for Chinese Americans, as CGM can help Chinese Americans to understand how their culturally-related diet impacts their glucose response. Future study needs to apply CGM in a larger sample for a longer duration to inform effective diabetes management, which may improve health equity and reduce diabetes care disparity.