Making Sense of sensors
While Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems can be an excellent tool to support diabetes management, figuring out how to use them efficiently can also be a steep learning curve.
Making Sense is a new online program for adults living with type 1 diabetes who want to get the most out of their CGM.
The program was developed in response to the Empowering Us: Design and Use of Technology for Type 1 Diabetes survey, conducted by Diabetes Victoria and St Vincent’s Diabetes Technology Research Group in 2021.
Over 4000 people living with type 1 diabetes completed the survey, answering questions related to the use of technology including CGM and insulin pumps.
The survey helped identify priority issues for this community, including opportunities to learn how to get the most out of CGM and how technology can improve mental and emotional health.
The Making Sense program was developed with funding from the Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations (ACADI) and the program content reflects the survey findings.
To establish the program, the developers worked closely with members of the type 1 community to ensure the content met their needs. In 2023 Making Sense was piloted at Diabetes Victoria.
Making Sense is facilitated by a diabetes nurse educator and a person living with type 1 diabetes. Participants complete lessons online over two weeks, and then meet as a group online to share their experiences with using technology and reinforce what they are learning.
Topics covered in Making Sense include:
- Advantages and challenges of using glucose sensing devices.
- Understanding the components of a glucose sensing device.
- Understanding how to wear the technology.
- Recognising factors that impact glucose levels.
- Setting targets and customising device settings.
- Reading and understanding glucose sensing device data.
The results from the pilot are still being analysed but participant feedback has been very positive. Participants have reported that having a person with type 1 diabetes facilitate the program helped them relate more to the content. Given the success of the pilot, Diabetes Victoria hopes to deliver more Making Sense programs soon.
You can register your interest in participating in Making Sense by contacting Diabetes Victoria on 1300 437 386.
