What does this research mean for the field?

Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) breaks are common, often forced by external factors, and negatively impact glucose monitoring, emotions, and daily life among emerging adults with type 1 diabetes. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.ESTABLISHES_NEW_DIRECTION.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This research examines the prevalence and effects of CGM breaks among emerging adults with type 1 diabetes.

June 8, 2026

1159-OR: Understanding CGM Breaks in Emerging Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: Prevalence, Drivers, and Impacts

Key Points

This research examines the prevalence and effects of CGM breaks among emerging adults with type 1 diabetes.
EAs aged 18-24 with T1D and their support persons participated in an RCT in California and Utah.
Twenty dyads completed separate interviews exploring CGM data sharing relationships.
Thematic analysis identified themes about the reasons and impacts of CGM breaks.
60% of EAs experienced CGM breaks lasting over 24 hours in the past 3 months.
Breaks were primarily driven by technology issues and burnout; only 14% were chosen.
CGM breaks led to increased anxiety and disrupted diabetes management, affecting daily life.

Abstract

Introduction and Objective: Emerging adults (EAs) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) face elevated A1c levels and diabetes distress. Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) improve outcomes, but little is known about CGM breaks - particularly during this developmental period. Using mixed methods, we investigated the prevalence, drivers, behaviors during, and impacts of CGM breaks through surveys and interviews with EAs and their support persons (SPs; friend/family member). Methods: EAs (age 18-24) with T1D and their SPs in California and Utah enrolled in an RCT of a self-management support intervention. We invited 20 dyads to complete interviews, separately (8/2024-9/2025). Interviews asked about CGM data sharing relationships, including risks, benefits, and ground rules. We conducted thematic analysis followed by comparative analyses to assess prevalence of themes by SP relationship type (parent or peer). Results: EA CGM users mean age was 21.0±2.2 years; 56% were female, 56% non-Hispanic white, 27% Hispanic, and 28% underinsured. Interviewed SPs were 50% male; 50% parents, 45% partners, 5% friends. In survey data, 60% of EAs reported breaks 24 hours in the past 3 months (35% lasting 1-3 days; 47% 4-6 days; 18% ≥1 week); 64% reported glucose checks ≤2x daily during breaks. Only 14% reported their breaks were chosen. Interviews suggest breaks were driven by multiple factors. Each factor was categorized as forced (technology issues, pharmacy supply, insurance problems), chosen (burnout, frustration), or mixed (skin issues, application). EAs reported breaks negatively impacted their emotions (anxiety, frustration), diabetes management (high/low glucose, forgetting checks), and daily life (sleep, physical activity). SPs were purposely more engaged during breaks. Conclusion: CGM breaks are common and often forced among EAs with T1D. Breaks disrupt glucose monitoring, emotions, and daily life. Support is needed to reduce, prepare for, and manage T1D during breaks in this critical developmental stage. Findings add to the extremely limited knowledge on CGM breaks. Disclosure L.S. Mayberry: None. E.T. Negussie: None. S.A. Boyd: None. E. Bergner: None. M. Roddy: None. E. Ellis: None. J. Raymond: None. C.A. Berg: None. D. Wiebe: None. Funding Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust (R-2203-05822)

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