The Impact of Flash Glucose Monitoring on Adults with Type 1 Diabetes with Respect to Their Eating Behaviour and Their Relationship with Food

Abstract

The FreeStyle Libre (FSL) Flash Glucose Monitor is a device worn by individuals with diabetes to measure their blood glucose levels, designed largely to replace finger-prick testing. Research on the FSL has primarily focused on the utility of the device in aiding self-management of diabetes, rather than its psychological impact. As diet is a key component of diabetes self-management, focusing on an individual’s relationship with food whilst using the FSL is important. This sequential mixed methods study explored adults with type 1 diabetes’ experiences of the FSL in relation to its impact on their eating behaviour and relationship with food. Fifteen FSL users participated in semi-structured interviews. Four main themes were constructed from Reflexive Thematic Analysis: Personal Food Story, New Opportunities, Body as a Machine and Re-evaluating Diabetes. A quantitative analysis of Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) questionnaire data was conducted, followed by reflections on the questionnaire items in light of the constructed themes, highlighting the ways in which standardised measures of diabetes-related distress do and do not capture patients’ relationship with food in the context of FSL use. The findings are discussed with reference to previous theory and research, highlighting the implications for future research and clinical practice.