Continuous glucose monitoring for black older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Challenges, innovations and implications: A discursive review

J Adv Nurs. 2024 Sep;80(9):3616-3624. doi: 10.1111/jan.16277. Epub 2024 Jun 24.

Abstract

Aim: To conduct a discursive review on continuous glucose monitoring use among Black older adults and to address the issue of racial disparities in diabetes management and outcomes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a global health concern with significant complications and mortality rates. Black older adults are disproportionately affected. Initially designed for type 1 diabetes, continuous glucose monitoring has emerged as an innovative tool for type 2 diabetes mellitus management. Despite its potential, there are challenges related to adherence and digital literacy among Black older adults for managing Diabetes.

Design: A discursive review.

Methods: Searching literature in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for papers published from 2017 to 2023, we explored the use of continuous glucose monitoring in Black older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, examining barriers, facilitators and challenges.

Discussion: We highlight recommendations from the literature which included barriers, facilitators, and cultural factors associated with continuous glucose monitoring use. Findings underscore the importance of addressing these challenges to reduce racial-ethnic disparities in type 2 diabetes mellitus management among Black older adults. Nurses and advanced practice registered nurses are at the forefront and can play a pivotal role in exploring and implementing interventions to promote access and proper use of continuous glucose monitoring among Black older adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Keywords: advanced practice registered nurse; continuous glucose monitoring; health disparities; nurses; older adults; type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Black or African American* / statistics & numerical data
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Continuous Glucose Monitoring*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / ethnology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Blood Glucose