Module 0: Introduction
Overview of topics and procedure for the introductory Module 0
Topics
Slides
Duration
Time frame
0.1
Welcome and introduction
0.1-0.2
5
5
0.2
Short introduction round
-
5
10
0.3
What is CGM?
0.3-0.5
10
20
0.4
How does continuous glucose monitoring work?
0.6-0.13
15
35
0.5
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
0.14-0.22
15
50
0.6
What CGM systems are available?
0.23-0.25
10
60
0.7
What does continuous glucose monitoring cost? Is cost reimbursement available?
0.26
10
70
0.8
Your questions and your decision
0.27-0.28
15
85
0.9
Good-bye
0.29
5
90
Materials
Slides
Slides to Module 0 (0.1 - 0.29)
Other
Visual materials: Components of various CGM systems
Curriculum Module 0
0.1
Welcome and introduction
approx. 5 min.
Goals
The goal of this module is to convey information and knowledge on the therapeutic principle of real-time CGM (continuous glucose monitoring with the display of glucose values in real-time). Participants receive information on the advantages and disadvantages associated with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), the available measuring systems available and what options exist for cost reimbursement. The training course contents of this module should provide participants with a solid base for making a decision for or against using CGM. If patients decide for CGM, they are subsequently informed of the content and procedure of the SPECTRUM training course.
Module 0 is suitable for all people with diabetes and their family members who want to learn more about the CGM therapeutic principle, the different measuring systems and the advantages and disadvantages of CGM. This can be done in different settings, such as small or large groups or individual consultation. It would be best for all SPECTRUM participants to take part in this module as this is where the basis is established for making a solid personal decision after delving into the advantages and disadvantages of CGM.
Procedure
Welcome the participants and briefly introduce yourself (e.g. your name, profession, institution, experience with diabetes/CGM treatment, personal remarks).
Welcome!
Follow the introduction by explaining the content of Module 0.
Today's topics
- What is CGM?
- How does continuous glucose monitoring work?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages?
- What CGM systems are available?
- What does continuous glucose monitoring cost?
- Is cost reimbursement available?
- Your questions and your decision
Practical tip
If you have participants in the Module 0 information event who decide for CGM, you can use this moment to briefly explain how the SPECTRUM training course is set up. There are 6 course units in which participants receive hands-on training of CGM, practice it in daily life and also exchange amongst each other their experiences of CGM and living with diabetes.
0.2
Short introduction round
approx. 5 min.
Goals
Module 0 can be presented as part of an information event for a large group of people, for a small group of patients who are interested in CGM or as part of an ICT or insulin pump training. The next steps for this unit depend on the group size and the setting present for Module 0.
Procedure
Use some initial questions to ask the participants about any pressing questions they may have on CGM. If the introductory module is presented for a small group (up to 8 participants), you can ask participants to introduce themselves and briefly outline their previous diabetes treatment as well as the reason for their interest in CGM.
0.3
What is CGM?
approx. 10 min.
Goals
Participants receive basic information on CGM and learn about the differences between CGM and blood glucose self-monitoring.
Procedure
Work with participants to compare the advantages and disadvantages of conventional blood glucose self-monitoring and CGM. Use slides 0.3 and 0.4 to summarize them.
Blood glucose measurement
- Regular blood glucose measurements are the prerequisite for controlling diabetes therapy.
- Blood glucose meters determine the glucose content of the blood
- Advantages of blood glucose measurement
- Current, relatively exact blood glucose value
- Disadvantages of blood glucose measurement
- Only intermittent values available
- No information available on the current glucose trend
- Blood drop necessary
- Painful obtaining of blood
Explain the term "continuous glucose monitoring" and explain that CGM measures glucose concentrations in subcutaneous fatty tissue and not in blood.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
- CGM: continuous glucose monitoring. A sensor inserted in the subcutaneous fatty tissue, the "tissue glucose" is continuously measured
- Constant display of glucose values
- Displays the direction in which, and speed with which, the tissue glucose changes (trend arrow)
- Automatic warning of too high, too low or too rapidly changing glucose values
- Possibility of preventing hypoglycemias and glucose lapses
Explain that the relationship between conventional, intermittent blood glucose measurements and continuous glucose monitoring is like the relationship between photography and film. A blood glucose measurement is more like an individual photo in clear focus which cannot depict a trend. The trend can be depicted very exactly with continuous glucose monitoring but the individual photo is not in focus.
Make it clear that CGM does not completely replace blood glucose measurements but that both these measurement principles complement each other.
Comparison: blood glucose measurement and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
