Combining Flash Glucose Monitoring and Online Peer Support to Improve Outcomes in Hispanics With Type 2 Diabetes

Currently, Hispanic Spanish-speaking individuals are not receiving culturally appropriate diabetes care. Lack of knowledge impacts several areas of type 2 diabetes (T2D) management, including healthy eating and being physically active in Hispanic Spanish-speaking individuals. Use of diabetes technology is on the rise, however, many technologies do not provide Spanish-language options. A flash glucose monitoring (FGM) system is now available in both English and Spanish. Research suggests that use of FGM results in improved clinical outcomes. Furthermore, increased number of FGM scans are associated with improved clinical outcomes such as decreased A1C and improvements in BG time in range. Our preliminary work indicates that Hispanics (1) are willing to use diabetes technology, such as FGM, if it supports Spanish language and (2) in English-speaking populations, but not specific to the Hispanic Spanish-speaking population, FGM supports biobehavioral change. Further, our work, and the work of others, indicate Hispanic individuals desire for peer interactions to relate and understand the variables that impact T2D. Interaction with online peer support communities is associated with increased knowledge, receipt of emotional support, and improved glycemic levels. These results suggest that education and support to increase use and understanding of FGM will lead to improved clinical and behavioral outcomes.