Alarm fatigue and sleep deprivation common amongst carers of children with type 1 diabetes

New research shows that sleep deprivation and alarm fatigue are significant concerns for parents and caregivers of children with type 1 diabetes using a continuous glucose monitor.

More than 200 parents and carers completed an anonymous electronic survey to self-report data related to sleep quality and alarm fatigue.

The results show that almost 70 per cent of the caregivers surveyed stated their sleep quality was poor.

Approximately 20 per cent of the respondents also reported problems staying awake while driving, eating meals and engaging in social activities.

The report states: “There is a need for supporting parents and caregivers of children with type 1 diabetes.

“This research has shown that these caregivers experience a significant decrease in quality of sleep, suffer from the resulting disruptions in quality of life, and experience alarm fatigue from the use of CGM devices.”

It added: “These monitors are vital to the management of blood glucose levels in children, however the health and quality of life of the caregiver must be considered as well.”

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