Background: In continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) the accurate positioning of the sensor in the subcutaneous tissue is a prerequisite for adequate sensor performance. In this study a novel insertion device was investigated with regard to success and reliability of sensor insertion, ease-of-use of the device and discomfort associated with the insertion procedure.

Methods: 50 people with diabetes inserted themselves two sensors, one at the abdomen and a second at the hip/buttock. To determine the insertion length, a sensor with a special scaling was used. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and subjects had signed written informed consent.

Results: The sensors were inserted successfully with an insertion length ≥8 mm leading to a success rate of sensor insertion of 100%. Pain upon sensor insertion was reported to be low (77.5%) or moderate (18.3%). In comparison to any of the compared measures in diabetes treatment, the discomfort associated with insertion was reported to be equal or less than finger pricking (79.6%), insulin injection (77.6%) and applying other CGM systems (83.3%). Regarding the handling of the insertion device, 80% of the subjects assessed it very easy to use, and 98% rated the operating steps easy to understand.

Conclusion: The novel CGM sensor insertion device can provide people with diabetes a reliable and easy to perform procedure for safe and successful sensor insertion with a minimum of discomfort, also when compared to other CGM devices and in comparison to other measures in diabetes treatment like insulin administration or finger pricking.