Photosurveillance of Non-FDA Approved Activity: Instagram and Diabetes

Individuals with diabetes are using social media to share information about their health. Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitor (RT-CGM) users post about their experiences, including non-FDA approved activity. The purpose of this research is to assess the use of photosurveillance as a research method to examine real-world trends in diabetes and analyze non-FDA approved activity as it relates to RT-CGM use. Conclusion: Photosurveillance can be used to examine real- world trends in diabetes. In this study, individuals used RT-CGM in non-FDA approved locations with greater frequency than the abdomen. Sensor failure was equal between non-FDA and FDA sites. The risk for scar tissue and the need to rotate insulin injection/pump sites increase the patient's need for multiple areas to place RT-CGM with interstitial fluid, not just the abdomen. The viral nature of social media will likely expose individuals of all age groups to non-FDA approved activity related to RT-CGM use.