Perceptions in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus with or Without the Use of Insulin Pump: An Online Study

Abstract

Background: Technological developments concerning the treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus have been rapid in the latest years. Insulin infusion systems along with continuous glucose monitoring, as well as long-acting insulin analogues, are part of this progress. Objective: The aim of this study is to present the illness perceptions in type 1 diabetes mellitus, with or without the use of an insulin pump. Sexual life and body image among therapy groups subjected to subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy and multiple daily injections (MDI) therapy were also examined. Methods: modified version of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire was used. One hundred and nine adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus, (males / females ratio 1:2.3) completed the online survey. Thirty six of them (33%) used CSII therapy and 73 of them (67%) used MDI therapy. Results: Statistically important differences among the CSII and MDI therapy groups were found in treatment control, illness comprehensibility, representations of control, representation of body image and in the perception of sex life. There was no statistically significant difference among the different types of therapy for participants’ negative perception of diabetes. Discussion and Conclusion: Negative perceptions of MDI users in treatment control, illness comprehensibility, representations of control, body image and sex life with the insulin pump, differentiate CSII and MDI therapy groups to a significant degree. According to the research, these parameters seem to interfere with accepting CSII therapy for MDI users and discourage them.