The impact of diabetes technology advances on quality of life: addressing the barriers to uptake

Abstract

AbstractOne hundred years after insulin was first used to treat diabetes, technology is advancing rapidly, with insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring devices established in clinical care. Hybrid closed loop systems have been successfully piloted in the UK and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence is developing a guideline for access for people with type 1 diabetes.Initial studies of diabetes technology focused on glycaemic benefits, but many now include measures of quality of life/person reported outcome measures and diabetes‐specific and technology‐specific questionnaires have been validated. Focus groups and semi‐structured interviews can add insights to the personal experience.The quality of life evidence for technology is positive overall, but for some people the burdens of technology outweigh the benefits and create barriers to uptake. Health care professionals have a pivotal role in exploring individual barriers and priorities, managing expectations and providing education and support to help people achieve quality of life benefits as well as enhanced glycaemic control. They should take care to ensure equality of access for all by avoiding personal bias. Developers of the technology should involve stakeholders to ensure their needs are met. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons.