Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to assess adults’ perspectives after using the insulin-only Bionic Pancreas (BP) during a 13-week pivotal trial. Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems show promise in improving glycemic outcomes and reducing disease burden for those with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Understanding the lived experience of those using the BP can help to inform education and uptake of AID devices. Methods: Adults ages 19 to 75 (n = 40) participated in age-specific focus groups (19-25, 26-40, 41-64, and 65+) exploring their experiences, thoughts, and feelings about using the BP. Three authors analyzed the focus group data using a hybrid thematic approach. Results: Qualitative analysis of focus groups revealed 14 sub-themes falling into four major themes (diabetes burden, managing glucose levels, daily routine, and user experience). Although participants’ overall experience was positive, some reported struggles related to managing out-of-range glucose levels and challenges with the system responding to unique meal schedules and exercise regimens. Conclusion: This study captures patient perspectives regarding their experiences with a new AID system. Patient voice can inform device development and educational approaches for people with T1D. Identifying which patients may benefit the most from wearing this system may facilitate patient/clinician discussions regarding insulin delivery systems that best meet their individualized needs and expectations that may support device uptake and continued use.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 11-17 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 2025 |
Funding
The authors thank all of the families who participated in the study. The authors also thank all of the research team members. Fast-acting insulin aspart and insulin aspart were provided by Novo Nordisk and insulin lispro was provided by Eli Lilly. Blood glucose meters and test strips were provided by Ascensia Diabetes Care. Continuous glucose monitor sensors and transmitters were purchased from Dexcom, Inc, at a discounted price. J.W.-B. is the guarantor of this work and, as such, had full access to all the data in the study and takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis. The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This study was funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (grant no. 1UC4DK108612-01), by an Investigator-Initiated Study award from Novo Nordisk, and by Beta Bionics, Inc, which also provided the bionic pancreas devices used in the study. The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This study was funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (grant no. 1UC4DK108612-01), by an Investigator-Initiated Study award from Novo Nordisk, and by Beta Bionics, Inc, which also provided the bionic pancreas devices used in the study.
Keywords
- AID system
- behavioral research
- focus groups
- patient-oriented research
- psychosocial aspects
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Internal Medicine
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
- Bioengineering
- Biomedical Engineering
